January 2019 Wrap Up

Oh January, what a month. I will miss you. I have seen a lot of memes and other tweets about how January went on forever and was horrible, but for me, the month flew by and I really enjoyed it. Here’s some of the reasons why:

Non-bookish things from January: 

School and other IRL Things: 

My college has short term throughout the month of January, meaning that I only had one class that only ran two hours a day, four days a week (this is the main reason January flew by). The class I chose to take was called “Digital Dining and Viral Media” and in it I learned all about food blogs (and had to start my own, if you want to read my weird ramblings about food, you can do so here). It was a really fun class that also really made me think, I really enjoyed it.

Nothing really happened in January other than school, but I did make my (half of) my dorm room look pretty. To quote my good friend, Katelyn, “Its like Shadowhunters, but subtle.”

TV and Movies: 

This section is most likely not going to be featured in many wrap ups because I don’t really watch TV and when I do its just the same handful of Gilmore Girl episodes over and over again. This month, however, I had a lot of time on my hands.

TV: Derry Girls

I watched the entire season in a day. That sounds a lot less impressive when you find out there are only six 22ish minutes long episodes, but I’m proud of myself nonetheless. I am very bad at binge watching, but this show was so entertaining and funny that I couldn’t help it. If you’re into comedy and don’t mind strong language, I’d highly recommend this show. James is my fave. Also, Erin, but I might be slightly biased.

Movie: Chef (2014)

I watched this movie for class, and then wrote a full review (also for class), which you can find here if you’re interested. This movie was funny and heart warming, and once again, if you don’t mind strong language, I’d recommend it.

Music: 

Human by Dodie

Dodie released her new EP this month and I freaked out accordingly. I’ve been listening to this basically non stop. Every song is beautiful.

• Arms Unfolded? Love her.
• Monster? A bop that has a great music video.
• Not What I Meant? I think about the lyrics a lot. I mean, read them. Listen to the song. I’m begging you.
  • And in the end will I feel proud
    That I grit my teeth, and followed the damn crowd
    Will I have grown a little empire
    Or made a fucking mess
• Human? Can’t believe we got a studio version.
• She? I can’t get over this song for a lot of reasons, I’ll just leave it at: I love it.
• If I’m Being Honest? Once again, the lyrics man, the lyrics.
  • Hope has a cost, keeping all fingers crossed and held tight
    But I look idiotic with my limbs all knotted, it don’t feel right
• Burned Out? I may have literally cried when I saw that a studio version of this song was released. This song means a lot to me, it has helped me get through some rough times and I love that I can stream it instead of rewatching the youtube video.

Finally, to the books:

I read 22 books in January.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

• ☆☆☆☆☆
• Read from 1/2-1/2
• Format: Hardback; from library.
• This book was so so powerful. I enjoyed it from the start to the finish.

Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer

• ☆☆☆☆
• Read from 1/2-1/2
• Format: ebook/paperback; both owned.
• I really enjoyed this book, it has made me realize that I should try and read mysteries more often. Full review can be found here.

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer

• ☆☆☆☆☆
• Read from 1/2-1/2
• Format: hardback; owned.
• I loved this book so so much. My exact words upon finishing it were “Kemmerer has done it again.” Review to come when I inevitably reread it (probably in a few months, lets be realistic).

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

• ☆☆☆☆
• Read from 1/1-1/3
• Format: audiobook; from library.
• I have enjoyed this book, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite of the series. Post to come about me reading this trilogy if I ever find the energy to finish and edit it. The ending really surprised me, I’ll tell you that.

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

• ☆☆☆
• Read from 1/3-1/5
• Format: audiobook; from library.
• Yikes. That’s really all I have to say. Yikes.

Four by Veronica Roth

• ☆☆☆☆
• Read from 1/5-1/5
• Format: audiobook; from library.
• Tobias/Four is without a doubt my favorite character from the series. This book just solidified that.

Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

• ☆☆☆☆☆
• Reread from 1/4-1/9
• Format: audiobook, following along and reading snippets from paperback; both owned.
• Buddy read with Luupi! Wow, I love Annabeth Chase. She’s great. What a queen. Percy Jackson? I’d die for him.

More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer

• ☆☆☆☆☆
• Read from 1/2-1/10
• Format: hardback; owned
• I! Love! Brigid! Kemmerer’s! Books! Once again, review to come when I inevitably reread it.

Dear Earthling: Cosmic Correspondent by Pen Avery 

• ☆☆☆☆
• Read from 1/9-1/10
• Format: ebook via Netgalley
• This was super cute! You can find my mini review on goodreads here.

Just For Clicks by Kara McDowell

• ☆☆☆.5
• Read from 1/10-1/15
• Fromat: eARC via Netgalley
• I really enjoyed this book! Full review to come closer to release date.

Sincerly, Harriet by Sarah Winfred Searle

• ☆☆☆
• Read from 1/16-1/16
• Format: ebook via Netgalley
•  I thought that I would like this graphic novel a lot more than I did, but I found myself being confused the whole time due to lack of exposition. I still enjoyed it, but I found myself questioning what was going on almost the whole time.

The Truth About Leaving by Natalie Britt

• ☆☆☆
• Read from 1/15-1/20
• Format: eARC via Netgalley
• This book and I have a very complicated relationship which you can find out more about in my review that will be posted closer to release day.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

• ☆☆☆☆☆
• Read from 1/9-1/21
• Format: audiobook, occasionally following along or reading snippets in hardcover; owned audio, book from library.
• *knocks on door* Would you like to hear about my undying love Wylan Van Eck? No, how about Inej Ghafa?

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo 

• ☆☆☆☆☆
• Read from 1/21-1/24
• Format: audiobook, occasionally following along or reading snippets in hardcover; owned audio, book from library.
• *knocks on door again* How would you feel about talking about Jesper Fahey? Or Nina Zenik?

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

• ☆☆☆☆
• Read from 1/20-1/25
• Format: ebook; owned.
• Buddy read with Brittany! I loved this book a lot, my full review can be found here.

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

• ☆☆☆☆
• Read from 1/25-1/25
• Format: audiobook; from library.
• Really enjoyable beginning to what I know is going to be a great series!

The Raven Boys by Maggie Steifvater

• ☆☆☆☆
• Reread from 1/26-1/26
• Format: ebook; owned.
• This just in, I still love Adam Parrish.

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Steifvater

• ☆☆☆☆☆
• Reread from 1/26-1/26
• Format: ebook, using audiobook as aid on occasion; owned ebook, audio from Scribd.
• I love Ronan Lych!!

Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Steifvater 

• ☆☆☆☆
• Reread from 1/27-1/27
• Format: ebook, using audiobook as aid on occasion; owned ebook, audio from Scribd.
• Not to be dramatic, but like, I’d die for Blue Sargent.

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

• ☆☆☆☆☆
• Reread from 1/27-1/27
• Format: ebook, using audiobook as aid on occasion; owned ebook, audio from Scribd.
• Richard Campbell Gansey III is a king. The king of my heart.

The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler

• ☆☆☆☆
• Read from 1/30-1/30
• Format: ebook; from library.
• Am I reading an entire middle grade series about mermaids? Of course.

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

• ☆☆☆☆☆
• Read from 1/29-1/31
• Format: audiobook; owned.
• *cue endless high pitched shrieking from the void*

Finally, we have reached the end. Those are the 22 books I read this month. Here’s some fun stats:

• Pages read: 8,558
• Average rating: 4.25
• Format breakdown:
  • 8 audiobooks
  • 14 physical

Welp, that’s (finally) about it from me for the day. How was your January? Did you happen to read any of these books? How many books did you read? 

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Songs I Associate with Books

Hello, friends. Today I am bringing you a pretty self-indulgent post because I really just want to talk about my favorite books and all of the songs that I am constantly listening too. I have nothing else to say, so I’m going to start by naming the book (or series) and name some of the songs that remind me of it. If anyone actually finds this interesting and wants more, I can definitely deliver. I am really good at deciding that random songs were written with books in mind (even though they definitely weren’t).

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Young And Menace by Fall Out Boy

“We’ve gone way too fast for way too long
And we were never supposed to make it half this far”

Okay, this song has reminded me of Six of Crows since before I even read the book (is that possible? I guess so). Now that I’ve actually read the book, I cannot help but be blown away at how well it fits. Also, I kind of associate every song on this album with some book character or another, but that is a story for another day.

The Selection by Kiera Cass 

Perfect by Ed Sheeran

“Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I’ll share her home”

This is definitely a song that Maxon would play for America. And by play, I mean have someone else play for him because I am not under any illusion that Maxon Schreave has even an ounce of musical talent in him.

Absolutely Smitten by Dodie

“Handsome stranger you have made her happy,
The first in a long time!”

It may just be because I went through a real kick where I would only listen to Dodie when I reread this series the last time, but basically every song by her reminds me of the type of music America would play. This song in particular seems like something America would play about her and Maxon.

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Steivfater 

Youth by Daughter

“One day we’ll reveal the truth
That one will die before he gets there
And if you’re still bleeding, you’re the lucky ones
‘Cause most of our feelings, they are dead and they are gone”

I could write an essay on this song and these books, but I don’t want to because that sounds like a lot of work. Please just settle for listening to the song and somehow knowing all of my explanations through some sort of across internet telepathy.

Spooky Guy by Danny Gonzalez

“I’m a spooky guy
I will never stop spookin’ ’till the day I die”

This is where everyone unfollows me and doesn’t think twice about it. This song connection started in the hot mess that was My Spotify Top 100 and Books and I haven’t been able to sever the connection since. But, as I said then, this song reminds me of the Squash One, Squash Two song Ronan is supposedly always listening to. Also, Noah.

I Lived by OneRepublic

“I owned every second that this world could give
I saw so many places, the things that I did”

This song reminds me of Gansey, it also makes me want to cry and those two things are very related.

The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

Summer in London by All Faces

“Summer in London wasn’t meant to last
Even though we thought somehow that we’d go far”

Okay, lets play the “is Arin just associating this song with this book because it has London in the name and this book takes place in London or because she discovered it while reading this book or are there actual valid reasons” game. If anyone wins and figures out the answer, let me know.

Nancy Mulligan by Ed Sheeran

“I’m gonna marry the woman I love
Down by the Wexford border”

I don’t care what anyone says, this song should be Will and Tessa’s theme song.

Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran

“You know she beat me at darts and then she beat me at pool
And then she kissed me like there was nobody else in the room”

This song has always reminded me of Cecily Herondale. I don’t know why, she isn’t from Ireland or anything, but it always has and at this point it always will. Also I started listening to this album during my last TID reread, can you tell?

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

The Last Of The Real Ones by Fall Out Boy

“I’m here in search of your glory
There’s been a million before me”

Okay, so there is never been a time that I have heard this song and not associated it with TMI. It screams TMI, to be frank. I mean, the opening line of the chorus is “‘Cause you’re the last of a dying breed” and like, shadowhunters are a dying breed. I rest my case.

Champion by Fall Out Boy

“I’m a champion of the people who don’t believe in champions
I got nothing but dreams inside, I got nothing but dreams”

Remember when I said I associated this whole album with one character or another? Yeah, here we are again. This reminds me of shadowhunters due to the whole mundanes not knowing they’re being protected by these half-angel creatures. You know, the usual.

Brother by Kodaline

“Though we don’t share the same blood
You’re my brother and I love you that’s the truth”

This song screams Jace and Alec. Also Jem and Will. Also basically every parabatai pair ever.

The Dark Artificies by Cassandra Clare 

Kill v Maim by Grimes

“You gave up being good when you declared a state of war
I don’t behave, I don’t behave, oh eh”

The “I don’t behave” refrain in this song is essentially the “lex malla, lex nulla” refrain from this series.

Burn the House Down by AJR

“Should I keep it light?
Stay out of the fight?
No one’s gonna listen to me”

This whole song is very reminiscent of that one scene in Lord of Shadows. You know what scene I mean, it definitely involves burning something to the ground.

 

Okay, so that is all I have on this topic for today. I definitely have many, many more things on this topic because I only touched half of my book related playlist while making this. Is this something you guys would be interested in seeing more of? I would definitely be up for doing more of these.

Are there any songs you guys associate with books or characters? If so, what are they? I’d love to check them out and add songs to my already huge list.

 

Ten 2019 Releases I Need Now

Hi, friends! 2019 is going to bring us a lot of new, amazing books! I can’t wait, there are so many books that I need in my possession right now, but apparently I have to wait until their release dates? Disappointing. Anyways, lets move right along to the books I need right now.

10. Call It What You Want by Brigid Kemmerer 

Release Date: June 25th 

In case you didn’t know, I love Brigid Kemmerer! And right now, I love all things contemporary! This is a contemporary written by Brigid Kemmerer! I feel like that says it all!

9. Ghosts of the Shadow Market by Cassandra Clare

Release Date: June 4th 

Okay, so like, I am well aware that I have already read the majority of this book (like 80% of it) multiple times, but a certain someone’s name is going to be revealed in the last two short stories and I! need! to! know!

8. Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 

Release Date: May 14th

Okay, so maybe its just that I spent the majority of my winter break watching Hallmark Christmas movies (and then winter movies, who knew they made non holiday related ones?) with my mom, but I am suddenly a sucker for any and all royal love stories, please send me all your recommendations so I can stop rewatching The Princess Diaries and The Princess Switch on Netflix. Plus, a female president? Sign me up.

7. The Tyrant’s Tomb by Rick Riordan

Release Date: September 24th

So I still haven’t read the third book in this series, but I swear I will before September when this one comes out. I will not be spoiled if another huge character that I was just starting to love gets killed. Not again. I’m done with that.

6. Again, But Better by Christine Riccio 

Release Date: May 7th 

I have been watching Christine’s videos since middle school, she is the one who introduced me to the online book community. I had no idea that any of this existed before I discovered her channel one day, so the fact that I will get to read a book written by her is mind blowing and I am very excited. Plus, its set in college. I need more books set in college! Though, I go to a women’s college so reading about colleges where men go is weird, but I’ll adjust. I always do, and by always, I mean that one time I read a book set in college.

5. Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell 

Release Date: ???? 

This doesn’t even have a blurb yet, but that doesn’t matter. I am so excited. I have nothing else to say other than I am excited. I am also worried because of the flames bit. I don’t like flames, not when they are near my babies.

4. You Asked For Perfect by Laura Silverman

Release Date: not soon enough  March 5th

I feel like I have been screaming about this book since I heard about it sometime last year, but I also feel like I have only been screaming about it to my real life friends who don’t really care and not on here, so that has been a big mistake on my part. I honestly can’t describe how much this book speaks to me even before its released. I wish it had came out last year when I was still in high school, but I will take it whenever. Academic pressure is something that I really struggled with in high school, I was in the top ten of my high school and started taking AP classes online because my school didn’t offer enough. It wasn’t good for my mental health, but my counselor had me convinced it was good for college. I am really, really looking forward to a novel that actually discusses academic pressure. Also, Laura Silverman is a total sweetheart. Please follow her on twitter.

3. Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare

Release Date: November 19th 

First off, Brianna and I deserve this. Second off, AHHHHH. Third off, I really have nothing intelligible to say but AHHHH. Fourth off, not to be dramatic, but like, I’m already willing to die for the mysterious Fairchild daughters and we don’t even know their names yet. Loving and defending the Fairchild women is my hill and I will die on it.

2. A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer 

Release Date: January 29th (!!!!!)

Have I went over the fact that I love Brigid Kemmerer yet in this post? Oh, I have? Well, here we go again, I love Brigid Kemmerer. I will read any and all books she publishes.

1. The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare

Release Date: April 2nd

Two words: Haline content. More words: this was originally supposed to come out when I was on spring break but now its not and I’m bitter.

 

Well, that’s about it from me for today. What books are you excited for this year? Are you excited for any of these? Could you care less about any of them? Let’s chat in the comments!

 

My Spotify Top 100 Songs of 2018 and Books!

Hey guys, Arin here! Today’s midnight genius idea was to take my Top 100 songs of 2018 and match the first 15 songs played on shuffle with random books. I am already wondering if this was a horrible idea, which means this is probably is, but oh well. Update from the Arin who has already written this post: this was the worst idea I’ve ever had. Here’s some of the messages I sent to Brianna while writing this, in no particular order:

“Please end me”

“I have no one to blame but myself but still, yikes”

“This post is quickly turning into how can Arin embarrass herself in 1000 words but its Fine”

“Why did I think this was a good idea?”

“This post is a hot mess and so am I”

“If this post has done one thing, it’s made me reevaluate my taste in music.”

With that, here we go. Also, spoiler warnings for Aristotle and Dante, Clockwork Princess, and the minorest of minor spoilers for Queen of Air and Darkness. 

Song One: Spooky Guy by Danny Gonzalez

Book One: None, there is none. I guess if I have to stretch it, I’d say The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater because Spooky Guy is probably similar to that one squash song Ronan is obsessed with and because I too play Spooky Guy to annoy my friends. Also, Noah.

Song Two: High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco

Book Two: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan. Once again, this feels like a stretch. This song does not really remind me of any book in particular, but it reminds me of Percy Jackson’s character just because of the “mama says” refrains and given that it mentions a prophecy, I thought TLO was a good choice.

Song Three: APESH*T by The Carters

Book Three: First off, I’d just like to start out by saying that I hate myself. Second, I guess I’m matching this with Spark by Brigid Kemmerer, just because I feel like Gabriel would probably listen to this song and because I could definitely have seen him saying “get off my d*ck” to David Forrest. Also, for all we know, this was the song he was blasting through his headphones when Michael was trying to get him to go to Home Depot.

Song Four: Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus

Book Four: I’m cheating a little and doing the entire original Grishaverse trilogy, just because this song reminds me of Mal being super whiny whenever Alina even dares to talk to any other male on the planet and when he keeps going on about how he’s not grisha and he’s just a commoner and all that nonsense.

Song Five: The Boy In The Bubble by Alec Benjamin

Book Five: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz, you remember that part where Ari goes out and attacks the guy who hurt Dante? Yeah, this could be the soundtrack for this part.

Song Six: I Have A Hole In My Tooth (And My Dentist Is Closed) by Dodie

Book Six: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. SPOILERS. You know how Henry gets paralyzed from the waist down and one of his biggest concerns is how he will get down to his laboratory? Yeah, I feel like that is somewhat comparable to this song, somewhat, if you stretch it.

At this point if you’re thinking this is ridiculous and wondering what’s wrong with me, guess what buddy, so am I.

Song Seven: Wolves by Selena Gomez and Marshmello

Book Seven: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare. Please don’t ask me why, but this song always reminds me of Julian and Emma. It may just be because I first heard this song when I first read LM, but I still think it fits.

Song Eight: Waving Through A Window by the OBC of Dear Evan Hansen

Book Eight: Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram. I have never made this connection before, but I really feel Darius would really relate to this song.

Song Nine: Party Tattoos by Dodie

Book Nine: Catching Fire and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. Before you question me, which tbh you definitely should, I feel like this song really summarizes some of the changes of the citizens of the capital, how they go out and party and make permanent alterations to their bodies and are then faced with the reality of the people of other districts and see how their actions may be seen as ridiculous.

Song Ten: The Last Of The Real Ones by Fall Out Boy

Book Ten: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. You know that part where they are in the silent brother’s carriage and Jace explains that there are not enough shadowhunters anymore? Yeah, ever since I reread this book this song has reminded me of The Shadowhunter Chronicles. Also, if you listen to the lyrics closely you could make an argument that this song fits Clary and Jace.

Song Eleven: Kill V. Main by Grimes

Book Eleven: Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare. I mean, this summarizes the Blackthorn kids and Emma. “I don’t behave, I don’t behave, oh eh” is pretty comparable to “lex malla, lex nulla.”

Song Twelve: Blow Your Mind (Mwah) by Dua Lipa

Book Twelve: The Bane Chronicles By Cassandra Clare. I would promise that this will be the last Cassie connection but I honestly can’t. But this song really reminds me of Magnus’s character.

Song Thirteen: Shooketh by Elijah and Christine, featuring lil aaron

Book Thirteen: I feel like this is where I should offer an explanation for why this song is on my top 100, but there is no explanation. Also, I said I was done with Cassie connections literally three sentences ago, but it turns out I’m not. The book I have decided to permanently link to this song in my brain is Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare. You know when Jules and Emma go into Thule? I bet they were truly shooketh.

Song Fourteen: Monsters by Ruelle

Book Fourteen: The world wants me to fail. The obvious connection for this is TSC, given that this song plays on the TV, but I refuse to make another Cassie connection. Therefore, I chose Our Dark Duet by Victoria Schwab because, you know, monsters.

Song Fifteen: American Love by Scotty Sire, Elijah Blake, Myles Parrish

Book Fifteen: The Selection by Kiera Cass. The song mentions a bunch of different cities in America, and guess what, the selected come from all parts of North America. Also, the lines, “Tryna see if it’s real or fake,” and “she says, you just wanna get in my pants” really describe America, if you think about it.

On that note, I’m done, and I am never doing this ever again. In case you are questioning whether these songs are really on my top 100, I’m making the mistake of linking it here. If anyone else wants to do this, please do and tag me!! I’d love to see what a normal, non embarrassing top 100 looks like. See you guys next week with a normal post that doesn’t make me want to die of embarrassment!