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December 28, 2022

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2022 Bookish Wrap-Up

Well. Here we are. Somehow we are saying goodbye to 2022 and welcoming a new year.

Last year, I determined that with a baby on the way, it would make the best sense that I don’t set a reading goal. Instead, I would just read when I could and enjoy having those fleeting moments to myself.

I’m glad I did that.

This year, I read 34 books. Not too bad for a first-time mom juggling work, baby, and home!

Here’s what I read in 2022 (and my “star” ratings):

  1. And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman: 3.5
  2. The Dragon Republic (The Poppy War #2) by R.F. Kuang: 4.5
  3. Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon: 4.5
  4. The Burning God (The Poppy War #3) by R.F. Kuang: 4.5
  5. The Drowning Faith (The Poppy War #2.5) by R.F. Kuang: 3.0
  6. The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black: 3.0
  7. The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air #3) by Holly Black: 3.0
  8. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston: 5.0
  9. The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality by Kimberly Ann Johnson: No rating
  10. House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City #2) by Sarah J. Maas: 4.0
  11. How Long ’til Black Future Month? by N.K. Jemisin: 4.0
  12. The Huntress by Kate Quinn: 3.0
  13. What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris: 2.75
  14. The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon: 5.0
  15. A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic #1) by V.E. Schwab: 5.0
  16. Book Lovers by Emily Henry: 4.5
  17. A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2) by V.E. Schwab: 3.5
  18. The Montessori Baby: A Parent’s Guide to Nurturing Your Baby with Love, Respect, and Understanding by Simone Davies, Junnifa Uzodike with Sanny Van Loon: No rating
  19. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: 3.5
  20. I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston: 5.0
  21. Legendborn (Legendborn #1) by Tracy Deonn: 3.75
  22. The Charm Offensive (The Charm Offensive #1) by Alison Cochrun: 4.0
  23. Finlay Donovan is Killing It (Finlay Donovan #1) by Elle Cosimano: 4.0
  24. Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor: 4.5
  25. City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare: 3.5
  26. City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare: 3.0
  27. Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead (Finlay Donovan #2) by Elle Cosimano 3.75
  28. Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid: 4.0
  29. A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic #3) by V.E. Schwab: 4.0
  30. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: 3.5
  31. Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (And More Life to Live) by Eve Rodsky: No rating
  32. Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey: 1.5
  33. Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang: 5.0
  34. A Thousand Mornings: Poems by Mary Oliver: 5.0

PHEW! Do you see any favorites in this list?

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December 27, 2021

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Bookish Goals for 2022

I’ve always had a sticky relationship with book goals and Goodreads challenges. Since becoming a bookstagrammer in particular, I find myself comparing my book counts to others, wondering why I can’t reach the same goals.

Not anymore, folks.

In 2022, I plan on not setting a number goal. I am just going to read and see what happens.

With a baby on the way in 7 short weeks, I know that life as I know it will change. Will I be able to read 50-70 books like I usually do? Who knows? I plan to read a lot during my maternity leave (print and audiobooks), but the last thing I want to do is pressure myself and then come to resent my favorite hobby.

Ever since I was a little girl, reading has been my escape. While other kids played outside, I was indoors reading The Chronicles or Narnia, or under a hammock reading the newest Harry Potter book. I have such fond memories of reading as a child…and as an adult! I have met some wonderful friends through my love of reading, and that won’t change if I read 50 books or 20 books!

So, my bookish goals for 2022 are simple: I want to read books and I want to read books I enjoy. I want to expand my bookshelf to include more diverse authors across all genres, particularly first-person narratives. I want to take time researching a book and its author before auto buying. I want to ask myself, “am I really interested in this book, or am I just getting it because it’s hyped on the internet?” before purchasing. I want to enjoy reading and tracking my books on a new app, The Storygraph. I want to talk about books and write about books on my blog. So, I will do just that!

What are your bookish plans for 2022? Do you have a reading goal set? Share in the comments below.

And, please share book recommendations!

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November 9, 2021

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29 Truths … As I turn 29

Today is my 29th birthday. My last year in my 20s!

It’s interesting. Someone recently asked me if I was dreading entering my 30s next year, and the answer is no! I think it is a privilege to age, and with our little one coming in February, and more babes to come (hopefully), my 30s will be my most challenging and rewarding years yet.

So, as I ring in another trip around the sun, here are 29 truths that I’d like to share:

  1. Make your bed every day — even if it’s right before you get in it.
  2. Set boundaries. Get comfortable saying “no.” If the person you are setting boundaries with does not respect you, tell them.
  3. Your family doesn’t get a free pass for toxic behavior.
  4. That being said, you choose your own family and circle. Sometimes your friends are more loyal to you than your own family. Embrace that. Welcome them in.
  5. If you can’t find something, clean up the clutter.
  6. Be proud of your body. It protects you, nourishes you, and keeps you safe. Love yourself.
  7. Your health comes first. It comes before any job, any person, family or friend. Take care of yourself and put yourself first.
  8. It is more than OK to watch the same movies and TV shows over and over again if it brings you joy.
  9. The book is, in many cases, always better than the movie.
  10. Write down what you are grateful for each day.
  11. Read lots of books. You’ll love it. And start that book blog and bookstagram! You’ll make some lifelong friends there.
  12. Know your worth.
  13. If you recognize that someone needs help, reach out to them. Don’t put it off until the next day.
  14. Travel when you can — even if it’s within your own state.
  15. Success is not measured by material things.
  16. Fight for the things you believe in.
  17. Don’t compare yourself to others.
  18. If you are with loved ones, put the damn phone away and be present.
  19. Try new foods!
  20. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. And, remember, failing isn’t always a negative thing.
  21. Don’t Google things when you are pregnant. Just call your doctor.
  22. Basic human rights is not something you can, or should, “agree to disagree” on.
  23. Eat that slice of cake.
  24. Trust your doctors — not a random man on YouTube or articles you find on Facebook.
  25. Recognize your triumphs. Never be afraid to toot your own horn.
  26. Have those tough conversations. They are uncomfortable, but you will feel free.
  27. Everyone has a story.
  28. Light a few candles when you are down … it really helps!
  29. Never forget your truths.


What are some of your truths? I want to hear them!

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November 1, 2021

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Writing

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NaNoWriMo – Let’s begin

Writing, Write, Person, Paperwork, Paper, Notebook

It’s November, and that means it’s the start of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo for short).

I have always been captivated by NaNoWriMo. I’ve been following its social media pages for years, wanting to join in, but never feeling like I had the talent or the resources to start.

This year, I’ve decided to do it. I’ve decided that it’s time to start working on a book idea I’ve had for years — and I am so excited!

Wait. What is NaNoWriMo again?

NaNoWriMo is a nonprofit organization that aims to inspire the writing community, providing them with resources, community forums, workshops, seminars, and more. National Novel Writing Month started in 1999 with the challenge for writers to complete 50,000 words of a novel in 30 days.

Whew.

Scary, right?

It is. As someone who has never written a book before, I am very hesitant to get started. What if I don’t reach my goals? What if I can’t dedicate time to my book every day? What if it plain old sucks? How am I supposed to come out of this writing the next Water for Elephants or The Night Circus? Should I even do this?

The answer is yes. Yes, I should.

My goals

I realized that it’s not about what comes out my project, but what I make of it. I am closer to finishing this book than I’ve ever been before. I’ve drafted a storyline and characters. I’ve started sketching the first few chapters of the book, and hey, that’s something I am already proud of.

So, while I won’t realistically write 50,000 words by Dec. 1 (hey, anything can happen!), I do plan to write the first 5 chapters of the book by the end of the month. Between work, homeownership, pregnancy, and the holidays approaching, I am setting an achievable goal from the start.

I hope to write at least one hour a day, perhaps more on the weekends if my work schedule does not allow me to dedicate an hour on weeknights. I have a feeling I can achieve this goal, and, who knows? Maybe I’ll even surpass it!

I just want to write. I want to sit down and come up with a story. Even if it’s the worst story ever. Even if I sit there and go, “Ugh. What was I thinking?” That time will not be considered wasted. Writing creatively is something that I’ve missed doing, and to be able to create a story, craft dialogue, and sketch a world that I imagined is so rewarding.

Stories matter. I will do my best to remind myself that though it may not be perfect, I am flexing this creative muscle that I’ve wanted to exercise for years.

I am looking forward to this journey, and I plan to update my blog with milestones throughout the month. Maybe I’ll even share an excerpt or two?

Write on, creative nerds.

Anyone participating in NaNoWriMo? What project are you working on?