August Wrap-Up

Here's what I read this month:

1) Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern


This book started off so good, but ended so badly. I was actually enjoying it, was pumped to do a review on it, and then the last hundred pages or so just irritated me to the point that I honestly didn't even want to finish it. It was a bad way to start off my reading month, in all honesty.

Rating: 1.5 out of 5 Cups of Tea



2) The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien


This was so much better than the second! Oh man, this book got me pumped and gave me all the feels. Please, please tell me that there are others out there who ship Sam and Frodo, because they were too lovey dovey not to be an actual thing. No, but in all seriousness, this was a great wrap-up to the series, and I loved every minute of it. It was a fun, exciting read, and I can't wait to hopefully take a class about this series this year.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Cups of Tea


3) I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson


Oh my goodness. This book far exceeded my expectations. It was a raw, moving, and beautiful novel that made me cry multiple times. I wrote a full review on it here if you want to check it out.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Cups of Tea



4) The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh


This novel was wonderfully done! The writing was beautiful and perfect for this novel. It sucked me in and made me want more. I'm looking forward to the next novel to find out what happens to these amazingly dynamic characters. The romance alone was so worth the read. I want to do a full review on this one eventually (aka an excuse to reread my favorite parts), but just haven't had the chance to write it yet.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Cups of Tea


5) Second Star by Alyssa B. Sheinmel


This was such a disappointing read. It started off slow, and I just never got emotionally involved. Things happened, characters cried, characters kissed, more things happened - or didn't happen - and I just never cared about any of it. The characters were flat, and the "mystery" this novel tried to portray was boring and confusing.

Review: 1 out of 5 Cups of Tea



6) The Program by Suzanne Young


This novel truly surprised me. I honestly wasn't expecting much. I figured it had been over-hyped, and that it was probably not going to be all that interesting. I was so wrong! This novel wasn't only entertaining, but so emotional. I was surprised by how invested I became in the characters. I felt protective of them at times. From start to finish, this was such an exciting, fun read. I couldn't put it down.

Review: 4 out 5 Cups of Tea


7) Emma by Jane Austen


I actually didn't end up reading this. I was a few days behind on my reading goal, and when I got to thinking about it, I think I'll probably end up wanting to reread it while the class I mentor/TA for reads it as well. I have read this before, multple times, and so I can in all honesty give it a 5 out of 5 Cups of Tea Rating! 

8) Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard


I was afraid of this book being over-hyped, but I was wrong, again! It was so amazing, with some of the best plot twists I think I've ever come across. You can find my full review here.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Cups of Tea



9) Panic by Lauren Oliver


Again, for the second time this month, no emotional attachment. Stuff happened, characters cried, relationships happened, characters lied, and it went on and on and on. Though the sociological aspects of this were fairly interesting to think about, everything else just made me cringe. There was so much that I felt was trying to draw me in, but that just fell flat. Boring, boring, boring.

Review: 1 out of 5 Cups of Tea



10) The Picture of Dorian Gray (Dover Thrift Editions) by Oscar Wilde


I'm only about half way through this, as I still have all day today to finish it, but so far I'm enjoying it immensely. The conversations and characters are so interesting to me. I can't give this a full rating yet, but I have a feeling it will be pretty high up on the Tea Cup Scale.

I also said I would be reading some Anna Karenina this month, which, because I was behind, didn't happen. I did however read quite a bit in the Left Back book. Sadly, I think Anna Karenina might just have to wait, as I know this next month is going to be a busy month (moving back to Seattle for my third year of college, job hunting, and TA/Mentoring), and I don't want to fall behind again.

As you all can see, this was a bit of a mixed reading month. Some of the books I read were wonderful, while others were down right awful. There really was no middle ground, either. I went from loving the book I was reading, to moving onto a book I hated. Hopefully next month works out better for me.

I'll see you all tomorrow with my September TBR.

Your Pemberley Reader,
Acacia

Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Synopsis: Mare Barrow lives in a world where the color of your blood matters. It dictates whether you are one of the poor, wronged Reds, or one of the rich, powerful Silvers. Silvers rule the world with their power and their magical abilities. Reds don't have these abilities, and so they are forced to live the way Silvers tell them. Mare is special, though. Her blood is Red, but in her veins is a magic rare even amongst the Silvers. To keep her life and her secrets, Mare must become one of the Silvers, pretending to be the long-lost daughter of a dead general. Red Queen follows Mare as the Silver world begins to change her fate, her heart, and her loyalties.

Review: In the words of tumblr: This was a wild ride, from start to finish. The twists and turns in this book are so captivating that you can't help but get sucked in from the second you start reading. My suspicions were raised, quieted, raised again over and over. I held out hope for some characters, and wrote off others too soon, and at the end of this novel I was left sitting there, just staring at the wall, trying to process everything that I had just witnessed. I felt just as torn apart as Mare, just as angry. By the end of this novel, I wanted two things: 1) to immediately start at the beginning again, and 2) to get the next novel immediately (which is impossible, because it isn't out until February.)

It is going to be hard to review this novel without giving too much away. The plot twists in this novel are so fantastic. Every time I thought I knew what would happen, the opposite happen. Every time I had a bad gut-reaction too, I was wrong. If you want novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat and constantly second-guessing yourself, than you should definitely check out Red Queen. Aveyard has made a book impossible to put down once started.

The idea is unique and original. There is much that dystopian-lovers will appreciate about this novel. It is a good mix genres, reminding me a bit of the Throne of Glass world. The characters were all a jumble of surprises, each one coming up short in unexpected ways or showing up surprisingly in moments of need. Some fell a bit short for me, and I hope that Aveyard will expand more on certain relationships and characters in later novels. I have hope, because the first was so good. I think there is just so much that trying to put all of it into one novel would have been a bit overwhelming, especially with how much was already going on.

This book has been super hyped since it's debut, and I was a little weary going in. I knew that it could possibly be overhyped. I was pleased to find that it wasn't, though. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading this book. It was an exciting, fun read that kept me entertained. I don't usually place books in the "entertainment" category, but this one definitely falls into it. I was also surprised at how I had managed to stay away from spoilers for so long, seeing as how there is so much in this book to give away. It's a miracle that I hadn't heard much of the plot before reading.

I would highly recommend this novel, especially for those who like dystopians, who like Sarah J Maas, and those who are looking for their next page-turner.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Cups of Tea


Your Pemberley Reader,
Acacia

Author Spotlight: Sarah J. Maas

Hello! 

This month's author spotlight is on the talented Sarah J. Maas. She is one of the leading authors in YA literature today, and there are loads of fans who just can not get enough of her novels. There are even whole tumblr blogs dedicated to her works. They, along with other fans, come up with fan art, theories on the future of the characters, and, of course, multiple discussions on who is shipped and who is not in Maas's books. This is a fandom that has been growing for the last several years and that continues to grow.

I was actually late jumping onto the Maas train. It wasn't until earlier this year that I read Throne of Glass, Maas's first novel. Like many others, I instantly fell in love with this novel. The main character Celaena is the strong female lead that many readers have been in search for their entire lives. She can kill you in a matter of seconds with little to no mercy, and go home to love on her puppy, dress up in her best clothes, read her favorite books, and eat her favorite chocolate. Maas, in a matter of chapters, pages really, creates a character that readers are instantly invested in, that readers instantly relate to and want to befriend. 

Like Celaena, the rest of the characters in the ToG series are amazingly complex and original. Maas creates a world full of living, breathing people that have realistic flaws, needs, and desires. The world in which these characters live are just as amazing. Well, actually, their world is pretty dark and scary, but Maas does an amazing job of bringing it all to life. Her world-building is the kind every fantasy reader yearns for and every fantasy writer envies. 

The thing I love most about Maas is her willingness and, often times, apparent fearlessness in killing off characters. I know this is a weird thing to like, but I've always hated those writers who tell stories of war and absolute bloodshed but who never kill off major characters. This isn't just boring; it's bad writing. Maas doesn't shy away, however. Readers can be sure of only one thing when reading Maas's books: You will never be able to predict who lives and who dies. Maas does an outstanding job of staying truthful to what war, treason, and revenge really mean. 

This is also one of those series that only gets better with each book. The first hooked me, but the second and third threw me into a deep spiral of loving all things Maas. These other books made me a true fan. The entire series is captivating. It manages to be incredibly dark while simultaneously being a beacon of inspiration. I highly, without a single complaint, recommend this series to everyone. I can not get enough of it. (With that being said, I have not actually read the prequel book, The Assassin's Blade, that has come out. It is a collection of short novellas following Celaena before ToG. From what I've heard it is supposed to be amazing.)

Maas also came out with the first novel in a new series earlier this year: A Court of Thorns and Roses. I loved this novel as well, and I'm very excited to see where Maas takes these characters and this new world. I may have been so obsessed with reading this that I didn't study thoroughly enough for one of my finals. That's entirely different story, though. I have a full review for this novel here.

Thus far, I have loved every novel from Maas. I would, without a doubt, give all of her books 5 out of 5 Cups of Tea. Her writing, her characters, her fierceness in telling such imporant stories, it all makes her one of my favorite authors at the moment. I am looking forward to the September 1st release of her new novel, Queen of Shadows, which is the fourth installment of The Throne of Glass Series.

If you haven't read Maas before, I sincerely hope that you all will check out her novels. I hope you love them as much as I do. If you have, what is your favorite of her books? Who do you ship? (Without giving away spoilers, please!) If there is a friend who you're wanting to share Maas with send them a link to this Spotlight. Hopefully, together we can convince them to read!

Your Pemberley Reader,
Acacia

#GrowingUpReading

In the past few weeks the GrowingUpThick hashtag has been making the rounds, and though many of these applied to me, it got me thinking about some other things in life that were different for me growing up. With school getting back into session, I've also been reminiscing about my school days. With this odd combination swirling in my heard the past few days, I've come up with my own hashtag: #GrowingUpReading.

You see, there is a moment in every young bookworm's life when they realize they are different than their peers. As a child, I actually had many of these moments. I remember other kids being bored during reading time, when for me, it was the most exciting part of my school day. There were the multiple standardized test scores telling my parents what they already knew: my reading level was far ahead of my peers. I, like many others out there, grew up a bookworm. It is a wonderful thing, but there are also some things that made it a little rough. Today, I thought I would do a little pro and con list of what it means to #GrowUpReading.

Pro: Bookworms take full advantage of school/classroom libraries.

You know that small, usually brightly colored bookshelf in the back of the classroom? It is a treasure trove for young bookworms. Teachers and librarians know that if they want their kids to read, they have to stock their shelves with the good stuff. Whether it be your first classic (You know you loved the Great Illustrated Classics books.), or your first Nancy Drew book, these were the books that teachers hoped would hook other students into liking reading, but for us bookworms, they were a constant source of great reading for the entire school year.

Con: The books in those shelves are usually for your peers' reading level, not yours.

By age ten, I was reading young adult books and would soon start reading Stephen King and Jane Austen, but my teacher's bookshelf still held a lot of books that were for my grade's reading level. They were books I flew through within hours. Eventually, I would bring one home and bring it back the next day to swap it for another. Some of them I could finish in the school day itself. Depending on the teacher, the books just weren't challenging or fun to read anymore.

Pro: Reading is an introvert's best friend. 

I have always been an introvert, but when I was younger, I was also a very shy child. I didn't make friends easily, because I honestly had little interest in childish things/behavior. I liked reading, stories, and writing. Reading was a great escape. I never had to be social when I had a book. Plus, I still felt like I was getting plenty of interaction as a child, because, hello, characters are instant BFFs.

Con: Reading during recess doesn't exactly make you a lot of friends. 

So, though reading is a great escape for baby introverts, it doesn't exactly lead to a lot of interaction with other kids. Recess was a time for reading, not for friend making. Waiting in pick-up line for parents, a time of interaction for most other kids, was a few extra minutes of reading time for us bookworms. Eventually, I learned how to socialize properly, but my middle and high school friends still had to deal with me pulling out my books during lunch time. Forget gossip, there is reading to do.

Pro: Wonderful conversations with your English teachers.

Every bookworm knows where to go in school when they need a good vent session about the last book they read: English teachers. Whether you want feedback on your own writing or just want to talk about the classic you read last week outside of class, English teachers were the greatest allies for those of us who grew up as bookworms. They were always there to talk about favorite novels and to recommend new books. They're also pretty useful for getting titles that will challenge you. In my experience, if you tell an English teacher a list of novels you love, they will give you a longer list of books that will not only challenge you, but that will make you a better reader and writer.

Con: Other teachers get weird when you only talk about literature.

Sadly, not all teachers are into literature. Pulling out a book at school often leads to a long discussion with other teachers about how they only read non-fiction and how you can't possibly be getting much out of that YA book. Young bookworms are given the very tedious job of trying to make their other teachers understand the importance of literature in the development of the human brain, empathy, and the understanding of how the world works outside of fourth period biology. Sometimes they secede and others just shake their heads and suggest you do your homework (which is most likely already done) instead of wasting time with the novel in your hands.

Pro: Reading during class.

Don't under estimate a young bookworm. We're just as dangerous as all the other kids. While other kids get their rebellion in elsewhere, we bookworms figured out at an early age how to rebel in the classroom. The teacher is droning on about something you read in the textbook earlier in the week, so what else is there to do besides pull out the book you've been reading? You hide it perfectly behind the massive history book on your desk, or you slip it flat onto the desk behind the kid in front of you's shoulders. Everyone else is stuck listening to the teacher taking roll or talking about something they didn't quite finish yesterday, but you get to read. Young bookworms everywhere discover this form of rebellion early, and we never quite get over the thrill of it.

Con: Getting books taken away.

Teachers get tired of being made a fool. The best of us young bookworms figure out quickly how to both listen to the lecture on the side while simultaneously reading. So it goes that the teacher will notice your reading and ask you a question about what they just said. Though some answer wrong and are shamed into putting their book away, some of us can give the answer without looking up from our novels. Teachers, in my experience, don't like when students are able to read in class and still pass. After a while, they get tired of it and end up taking away your book as if its a cell phone. When this happens, they have usually reached a level of annoyance that ends in a their having hawk eyes for anything you may pull out of your bag during the lecture. To all the young bookworms out there, don't be discouraged. Suffer through lectures for a few weeks and the teacher will hopefully move their hawk eyes onto somebody else.

Pro: Constant Entertainment.

Reading is an escape. It creates another world, and it allow us to disappear from this world when things get boring. Whether waiting at DMV with your parents or in the backseat as your parents drone on about taxes and loans and house payments and other boring adult things, young bookworms are always equipped. We come prepared with our own entertainment. Video games? Pshhh. Netflix?Maybe later. Reading? Yes, please!

Con: Finishing your book and not having another one with you.

Forgetting to bring a second book with you is possibly the worst feeling ever. This is a dreadful moment that every young bookworm must go through at least a few times in their childhood. How else will you learn, though? You have to learn to gauge whether or not a second book must be brought a long. Will there be time to read? If yes, how much longer do I have left in the book I'm reading? If less than one hundred pages, do I bring the second book? The answer: Yes. If you will have time to read and you have less than one hundred pages left, you pick out that second book and you stuff it in your tote bag this second. Trust me. I have lived through enough moments in my bookworm youth to know that if there is a chance you might finish the book you're bringing with, then you bring the second book, too. Better safe than sorry.

Well, I hope all of you enjoy this post! Whether, like me, it brings back memories, or whether you're going through some of these things now, I hope it made you happy to be a part of the bookworm life. Do you have any other pros or cons from your time #growingupreading? If so, please comment below!

I'll see you all Monday with a new review!

Your Pemberley Reader,
Acacia

Review: I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

Synopsis: I'll Give You the Sun chronicles the teen years of twins Jude and Noah. The earlier years are told by Noah, who at thirteen is loves drawing, art museums trips with their mom, and the energetic, outgoing boy next door. The later years are told by Jude, who is struggling with superstition, hypochondria, and trying to distinguish herself as an artist. Once close, the twins struggle with actions, lies, and secrets that have been haunting them for years. Jandy Nelson, in showing both perspectives over a number of years, portrays a broken family in the midst of the breaking but also in the midst of healing.

Review: In this novel, Nelson proves to be a master storyteller. The two perspectives allow readers a unique opportunity to see events unfold in a way that creates tension, surprise, and plenty of emotion. She makes you care about Jude and Noah in the way they each see their changing, breaking relationship. As they fall away from each other, readers are urged to see the way they each fall into their own pitfalls and struggles.

Besides the storytelling craft that goes into this, Nelson also showcases her amazing writing skills. Though the writing took me a little while to get used to, as there are a lot of metaphors that sometimes don't make the most sense, it eventually grew on me. Art, creativity, and superstition were such major themes in this novel, and the writing played these up in a way that any other style would have failed to do. The writing played such a large role in how this story was conveyed and felt. There were whole passages that I immediately reread for their fluidity and beauty.

As for characters, Jude and Noah were such broken, beautiful characters. They both struggle with remorse, grief, and the hardships and beauty of first love, but in such different ways. How they each deal with these things is both insightful and profound. Their story is a reminder of humanity and the beauty and wholeness that can come from brokenness. There was moments when I was laughing and crying at the same time. The entire story is heart-felt and emotional. From start to finish Nelson creates a family that you care about, that you want to succeed, and that you want to heal.

The romances were, like everything in this novel, full of passion, art-making, and heart ache. Each romance was unique and tugged at the heart strings in the best way possible. I liked Jude and Oscar were cute, but I felt like the real winning romance in this novel was that of Noah and Brian. I felt a little cheated out of their happy ending, which you'll understand when you read, but the rest of the relationship made up for it.

This novel is raw, passionate, and moving. It will make you laugh, cry, smile, and feel a lot of things all at once. The writing allows you to really get into what the characters are feeling and for those emotions to echo in you. This novel is full of superstition and art that create a magical effect and feeling for readers. The entire novel itself is a piece of art that leaves you thinking about it for days.

I would highly recommend this novel, especially for those interested in reading more LGBTQ literature, for those who love art, and for those who are looking for a truly stunning, magical, and emotional read.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Cups of Tea


Your Pemberley Reader,
Acacia

How To Deal: Reading Slumps

Hello!

This past week, in the midst of travel and tiredness from starting to work out on a daily basis (Ooooww. I'm in pain from all the sit ups and lunges and running. Oooww.), I have fallen into a bit of a reading slump. This happens every once in a while, and I always manage to get myself out of it in a different way. Today, I thought I would share some of those ways.

For those of you who may not know exactly what a reading slump is, it's when you just don't feel like reading. Sometimes this results from finishing an amazing book and just knowing that anything you pick up next won't be as good (aka the lasting effects of a book high). Other times, reading slumps result from hating the book you're currently reading. Whatever the reason, it happens to the best of us. Reading slumps can lead to a nagging feeling to read even when you don't want to, or for us perfectionists, a feeling of failure for not finishing a book you started.

I've struggled with reading slumps for as long as I can remember, and though they don't happen often, when they do, I have a couple of methods up my sleeves to get me reading again.

1) The "Sit Your Butt Down and Read" Method

This is the first thing I do if I'm in a reading slump. Whether I hate the book I'm reading or keep teetering between what book to read next, this is one of the most effective ways to get over your reading slump. Set aside an hour in a room by yourself with no distractions and just read. You'll either get through the book you hate (if you're set on finishing it), or you'll get into the book you've chosen to read next. This really only works if there are no distractions, though. Clear your mind, isolate yourself, and open your book. It should hopefully get you through it.

2) The "Book Gossip" Method

This method is one that works wonders. It works sort of like having an accountability partner. If you tell someone about the book you're reading, whether you love it, hate it, just started it, or are half way through it, telling someone about it will make you 1) possibly regain interest in reading and finishing it or 2) give you someone who will ask you about the book the next time you see them. Do you still hate it? How did it turn out? What ever happened with xyz character that you liked? To me, not being able to answer these questions propels me to read so that I'm prepared for them.

3) The "Reading Lust" Method

Sometimes, it isn't the book that causes the reading slump; sometimes reading becomes a sort of chore. The fun gets taken out of it for some reason, and then this feeling of dread sinks in whenever you have to open a book. When this happens, you have to fall in love with reading again. To do this, I suggest looking up quotes about reading. These will hopefully inspire you to open the nearest book as fast as you can.  Here's an example to get you started: "Some books should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly." -Francis Bacon

4) The "Retail Therapy" Method

Sometimes, no matter what you try, the book you're reading just won't work out. When this happens, the thing that's always helps me is buying a new book. Buy a classic you've always wanted to read, buy the newest, trendiest novel you can get, buy that fun middle grade book you've been wanting to pick up. Sometimes, all you need to get over a reading slump is some time in a book store full of new reading possibilities.

5) The "Old Favorite" Method

TBR lists can grow and grow, and they can become daunting. New books come and go, but old favorites never fail us. If you're in the middle of a reading slump, pick up your worn out copy of your favorite book and reread it. Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes, Twilight, whatever it may be, pull out that creased, cracked, written in copy, and enjoy a little time reading the book that will always, without a doubt, put you into a reading mood.

Have you used any of these methods? Do you have other methods that you use? I would love to hear about them in the comments! Hopefully, if you don't have any, some of these may help you the next time you find yourself in a reading slump.

Your Pemberley Reader,
Acacia Protsman

Review: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Synopsis: Laia lives in a world run by people who hate her people, the Scholars. Her parents, once part of a rebel group, were killed long ago, and now, she is faced with their legacy as she becomes part of the rebel group they lead in order to save her brother's life. Sent on a secret mission to Blackcliff Academy, a school that trains children to become killers for the empire, Laia meet Elias, a reluctant student at Blackcliff with dark secrets of his own. What happens while these two share the halls of Blackcliff changes their worlds forever, from making and breaking friendships and romances, to putting lives in danger.

Review: An Ember in the Ashes is full of intrigue, passion, and uncensored violence. Between intense fight and battle scenes, moving relationships, both platonic and romantic, and the cry-worthy inner-struggles of each character, this novel shines through like, for lack of better wording, an ember in the ashes.

Through immensely dark happenings and plot points, there is something in this novel that shines a light on what it means to be human. It reminds readers that there is beauty in hurting, that there is something in every emotion felt, whether it be fear, guilt, or grief, that can drive us towards something better, or at the very least, a simple means of survival in the face of adversity and hardship.

Every character was beautifully crafted. Each wanted something so strongly that their faults were revealed in their want to succeed, and this is exactly how I like my characters written. It makes them real and raw to the reader. It makes them stand out in my mind as people who I want to cheer for, but also who I want to cry for and hug. These characters are beautiful and flawed and everything you could ask for in a novel like this. Honestly, if the characters were not so interesting, I probably would not have been so instantly grabbed by this book.

The plot was well-paced, though there were some moments where I did feel like I was waiting for something to happen that was taking just a bit to long to come. For the most part, though, things moved quickly and intensely, especially towards the end of the novel.

The world-building was done fairly well. I think it helped to have rotating perspectives between Elias and Laia for this, because readers truly get a glimpse at both sides of the empire, both those at the top of the totem pole and those at the bottom. This helped in seeing new perspectives, and for really getting to the bottom of who the true antagonists are in this novel.

One of the things I didn't care for was the amount of violence. There were a couple of chapters that seemed like all they contained were killing sprees. Though these chapters were essential to the plot and the character development, it was still a bit too much for me. I guess this serves as a warning to those who may not like a lot of violence. To those who don't mind or who even like reading violent stuff, this book is definitely for you. Tahir is harsh and doesn't shy away from killing multiple characters in a short amount of time (like sentences/pages).

The romantic relationships were also something that I had mixed feelings about. I like Elias and Laia, but I'm not sure how I feel about them being together. They both have others who are interested in them, and I spent most of the book wanting each of them to be with these people, but towards the end, I found myself conflicted about who should be with who. Elias and Laia just have such similar souls and characters that their connection, though not something I immediately liked, was something that grew on me. It will be interesting to see where the romances end up in the next book.

The next book in this series, still untitled and without a cover, is slated to come out in April 2016. I will definitely be getting this next book.

I would recommend this novel for fantasy lovers looking for something a little different, for those who like well-crafted stories that will leave you thinking about it for days, and for those who like their romance on the side and not the main point or focus of the novel.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Cups of Tea


Your Pemberley Reader,
Acacia

August TBR

It's a new month, and I have a new list of books to read. I may have splurged a little this weekend and broken some of my book buying rules (Cheap books will be the death of my wallet.), so I will be changing this month from buying a new book every two books, to buying one every three. I think this will help me get through a few extra books this month so I can read the ones I bought this weekend next month. So, without further ado, here is my TBR:

1) Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern


I've had this book for about a year or so, and I thought that it sounded like a cute romance. I haven't really heard much about it, but on Goodreads it has been compared to The Fault in Our Stars and Eleanor & Park, so I'm hoping I enjoy it.

2) The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien


I'm finally going to finish this series! I am so happy that I will finally be able to say that I've read these. Now, I just need to make sure I watch the movies.

3) I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson


I've heard so many good things about this novel, and I've wanted to read it for a while. I've had this book since December of last year, but have still yet to read it. I'm not sure what its about other than a brother and sister who have a difficult relationship. From what I've heard, I have a feeling it's probably going to make me cry.

4) The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh


This is a retelling of A Thousand and One Nights, and it has gotten amazing reviews and a ton of hype from the book community. From what I've heard, I'm very excited to buy and read this novel. I think it will be a dark, interesting read. Look forward to a review of this one!

5) Second Star by Alyssa B. Sheinmel


This is a contemporary novel based loosely off of Peter Pan, and I am super excited to read it. I read Sheinmel's The Beautiful Between about five years ago, and actually got to meet Sheinmel, who is super nice. The Beautiful Between was an amazing novel about first love and loss, and it made me cry my eyes out. I have a lot of faith that this novel will be just as good.

6) The Program by Suzanne Young


I heard so much about this book when it first came out in 2013, but not much after. I know there are a couple of other books in the series, but this is really the only one I've heard much about. I know it is about a facility that basically takes away people's depression by taking away their memories, which sounds pretty dark. We'll see if I end up liking this one.

7) Emma by Jane Austen


I'm continuing my Austen rereads with Emma. This was one of my least favorite Austen novels the first time I read it, but after rereading it a few years ago, I realized how much I just love Emma's character growth throughout the novel. I'm really looking forward to taking a closer look at certain characters and aspects of this novel during this read through.

8) Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard


This book has gotten an insane amount of good reviews. I've heard nothing but good things so far, and I know that the author has been signed for a second novel. I know it's a fantasy novel about a society that is heavily segregated by blood and class, but other than that I'm not entirely sure what its about. I'm looking forward to a good fantasy read, though, so hopefully that's what I get from this.

9) Panic by Lauren Oliver


This novel has mixed reviews, but I got it for pretty cheap a few months back. The novel follows a small town as it holds some sort of "game" that the high-school seniors participate in. It sounds a little Hunger Games-ish to me, but I don't think it's a dystopian novel. I also don't think there is a sequel to this, so I'm looking forward to seeing how this fairs as a stand-alone.

10) The Picture of Dorian Gray (Dover Thrift Editions) by Oscar Wilde


I am two years into my English degree, and the number of times I've heard this novel referenced is a little ridiculous. I've been wanting to read the novel for a while because of this, and so when I found this novel at a garage sale a few months ago for fairly cheap, I hopped on the chance to buy it. Now, I'm finally reading it, and I'm excited to finally know what everyone is talking about when they reference this novel in class.

Well, that's the list for this month! I will also be reading some of Anna Karenina, as I said I would a couple of weeks ago, and I will also be, every now and then, reading a non-fiction book I got this weekend called Left Back: A Century of Battles Over School Reform. I got this novel because I have wanted to start reading more non-fiction. Since I read non-fiction so slowly, I'm going to just go with the slow-flow and read this at leisure.

I think this list will make for a good reading month, and I'm looking forward to a lot of new reviews and maybe some new favorites.

I'll see you all Thursday with a review of Tahir's An Ember in the Ashes.

Your Pemberley Reader,
Acacia