I can’t believe it’s August already! It feels like just yesterday I was celebrating Canada Day, and here we are at yet another long weekend.
July was a fairly busy month for me: I got back from a two-week trip to France, visited the cutest lavender farm (but, of course, I forgot to bring a book with me) and did all the destress-baking.
Blog Updates
I finally decided to get back into blogging, starting with a complete redesign and the move to a self-hosted site – let me know what you think of the new ~aesthetic.
During the blog redesign process, I stumbled down the rabbit hole that is bookstagram; if you like pretty books, flatlays, baked goods, bright colours, and/or origami, consider giving me a follow (#sorrynotsorry for the shameless self-promotion).
Reviews
I did a lot of reading this month: 12 whole books, most of which were backlist titles! Favourites of the month include:
- The Language of Thorns | 5 stars | Leigh Bardugo can do no wrong. Such an atmospheric, spooky collection of dark fairy tales.
- Before the Devil Breaks You | 5 stars | The creepiest and highest-stakes Diviners story yet – I held my breath for at least half of the book.
- The Golden Compass | 4 stars | I love revisiting old friends when I re-read books; The Golden Compass was just as magical as I remembered, and I loved the characters even more now that I’m slightly older
- Furthermore | 4 stars | Incredibly charming, imaginative, whimsical, and beautifully written; I’m definitely excited to read more of Mafi’s work
Other reviews:
- The Subtle Knife | 4 stars
- Whichwood | 4 stars
- The Name of the Wind | 3.5 stars
- Like Never and Always | 3 stars
- The Bone Witch | 2.5 stars
- Love and Other Train Wrecks | 2 stars
- Romancing the Throne | 2 stars
- Little Wrecks | 1 star | DNF
Book Purchases/From Publishers
I didn’t purchase any books this month, choosing instead to focus specifically on the 249742 library loans that came in, but I was approved for the following ARCs:
- Like Never and Always by Ann Aguirre
- White as Silence, Red as Song by Allesandro D’Avenia
Other Posts
I managed to not neglect my blog for long enough to create several discussion posts, which include such topics as:
- Two of my favourite bookish places to visit in Paris
- How my mood influences my reading choices
- How joining an early-stage startup company has forced me to re-evaluate my book-buying habits
- Series fatigue (or justifying my recent refusal to read anything that isn’t a standalone title)
Favourites from Around the Blogosphere
- Shealea wrote a very comprehensive list of free + legal ways to get books (without resorting to piracy)
- & Shealea also wrote a list of 2018-2019 Asian-inspired fantasy novels to add to your TBR
- Aimee shared tips for creating a blogging schedule that works for mood bloggers
- Sarah shared a list of LGBTQIA+ middle-grade titles to add to your TBR
- Hannah shared fun bookish printables for planners/organizers
Winding Down…
What were some of your favourite books/moments/posts from July? And what do you have planned for August? Let me know in the comments below.
Wow, I am honestly just stunned to see two of my posts here. Thanks so much for including me in your wrap-up!
Plus, you need to teach me your ways on how to read that much in just a month! I only read, like, 5 books in July. I have terrible time management.
Anyway, have a great month ahead!
Thank you so much for writing such great content! 🙂
I was only able to read that much last month because of all the day-trips to the beach that I made – this month will definitely be a lot slower. I’ve gotten a bit better at reading before bed instead of watching (even more) Netflix, which likely helps too.
Enjoy your August! Happy reading!
I was in Canada during Canada Day, and wow that seems like just days ago???? OMG THAT LAVENDER FARM IS TOO PRETTY I LOVE THAT PHOTO. ♥ I love the new blog layout–so clean and lovely! Also followed you on bookstagram. 😉
Thanks so much for including my post in your wrap up!!! ♥
Aimee (Aimee, Always) recently posted…Mini DNF Reviews: Sweet Black Waves by Kristina Pérez + The Raging Ones by KB Ritchie