It’s the end of the month, which means it’s monthly wrap up time! I love having all the posts I’ve done wrapped up in one place. It’s nice to look back at the work I’ve done.
Every Book I Read-May 2021: This is the monthly post that goes over every book I read in the previous month. It also includes my reading stats for the month. I love looking at my reading stats. I get them from The Storygraph and I absolutely love that website.
Every Book I Bought-May 2021: This particular monthly post was a doosey. I bought a few books during the month of May. And by a few I mean a lot of books. A lot of books.
Every New Release I Want-June 2021: I do this post every month too. I love plumbing the depths of the internet (*coughs* Amazon *coughs*) to find the newest releases I am most excited about.
A Small TBR: I had stopped doing TBR’s for a while because I am a mood reader. In June I decided to do an LGBTQ+ books TBR for myself. You’ll have to stay tuned to see how I did.
So given that it’s the middle of the year, I thought I would share with you my top 5 favorite books so far. Because why not?
Now, I haven’t read as much as I would like this year, but I’m working on it. I do have a few five star reads that I can choose from, however. So here they are, in no particular order. Because I’m cool like that.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
The story of Linus, who gets sent to investigate whether or not a group of magical children, who are extraordinarily unique, are being appropriately taken care of. This heartwarming found family story is like that feeling you get when you are wrapped in a warm blanket sipping on some hot cocoa. People have compared it to being wrapped in a warm hug, they aren’t wrong. It’s amazing. Truly.
This Place: 150 Years Retold by Various, art by Various
Indigenous persons of Canada tell their history of Canadian colonization in this graphic novel. It was painful and beautiful to read. I legitimately cried at some points. I was angry at some points. This book moved me. And I loved it so much.
Broken (in the Best Possible Way) by Jenny Lawson
Broken is Jenny Lawson’s newest memoir, and it’s wonderful. The way she talks about mental health, I only wish I was that open about mine. I loved this book. It made me laugh so much!
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Nora takes her own life and ends up in the Midnight Library, a place between life and death. From here, she’s able to live her life as if she made different decisions. I am still thinking about this book a month later.
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
It’s the sequel to A Discovery of Witches, and I love that book (it was a five star read too), but this is my favorite book in the series. Probably because of the time travel. No, yeah, it’s definitely because of the time travel.
Don’t ask me to pick a favorite. That’s basically like asking me to pick a favorite child. Except I don’t have children, but I do have siblings and I know that parents always have a favorite. Sigh. If I had to pick a favorite, House in the Cerulean Sea and Broken (in the best possible way) are in the top spots I guess.
Well. How do I put this. I really wanted to like this book, and yet, alas, I did not.
Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas is a contemporary Peter Pan retelling. In the authors own words, it’s more like a fanfic. This one just happens to be a not so great fanfic.
Here’s the thing, the premise sounds great. Wendy and her brothers, John and Michael, disappear in the woods one day and only young Wendy returns. Fast-forward several years later and Wendy is freshly eighteen and two more children have gone missing in the woods. Wendy wants no part of any of it, until a she almost hits a boy, claiming to be Peter Pan, with her truck.
Just to reiterate, I wanted to like this book. I really did. I loved the author’s first novel, Cemetery Boys, and was hoping this book would live up to that promise and it just didn’t.
What was wrong with the book, you may ask? I just found it, well, boring. The first real action scene in the book and I wasn’t enthralled by it. This book just seemed to leave me wanting more, so much more, at every turn.
And that’s why, at 150 pages, I gave up. I was tired of wanting more from the characters, the world, the mythology, the world the author was building.
Am I still going to pick up their next book? Absolutely. But I had to give this one 1 star.
I know I said I wasn’t going to do it anymore, but I’m going to do it. There are a few books I want to read to celebrate Pride month. Maybe you’ll find one that you want to read too!
Also, I’m not gonna run myself ragged trying to read all of these. If I don’t finish this list, I will not be ashamed!
How Y’all Doing? by Leslie Jordan
When actor Leslie Jordan learned he had “gone viral,” he had no idea what that meant or how much his life was about to change. On Instagram, his uproarious videos have entertained millions and have made him a global celebrity. Now, he brings his bon vivance to the page with this collection of intimate and sassy essays.
Bursting with color and life, dripping with his puckish Southern charm, How Y’all Doing? is Leslie doing what Leslie does best: telling stories that make us laugh and lift our spirits even in the darkest days. Whether he’s writing about his brush with a group of ruffians in a West Hollywood Starbucks, or an unexpected phone call from legendary Hollywood start Debbie Reynolds, Leslie infuses each story with his fresh and saucy humor and pure heart.
Oh my word! I restarted my audible subscription for this book. I’m a sucker for memoirs where the author narrates it. Who doesn’t love Leslie Jordan at this point?
The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood
Csorwe does—she will climb the mountain, enter the Shrine of the Unspoken, and gain the most honored title: sacrifice.
But on the day of her foretold death, a powerful mage offers her a new fate. Leave with him, and live. Turn away from her destiny and her god to become a thief, a spy, an assassin—the wizard’s loyal sword. Topple an empire, and help him reclaim his seat of power.
But Csorwe will soon learn—gods remember, and if you live long enough, all debts come due.
I bought this last year and just haven’t gotten to it yet. I’m hoping to get to it this month!
Lost In the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas
It’s been five years since Wendy and her two brothers went missing in the woods, but when the town’s children start to disappear, the questions surrounding her brothers’ mysterious circumstances are brought back into the light. Attempting to flee her past, Wendy almost runs over an unconscious boy lying in the middle of the road…
Peter, a boy she thought lived only in her stories, asks for Wendy’s help to rescue the missing kids. But, in order to find them, Wendy must confront what’s waiting for her in the woods.
I pre-ordered this one cause I like Cemetery Boys so much. Here’s hoping I like it just as much. It would be nice to have another author whose works I collect.
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
The Emperor needs necromancers.
The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman.
Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead nonsense.
Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Her characters leap off the page, as skillfully animated as arcane revenants. The result is a heart-pounding epic science fantasy.
Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape. But her childhood nemesis won’t set her free without a service.
Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. If Harrowhark succeeds she will be become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. Without Gideon’s sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die.
Of course, some things are better left dead.
Another book I’ve had since last year and just never got around to reading. Here’s hoping!
Well, there you have it. The 4 books I’m wanting to read this month. Not a long list, but it works for me. Send good vibes my way that I can get to all of them!
Since I gave up on my book buying ban, I am open to the possibilities of purchasing new books! I’m still gonna try to keep it small though.
I said try Husband! I can see you smirking at me from the other room!
For The Wolf by Hannah Whitten-June 1st
As the only Second Daughter born in centuries, Red has one purpose—to be sacrificed to the Wolf in the Wood in the hope he’ll return the world’s captured gods.
Red is almost relieved to go. Plagued by a dangerous power she can’t control, at least she knows that in the Wilderwood, she can’t hurt those she loves. Again.
But the legends lie. The Wolf is a man, not a monster. Her magic is a calling, not a curse. And if she doesn’t learn how to use it, the monsters the gods have become will swallow the Wilderwood—and her world—whole.
I may have already pre-ordered this one for the Kindle. Maybe. Sorta.
Beyond by Mercedes Lackey-June 15th
Within the Eastern Empire, Duke Kordas Valdemar rules a tiny, bucolic Duchy that focuses mostly on horse breeding. Anticipating the day when the Empire’s exploitative and militant leaders would not be content to leave them alone, Korda’s father set out to gather magicians in the hopes of one day finding a way to escape and protect the people of the Duchy from tyranny.
Kordas has lived his life looking over his shoulder. The signs in the Empire are increasingly dire. Under the direction of the Emperor, mages have begun to harness the power of dark magics, including blood magic, the powers of the Abyssal Planes, and the binding and “milking” of Elemental creatures.
But then one of the Duchy’s mages has a breakthrough. There is a way to place a Gate at a distance so far from the Empire that it is unlikely the Emperor can find or follow them as they evacuate everyone that is willing to leave.
But time is running out, and Kordas has been summoned to the Emperor’s Court.
Can his reputation as a country bumpkin and his acting skills buy him and his people the time they need to flee? Or will the Emperor lose patience, invade to strip Valdemar of everything of worth, and send its conscripted people into the front lines of the Imperial wars?
I’m not gonna lie, I pre-ordered this one the moment I learned about it. I have always wanted to know the story of the founding of Valdemar, and it looks like I get my chance!
The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo-June 1st
Jordan Baker grows up in the most rarefied circles of 1920s American society—she has money, education, a killer golf handicap, and invitations to some of the most exclusive parties of the Jazz Age. She’s also queer and Asian, a Vietnamese adoptee treated as an exotic attraction by her peers, while the most important doors remain closed to her.
But the world is full of wonders: infernal pacts and dazzling illusions, lost ghosts and elemental mysteries. In all paper is fire, and Jordan can burn the cut paper heart out of a man. She just has to learn how.
This one sounds interesting. And it’s got a lot of early buzz. I have high hopes.
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri-June 8th
Exiled by her despotic brother, princess Malini spends her days dreaming of vengeance while imprisoned in the Hirana: an ancient cliffside temple that was once the revered source of the magical deathless waters but is now little more than a decaying ruin.
The secrets of the Hirana call to Priya. But in order to keep the truth of her past safely hidden, she works as a servant in the loathed regent’s household, biting her tongue and cleaning Malini’s chambers.
But when Malini witnesses Priya’s true nature, their destines become irrevocably tangled. One is a ruthless princess seeking to steal a throne. The other a powerful priestess seeking to save her family. Together, they will set an empire ablaze.
This sounds so good. I wants it!
Boundless by Jack Campbell-June 15th
Geary believed in the Alliance. Even when he uncovered overwhelming evidence that the highest echelons of the government and fleet command were involved in secret programs and prison camps, he believed it was worth saving. And that his duty was to see that justice was served even though some factions feared that revealing the truth would cause the Alliance to crumble.
But after narrowly surviving two assassination attempts when he brings evidence of the misdeeds to the capital star system, Geary realizes that some have decided the easiest way to make the Alliance’s problems go away is to get rid of him. He finds himself ordered to undertake a perilous new mission outside of the reaches of human-occupied space while the Senate clashes over the evidence.
Geary’s warships must escort a diplomatic and scientific mission across the dangerous, disintegrating remnants of the Syndicate Worlds empire. But even if he can make it to Midway Star System, the gateway to alien-controlled space, Geary will face former Syndicate officials who have rebelled and regard the Alliance with deep suspicion. And that will be the easy part. . .
This one sounds pretty interesting. Space battles ahead!
The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid-June 8th
In her forest-veiled pagan village, Évike is the only woman without power, making her an outcast clearly abandoned by the gods. The villagers blame her corrupted bloodline—her father was a Yehuli man, one of the much-loathed servants of the fanatical king. When soldiers arrive from the Holy Order of Woodsmen to claim a pagan girl for the king’s blood sacrifice, Évike is betrayed by her fellow villagers and surrendered.
But when monsters attack the Woodsmen and their captive en route, slaughtering everyone but Évike and the cold, one-eyed captain, they have no choice but to rely on each other. Except he’s no ordinary Woodsman—he’s the disgraced prince, Gáspár Bárány, whose father needs pagan magic to consolidate his power. Gáspár fears that his cruelly zealous brother plans to seize the throne and instigate a violent reign that would damn the pagans and the Yehuli alike. As the son of a reviled foreign queen, Gáspár understands what it’s like to be an outcast, and he and Évike make a tenuous pact to stop his brother.
As their mission takes them from the bitter northern tundra to the smog-choked capital, their mutual loathing slowly turns to affection, bound by a shared history of alienation and oppression. However, trust can easily turn to betrayal, and as Évike reconnects with her estranged father and discovers her own hidden magic, she and Gáspár need to decide whose side they’re on, and what they’re willing to give up for a nation that never cared for them at all.
Another book with a wolf in the title. Apparently there is a theme this month.
Daughter of Sparta by Claire M. Andrews-June 8th
Seventeen-year-old Daphne has spent her entire life honing her body and mind into that of a warrior, hoping to be accepted by the unyielding people of ancient Sparta. But an unexpected encounter with the goddess Artemis—who holds Daphne’s brother’s fate in her hands—upends the life she’s worked so hard to build. Nine mysterious items have been stolen from Mount Olympus and if Daphne cannot find them, the gods’ waning powers will fade away, the mortal world will descend into chaos, and her brother’s life will be forfeit.
Guided by Artemis’s twin—the handsome and entirely-too-self-assured god Apollo—Daphne’s journey will take her from the labyrinth of the Minotaur to the riddle-spinning Sphinx of Thebes, team her up with mythological legends such as Theseus and Hippolyta of the Amazons, and pit her against the gods themselves.
Another month, another myth retelling. I still want it though!
So, I have a confession. See, I went to a really good Half Priced Books with a friend and they had all the things and I didn’t even buy all the things it was more like some of the things.
The ones you leave behind count as a win, right?
No? Darn.
Well, at this point I should just give up on the book buying ban. My TBR cart doth overflowith.
On to the books!
Ariande by Jennifer Saint
This is the story of Ariande, sister to the famous Minotaur of Crete, and what happens when the hero Theseus comes to town. I’ve loved Greek mythology since I was a child, so it’s no surprise that I would gravitate towards this one. This was a BOTM pick, by the by. Mind, I still haven’t read the other retellings I have, so I should probably do that too.
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
The story of an Ojibwe woman who has to take care of her mother after a family tragedy. Until she witnesses a murder. I’m not gonna lie, mysteries aren’t the types of book I normally go for, but this one was getting such rave reviews that I had to give it a shot. Plus, it was available as a Book of the Month add on pick, so I nabbed it.
Golden in Death by J.D. Robb
A deadly poisoner is on the move in this, the 50th book in the In Death series. I already have this on my Kindle, but my bookshelves have demanded their own copy, and who am I to deny my bookshelves?
The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy
The story of a group of Moms who get together one evening at a bar and then the unthinkable happens, one of their babies is kidnapped. This was my book club’s pick for May.
Exiles: The Ruins of Ambrai by Melanie Rawn
The story of three sisters who lives are torn apart by war and magic. I love this book. In fact, I already own this book. But it’s falling apart, and I need a new copy that isn’t held together by packing tape. You know, so I can read it again.
Anxious People by Fredrik Bachman
A would-be bank robber takes an apartment full of people hostage. This isn’t my usual cup of tea, but I’ve heard such good things about the author I thought I would give it a try.
The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
This book involve spies, libraries, alternate worlds, stolen books, and fights to the death! I also already own this, but I found the physical copy and somehow it ended up in my shopping cart. I’m still not sure how that happened.
The Masked City by Genevieve Cogman
The sequel to The Invisible Library, I didn’t look to see what this one was about, as I want to read the first one, well first.
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
This is basically a feminist take on the “what if Jesus had a wife” trope. I had been debating this one since it came out to the point where I would put it in my shopping cart at Target and walk around the store with it for a while before putting it back every time I saw it. Every time!
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
Tracker is a famous hunter. He has been hired to find a young boy who disappeared three years ago. Tracker must now work with a cast of colorful characters to find this boy, who maybe doesn’t want to be found. It’s sounds so interesting.
The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick
The story of Ren, a thief and con artist who is surround by the corrupt on all sides, including corrupt magic. I’ve had this on my list for a while, and was happy to see it available for $5 through the Kindle store. Naturally, I snatched it up.
The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman
This particular book features a land ravaged by Goblin wars! Goblin wars! I picked up my copy at Scarborough Faire here in Dallas (cause why not) and it’s signed!
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
During a ceremony, Deka’s blood runs gold and she is condemned to a life on the outskirts of her village. Until a mysterious woman offers a chance at a new life. This YA fantasy sounds really good.
Geekerella by Ashley Poston
Cinderella meets Prince Charming in this modern take on the fairy tale. I love the story of Cinderella, so I picked this up when I saw it in the used book store.
Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
This one has all the tropes: Evil dark lord, the chosen one, and magical artifact only the chosen one can wield.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
Now these I saved for last because they are special. I found these pristine copies in a damaged box for $15 a HPB. But what makes them special is that my mom used to own copies of this same set. In fact, I still have her copies of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers. They even have her name in them. These copies don’t have anyone’s name in them, but I now have a complete set of something my mother once owned. Makes me smile a little bit.
So yeah, at this point it’s like what book buying ban?
Well, I can’t believe. I think my reading slump is over (runs and knocks on every wood surface she can see). Now I just have to stay off of TikTok to stay where I am!
Wild Sign by Patricia Briggs
A small commune mysteriously disappears without a trace and Anna and Charles are sent in to discover why. I love the universe Patricia Briggs has built here, and this book was pretty good. I liked learning more about Leah, who, up until now I have not liked. 4 Stars.
Broken (in the best possible way) by Jenny Lawson
An autobiographical tale of the authors mental health journey, this book made me laugh. A definite must read for anyone who feels alone in their mental illness. Or anyone who just wants a laugh. 5 Stars.
Crave by Tracy Wolff
So I tried to read this book about a teen who looses her parents only to move in with her Uncle at his boarding school. Did I mention the vampire love interest? I just couldn’t with this writing style. This book reminded me why I stopped reading YA for so long. On Storygraph I gave it no stars and on Goodreads I gave it 1 star.
The Perfect Mother by Amiee Molloy
The story of a mommy group and what happens when one of the babies goes missing. I just couldn’t get into this book at all. My book club seemed to like it though. 1 Star.
A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians by H.G. Parry
Set in the time of the American revolution, but with governments strictly controlling magic users. I didn’t finish it. But I have a feeling this was more of a right book wrong time situation, so I will try and come back to it. Hopefully. 1 Star, for now.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The story of Nora, after she takes her own life she ends up in the Midnight Library where she sees all the possibilities of her life. You can read my full review here. 5 stars.
Skyward by Joe Henderson, art by Lee Garbett
Imagine a world where gravity stops working. That’s the world that Willa grew up in. This volume collects issues 1 thru 5 of the comic. I loved it! 5 stars!
Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View by Various
This is the story of Star Wars: A New Hope as told by a whole host of secondary characters. From a random stormtrooper to an imperial droid to Wedge Antilles. Some of these stories made me feel things. Some didn’t. 4 stars.
Now on to the best part, the stats!!! As always, these stats are brought to you by the amazing website The Storygraph!
So, it would seem that I read 8 books this month. However, I did DNF three of them.
5 adventurous books for May! That seems low, but Broken (in the best possible way) couldn’t really be considered adventurous.
And that’s 4 fast paced books for me this month. Although I did DNF 2 of them. Oh well.
The page number stats make sense. Usually 400-ish pages is my average.
I read one non-fiction book this month. Which is great, cause one of my year goals was to read more non fiction. Maybe I should try to read one non-fiction book a month?
Oh look, the genre I read the most in was fantasy. Go figure.
Do you see that? Storygraph lets you rate books with 0 stars! Also, I may have been over 5 star happy this month. Oh well, the books made me happy!
Everything I Read In April 2021: I read one book in April. I talked briefly about it here.
Every Book I Bought In April 2021: I definitely bought more than one book in April.
Every New Book I Want-May 2021: There were a few books I wanted this month.
I Joined the Library!: Um, I joined the library. It was great!
Broken (in the best possible way)-A Book Review: I reviewed Jenny Lawsons excellent memoir. Spoiler alert, I loved it.
Our Trip to Walt Disney World: We went to Disney! Wild Kermit Arms!
The Midnight Library-A Book Review: I reviewed Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library. I loved this too. Go figure.
So that’s every blog post I made in May. I seriously almost wrote down April. It’s because my husband is home due to it being Memorial Day. Yeah. We’ll go with that.
Well, this was quite the read, wasn’t it! Let me say this, if you haven’t picked up The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, you probably should.
It’s the story of a young woman named Nora, who, when everything seems it’s worst, takes her own life. She wakes up in the Midnight Library, a place between life and death, where the clock is stuck at midnight. With the help of the librarian, Nora is able to look at all the possibilities of life and see all her could-have-beens.
Now yes, I know that this sounds like it should be a terrible book, cause suicide. But it’s really not. Each life Nora lives forces her to question what happiness, what a life worth living, really means to her.
I loved this book from the moment I picked if up. It has a beautiful writing style that helps you just fall into the pages. The plot is solid and the cast of characters sucks you right in. You can’t help but feel for Nora as she goes about her journey through the libraries many tomes.
Each life Nora finds herself in is uniquely crafted. A different version of herself that she never thought she could be. And it’s interesting, and introspective, to put yourself in Nora’s shoes and wonder what your life might have been like if you had just taken that left to that job interview one day.
I truly loved this book. Another 5 star read for me this month. You should absolutely pick this up.
If you or someone you love has suicidal thoughts, please seek help. In America you can reach out to 800-273-8255.
Well would you lookie here. A book review. On a book I actually finished. Well ain’t that a treat!
Jenny Lawson suffers from treatment resistant depression, has a long suffering husband in Victor, and a loving daughter in Hailey. Not to mention their dog and two cats. This particular books deals with the authors struggles with her insurance company, her debilitating depression and anxiety, and a whole host of other illnesses. Because why have one thing wrong with you when five works better. Or worse. Probably worse.
First, a disclaimer. I love Jenny Lawson. I think she is a wonderful writer and I pre-ordered this the day she announced it. I also have all three of her other books, including the coloring book. So yes, I am a fan. It’s well earned, I assure you.
Jenny Lawson is absurdly funny. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions while reading this book. I shared one of the funny bits with the hubs and he laughed too. So at least I’m not the only one.
She’s also incredibly deep. I suffer from mental illness as well, and Mrs. Lawson makes me feel seen. She communicates the scariest parts of her mental illness in a way that seem like you, too, can survive it. Because, as she famously says, depression lies.
I love the way she talks about her marriage. She makes sure to point out that as great as it is, it’s not perfect. But it works for them. As all good marriages should.
I cannot stress this enough, if you want to laugh, possibly cry, cringe, laugh some more, and relate to someone, give this book a read. Or a listen. Jenny Lawson narrates her own audio books. In fact, that’s how I read the first two books. I gave it 5 stars.
Lauren Corcur 