Bout of Books 15.0 Day 3 Update

Today was a bit of a lazier day for me, seeing as I didn't have to work or leave the house at all, even. I slept in this morning and then spent most of the afternoon and evening catching up on social media and blog posts. It was sorta productive, but not in a reading way. >> I did finally finish Room though, so yay for that! And I think I'm going to stay up late tonight and read most or all of Nimona (the graphic novel by Noelle Stevenson). I am determined to not get side-tracked tomorrow, and read most of the day!

Anyway, now for today's challenge.

Book Rainbow

Today's challenge was on Ranting Runt of a Reader, and it came with a giveaway for a $15 gift card for the Book Depository. She gave you two options: the cover challenge or the author challenge. I chose the cover challenge, which involved making a book rainbow and taking a picture of it. My pic can be seen on my Instagram account, and though it's not exactly a great book rainbow or anything, I do still think my stack of books is pretty? *shrugs*

That's it for today. See you all tomorrow!

Happy read-a-thoning!


Total pages read: 321
Books started: 1
Books finished: 1
Challenges completed: 3

Top 5 Wednesday: Favourite Fandoms

Yay for my first Top 5 Wednesday! Whoo! I've wanted to join in on this weekly meme for ages now, so I'm excited to finally be doing it. :)

------

This week's topic is your top 5 favourite fandoms, which I'm super excited about! I love me some fandoms, and I definitely think of myself as a total fangirl most days. I can talk about my favourite books, tv shows, and movies for hours, but I'll try to keep this post brief. ;) My list of fav fandoms will be in order of least favourite (#5) to most favourite (#1). Let's go!

5.  Divergent

I came into the Divergent fandom fairly early on, around late 2011, a few months after the first book came out, and I've loved it ever since. I waited anxiously for the second and third books to come out and theorized, discussed, and raved about them as often as I could. The book series is definitely in my top 5 favourite series of all time and I plan to re-read it many times in the future. It's one of the few series that continues to stick with me as the years go by, and holds a special place in my heart because of this.

I've seen both the Divergent and Insurgent movies, and though I think they're pretty good movies on their own, I wouldn't say they're as faithful book-to-movie adaptations as they could be (particularly Insurgent). I'll be seeing Allegiant and Ascendent as they come out as well, but I wouldn't say I'm overly excited about them, at least at this point.

4. The Hunger Games

Unlike Divergent, I was super late getting into The Hunger Games fandom. I didn't even know about the books until the first movie came out, and it wasn't until after I saw the movie that I started reading the series. In the four years I've known about the books, I've only read through them twice, and a re-read hasn't happened since the Catching Fire movie came out. (I need to get on that, huh? ;P) I love the books, but my passion for the series and its fandom truly came from the movies and all the hype around them.

I saw all four movies in theatres opening weekend with my mom and sister, and I enjoyed every single one of them. Catching Fire was (and still is) my favourite, but I think they were all adapted quite well. In my opinion actually, they're some of the best book-to-movie adaptations out there, particularly in the last few years. I also think these movies had some of the best marketing and advertising I've ever seen. I really liked all the trailers, posters, etc that were made for them and I think that's what stirred up so much of the hype and buzz in the fandom, especially around the time the first movie came out.

3. Once Upon a Time

I've been watching Once Upon a Time since early on in Season 1, and from the very beginning I've considered it to be one of my absolute favourite shows. (I'd actually consider it to be the favourite show of mine that's airing right now.) I just fell in love with the characters and plot. I've always loved fairy tales, and their re-tellings, and seeing some of my fav Disney characters show up on the show over the years has made me love it even more!

I also don't think I've ever gotten as invested in a TV show as I have with this one. I don't cry that often when watching TV or movies, but I've cried quite a few times when watching Once Upon a Time. I just get so wrapped up in the characters and their story lines (and don't even get me started on all the shipping and couples and drama and stuff >>). This show is also one of the few that I'm not able to easily predict what's going to happen next. It keeps me on my toes, and that's one of the things I love best about it! The writers always keep you guessing and it makes it so much more fun discussing things with people because of this. Bring on the theories! haha

2. The Shadowhunter Chronicles

I have a lot of love and nostalgia when it comes to all things Shadowhunters and the world Cassie has created. I've been following her book series' since 2009 (around the release of City of Fallen Angels) and I'm so glad teenaged me found this awesome fandom and community. I do have a huge amount of guilt though, for still having not gotten around to finishing the last two books in The Mortal Instruments series. (And I have thus been spoiled because of it. >_<)

I saw the City of Bones movie that came out a few years ago with high expectations, and I was greatly disappointed. I actually really enjoyed the first half of it, but they did too many crazy things in the latter half (like spoiling the next two books/movies! O.o). I was therefore thrilled when the new TV series was announced, but I'm trying to stay only tentatively hopeful and excited at this point. We'll see if I'm impressed after the first episode next week!

TMI and TID are two of my fav book series and they include some of my fav characters and relationships as well. I've been reading the Shadowhunter books for so long now and I'm excited for all the new series Cassie has planned. She could write in this world forever and I'd continue to read her books. I just love it so much, and like all the fandoms on this list, it holds a special place in my heart and is one of the few things I could talk about with anyone for hours.

1. Harry Potter

Anyone who knows me even remotely well could probably easily guess that this would be at the top of my list. The Harry Potter books are my all-time favourite series, and they always will be. They were the first big book series I read growing up and are the reason I am such an avid reader and writer today. They started my love of books, particularly ones in the fantasy genre and involving magic, and helped me get through all the rough times that occurred throughout my childhood and into my adolescence and teenage years. Really, I don't know where or who I'd be if it weren't for these books, movies, and the fandom they dragged me into. (And I mean that in a loving way. ;P)

I could talk about both the books and movies for ages (and you'll probably be seeing a lot more of HP in future blog posts of mine!), but just know that I love them dearly and I'm so so so glad they came into my life when they did. I've read the books and seen the movies countless times, and will continue to re-read/watch them as I get older. HP introduced me to a lot of things, and it was my first real fandom too, so I think it's rather fitting that it's #1 on this list. ^_^

Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly, original feature hosted by gingerreadslainey.

Bout of Books 15.0 Day 2 Update

I worked all day again today, so I really only had tonight to read, and unfortunately I read even less than yesterday. :/ I know I can do better though, and I have the rest of the week off, so I'm positive I'll be able to make up for these two sub-par reading days! *crosses fingers*

The few pages I managed to read added up to a measly 48, and, like yesterday, they were all from Room. I'll definitely be finishing this book off tomorrow though, and then my plan is to read Nimona, which is a graphic novel by Noelle Stevenson. I'll probably start another book too. I'll have to see what I'm in the mood for though.

Let's move on to today's challenge. I'm excited to do it. :)

Bookish Would You Rather

On Writing My Own Fairytale, there was the Bookish Would You Rather challenge. (This one includes a giveaway for one book worth up to $15.) It required you to answer the five "would you rathers" that Lori provided. Simple! (Or so it seemed. ;P)

#1: Would you rather... lend books to someone who dog-ears pages or to someone who reads with cheesy Cheetos fingers?

This is a tough one for me. I'm not typically someone who likes to lend out my books (especially to people who would possibly "mistreat" them), but since I have to choose... I'd probably go with the dog-earer. I really hate when people dog-ear pages, but it seems less damaging long-term to me than reading while eating and/or with dirty fingers. (Says the girl who's gotten peanut butter on her books before... >>)

#2: Would you rather... be able to meet one character of your choice or meet one author of your choice?

Hmm... this one's quite tough too. Being able to meet and speak with your favourite character would be super cool, but when I think about meeting Hermione Granger or J.K. Rowling, I'd rather get some one-on-one time with Jo. (Though I have no idea what I'd actually say to her. *flails at the thought*)

#3: Would you rather... never be allowed in a bookstore again or never be allowed in a library again?

This decision really hurts my heart because I love spending time in both of these places! Browsing in a bookstore is one of my favourite (random) things to do, but spending time/studying in a library can be just as nice, and, really, libraries have a fair bit more to offer than bookstores do, in the long run. Not being able to go in bookstores would also save me a lot of money and greatly shorten my physical TBR pile. Plus as someone who spent a lot of her free time at school in the library and the fact that I'm currently studying to be a Library Technician, makes me feel like I'm rather obligated to pick library over bookstore in this case, no matter how difficult it is. (Gosh, I could almost write an essay about this! xD)

#4: Would you rather... have to choose one of your favourite characters to die in their book or have to pick one of your favourite couples to break up in their book?

As much of a romantic and shipper I am, I'd rather have one of my fav couples not be together than have one of my fav characters die. At least then I'd still be able to read about the characters, even if it wouldn't be quite as fun or exciting? (They could always get back together too, right? ;)) It honestly would be awful having to choose, either way. *shudders*

#5: Would you rather... be required to read Twilight once a year for the rest of your life or The Scarlet Letter once a year for the rest of your life?

According to Goodreads, both books have fairly low ratings (averages around 3.5), so I'm assuming this question is asking which "bad" book would you rather be forced to read every year? Well, I've never actually read The Scarlet Letter, so I really can't say for sure, but the fact that I actually do rather like Twilight and have fond memories of reading it in my high school years, I'm going to go with it. (I do have plans to re-read it this year actually, coincidentally.)

And... that's it for today. Happy read-a-thoning everyone!


Total pages read: 206
Books started: 1
Books finished: 0
Challenges completed: 2

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Resolutions for 2016

This is my second attempt at TTT! Hopefully I'm able to keep up with it for the majority of this year. ^_^

------

Source: www.brokeandbookish.com

This week the objective is to list your top ten bookish resolutions for 2016. I've decided to do five book-related ones and five more general/personal ones.

Bookish ones first!

1. Make reading a priority. Last year I honestly didn't read that much, and thinking about it now, I realize it wasn't necessarily because I was just constantly in a "reading slump" and wasn't in the mood to read. It had a lot more to do with the fact that I wasn't setting aside time to read everyday, like I used to, and that's something I need to get back into doing again.
2. Buy less, borrow more. I discovered my love of borrowing library books again this past year (mostly due to me starting my Libraray Technician course ;)), and I'd love to continue doing it again this year. I honestly just can't afford to buy that many books these days either (and I don't have a ton of space for them anymore...), so taking books out of the library will save me a lot of future guilt too. haha I am a book collector at heart though, so I know I'll buy at least a few books at some point this year. As long as I don't buy too many though, I'll be happy. :)
3. Read more classics and adult fiction. I love my YA and Middle Grade books, but I also really enjoy a good classic or adult novel, so I'd really like to read more of them this year. My plan is to try to read one of each every month.
4. Get through as many of my unfinished series as possible. I need to double check, but I'm pretty sure I have at least a dozen or so unfinished series on my shelves at the moment, and I'd really like to remedy that (especially since I haven't completed that many series in my life...) And this year is when I'm going to try to do that!
5. Continue to read more manga and graphic novels. Last year I also really found out how much I love (and obsess) over manga and graphic novels, so, of course, I'd like to read more of them this year as well, and expand my knowledge and the variety of them that I read.

Bonus: I'd also like to finally get around to re-reading a few of my favourite books and series which I've been putting off doing for a year or two now (namely Harry Potter >>).

Now for the not-so-bookish ones!

1. Write every day. Reading is my main passion and hobby, but I've also always loved to write, and, like reading, I don't do it as much as I'd like. So this year I'm going to try to write everyday, whether it be for 10 minutes or 3 hours, journaling, blogging, or working on the novel I've been meaning to write for two years now. I just want to write more and truly find out what sort of writer I am.
2. Keep up with my blog and other social media. I've obviously had trouble with this one in the past, so I'd really like to prove to myself that I can, at least, post semi-frequently on my blog and all my social media sites over the course of the year. It's fun and I enjoy doing it most of the time. The Internet is sorta like my social playground, so I'd like to utilize the "social" part of it more. :)
3. Live a healthier lifestyle. To some, I'm sure I look perfectly healthy and in shape, but in reality, I'm not. I hardly ever exercise and my meals aren't always as balanced as they should be, so this year I'd like to make a real effort to change that. I'd love to start running and just get out of the house more in general and enjoy the "great outdoors" as much as I can. I should really have a better sleep schedule too...
4. Push myself out of my comfort zone more often. I am an introvert and someone who has a lot of social anxiety. I'm actually a very anxious person in general, and I only really noticed just how much it's affecting my life over the past year. I've missed out on a lot of things over the course of my 20+ years because I just wasn't brave enough to start or sign up for them. And I'm reeeeeally tired of it. So I'm hoping to do more things that make me uncomfortable and that I just hate doing this year. I know in the long run I'll feel a lot better about myself and enjoy life a lot more if I do.
5. Enjoy life! This one is easy in theory, but harder in practise. I just want to really enjoy my life and not take anything for granted. Not let days just pass by without thinking about them. Really make each day count, so that I can think back on them fondly. Just be as happy and grateful as I can be.

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly, original feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Bout of Books 15.0 Day 1 Update

Day 1 of the read-a-thon is nearly over, so it's time for me to do a quick overview of how my day has gone.

Today I worked from 9 till 5, but I was still able to read a decent amount of pages on my breaks, and I read a bit more tonight too (though not as much as I would have liked. :/) I started reading Room by Emma Donoghue early this morning and managed to get to page 158 by the end of the day. That's not nearly as much as I would have liked to have read, but I kept getting distracted tonight. Hopefully I'm able to read more tomorrow.

And as for the rest of the week, I don't have a set TBR planned at this point, but there are quite a few different books and graphic novels/manga I'd like to read super soon, so I'll most likely just pick and choose from them. (And I'll probably post a picture of the "pile" tomorrow on my Instagram. ;))

The challenge for the read-a-thon today was to introduce yourself #insixwords, and you can find my answer on my Twitter account. I'll also be posting frequent reading updates on my Goodreads account throughout the week (Sorry for all the shameless plugging. >>), and a running list of all my stats can be found at the bottom of each of the update posts I write, here on my blog, just for easier reference.

And... I think that's it for today? Tune in for another update around this time tomorrow. Happy read-a-thoning!


Total pages read: 158
Books started: 1
Books finished: 0
Challenges completed: 1

Bout of Books Read-a-thon 15.0!

Hello everyone! It is, once again, time for yet another Bout of Books read-a-thon! This will be my fourth time participating and I am just as excited as I was the first time! This read-a-thon has become one of my absolute favourites over the past few years and I particularly love doing it during its January session, as I find it's a great way to start off a new year.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Bout of Books, here's a quick note from the lovely people who run it:

"The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 4th and runs through Sunday, January 10th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 15 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. 

- From the Bout of Books team"

Now, for my goals this time around, I think I'm going to keep with tradition and aim to read an average of 300 pages a day (which would work out to be 2100 pages for the entire week), do all the daily challenges and keep up with my daily updates, check out some of the other participants blogs (and maybe leave a comment or two?), and at least attempt to take part in one of the Twitter chats. I have been only semi-successful with this list of goals in the past, so hopefully this session I'm finally able to achieve all of them. Wish me luck! ;P

I'll also be sticking with doing separate, daily update posts, and aiming to have them up before midnight my time (EST) everyday, so be on the lookout for those.

And... that's it for my intro post. I hope, for all of you also participating, that you have a good week, full of lots of reading and fun. :)

Happy read-a-thoning everyone!