#Project14Lists 2018: Movies That Would Make Excellent Books
Everyone loves talking about books that would make be amazing if they were to have their own film adaptations. I’ve talked about it before over at my Books That Should Be Turned Into Movies/Tv Series post later this year. But I wonder sometimes, as I watch a film that has no connection to any book whatsoever, whether a film should become or would have been amazing if it were a book.
For today’s #Project14Lists, I am posting a very short list of some of my favorite movies that would honest to Merlin make my heart swell if it turned into movies.
The Princess Switch
Nextflix description: When a down-to-earth Chicago baker and a soon-to-be princess discover they look like twins, they hatch a Christmastime plan to trade places.
Why it would make a fantastic book: Anyone who has ever watched the Princess Switch knows that this is absolutely book worthy! If I had read that description at the book of a book while in a bookstore with cash to spare, it would have been an instant buy! Imagine reading more detailed descriptions of the switch between Stacy and Margaret and how they interact with Edward and Kevin. All the feels, you guys! This would have been a contemporary hit in the shelves, especially when it’s released during Christmas.
If anyone has a book recommendation that sounds a lot like or is even remotely close to The Princess Switch, I encourage you to holler that over to me because this is the kind of contemporary stuff I’m looking for.
Ocean’s 8
Google description: Five years, eight months, 12 days and counting -- that's how long Debbie Ocean has been devising the biggest heist of her life. She knows what it's going to take -- a team of the best people in the field, starting with her partner-in-crime Lou Miller. Together, they recruit a crew of specialists, including jeweler Amita, street con Constance, suburban mom Tammy, hacker Nine Ball, and fashion designer Rose. Their target -- a necklace that's worth more than $150 million.
Why it would make a fantastic book: Do you even see that synopsis? I love a good crime book to read over, and I love seeing into the mind of any of the characters from Ocean’s 8 because they each have their own specialties when it came to their heists. I also love reading multiple POV stories and this movie takes the cake in getting the point of view of all eight women and how their mind works going forward into the heist. I’d kill for this movie to become a book.
Letters to Juliet
Google description: While visiting Verona, Italy, with her busy fiance, a young woman named Sophie visits a wall where the heartbroken leave notes to Shakespeare's tragic heroine, Juliet Capulet. Finding one such letter from 1957, Sophie decides to write to its now elderly author, Claire. Inspired by Sophie's actions, Claire sets out to find her long-lost lover, accompanied by her disapproving grandson and Sophie.
Why it would make a fantastic book: Now this is the kind of contemporary book I would be extremely up to for reading! Anything that’s set in Europe with an interesting plot always gets me, and Letter to Juliet is one of my absolute favorite movies that would make such a remarkable book if it were to be written into one. The journey in finding Lorenzo written out and the development of Sophie and Charlie going into their search would be so beautiful written down in attentive detail.
Again, if anyone has a recommendation of a contemporary book that sounds anywhere remotely close to this movie, please let me know! My taste for certain books are very limited and being able to find a book like Letters to Juliet would be the best thing to my journey in trying out more contemporary books.
Have you got any movies that you wished were turned into movies? Do you know some book recommendations that sound like the mentioned films above? Sound off in the comments below!
My first post for the #Project14Lists bookish event is a list of my bookish ships! I know, controversial. Not everyone ships the canon couple, or ships that one character with anyone at all. Nevertheless, we are all here to express our love for books and the couples that our favorite authors have written, not to throw shade or spill the tea on each other’s ships. We are all trash for something, and we must respect each other’s trash (if that makes any sense, haha!)
For today’s list, I will be putting up twelve of my favorite bookish ships and my favorite fanart of them (with credits to the brilliant artists, of course!). There are waaaay too many ships that I love, if I’m being realistic here. But I got lazy after the 12th graphic I had to edit up for this. I’ll be dabbling on my favorite quotes/scenes of the ships and a little reaction to said quote or scene.
Let the fangirling commence!
Cover photo credit: johannathemad
1. Thomas Creswell & Audrey Wadsworth from the Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco
Favorite Quote/Scene: “You are not mine to take.” He brushed his lips against mine. Softly, so softly I might have imagined them there. My eyes fluttered shut. He could persuade me to build a steamship to the moon when he kissed me. We could orbit the stars together. “You are yours to give.” --Hunting Prince Dracula
Are you bloody kidding me with that? Honestly, Thomas and Audrey is on the top ten of my favorite ships of all time simply because of that scene alone. This scene shows how much Thomas values Audrey as his equal and partner despite all the mayhem they went through. Also because Thomas Cresswell is every girl’s #bookboyfriendgoals because he’s suave af. I WILL SHIP IT TO MY GRAVE.
Art by phantomrin
2. Elias Veturius & Laia of Serra from the Ember Quartet by Sabaa Tahir
Favorite Quote/Scene: Laia is curled in a ball on the other, one hand on her armlet, fast asleep.
"You are my temple", I murmur as I kneel beside her. "You are my priest. You are my prayer. You are my release." --A Torch Against the Night
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. Do men like Elias Veturius even exist in the 21st Century? Hells no. Well, maybe, but the probability of one existing is about 1 to a million, so there’s that. I have never been so moved by such a simple statement, especially since that mantra is supposed to be Elias’s mantra to like, what was it? His honor in fighting for the Empire? But when he said that to Laia, it’s the same level of honor and I’m just so emotional about that?? What even?? How dare Sabaa??
Art by gabriella.bujdoso
11. Draco Malfoy & Astoria Greengrass from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Favorite Quote/Scene: DRACO: Which is why you need this [time-turner]. I have been holding onto it, barely resisting using it, even though I would sell my soul for another minute with Astoria.
DRACO: You [speaking to his son, Scorpius] know what I loved most about your mother [Astoria]? She could always help me find light in the darkness. She made the world — my world, anyway — less — what was the word you used — “murky.”
--Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
CAN WE JUST TALK ABOUT DRACO MALFOY FOR A HOT MINUTE? This man, who firmly believes himself hopeless soon after the Battle of Hogwarts ended, gets the happiest gift of all by having some girl named Astoria Greengrass see the good in him and love him for who he is. If that isn’t the best trope in a ship, I don’t know what is! We know nothing about Astoria other than the fact that she’s some obscure sister of yet another obscure classmate of Draco’s named Daphne. And yet, she seemed one of the most integral characters to me in Cursed Child when Draco said that he resisted using the time-turner to see his dead wife.
Let’s not forget how when Scorpius time-traveled to a VoldemortWins!AU that Draco still ends up with Astoria. I think that’s what so beautiful about Draco and Astoria. They’re such a minor couple in the background of Hinny and Romione, but they carry so much history we’ve yet to know thanks to their darling cinnamon roll of a son, Scorpius. Anyone who truly knows me is already knowledgeable of the fact that I cry over this ship on a daily basis. And I’m sorry again that I had to cry and make one heck of a long description for this ship because they’re my ultimate fave *ugly sobs*.
Art by blvnk-art
4. Cress Darnell & Carswell Thorne from The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
Favorite Quote/Scene:
“Captain?“
“Cress.“
She couldn’t not say it, although she realized he was right. It was sort of scary. Much scarier than it had been the first time she’d told him, out in the desert. It was different now. It was real. "I’m in love with you.”
He chuckled. “I should hope so, after all that.” He leaned forward and pressed a kiss against her temple. “And I love you too.” --Winter
FIRST OF ALL, WHAT THE ACTUAL FORK I AM SCREECHING OVER THAT. That scene was probably one of the most memorable scenes I’ve read in the last installment of the Lunar Chronicles. Forget how Levana died and all was well. I cannot help but forget this very scene that sets every other couple in the series apart because of how well-written and developed these two were together. Right now, I am super tempted to re-read the Lunar Chronicles, just for the heck of rereading Cresswell (the ship name) all over again.
Art by vvivaa
5. Tedros & Agatha from The School for Good and Evil series by Soman Chainani
Favorite Quote/Scene: “But you are my queen. No one but you. And I like seeing you wear it. Because as long as you do, I know you still love me. And given our history of miscommunication, physical cues are helpful.” --The Last Ever After
I absolutely adore Tedros and Agatha. I have been rooting for them since day one of this series and I will never stop (even if Soman highkey tore them apart in Quests for Glory, for shame). They’re probably the most realistic couple to me, if there was a better word for it? Miscommunication definitely happens a lot between these two because Tedros can be pretty dense sometimes and Agatha can be quite arrogant. But I always love how they come together in the end to work it out because that’s what most couples do--they fight, but they don’t lose sight of what’s really important to them. Tedros and Agatha physically embodies those kind of relationships and I am absolutely here for it. Soman needs to stop hurting me after Quests for Glory though because Tedros and Agatha being apart up until Crystal of Time physically hurts me askhjsfkhja.
Art by thevioleteuphonia
6. Nina Zenik & Matthias Helvar from the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo
Favorite Quote/Scene:
“I am grateful you're alive", he said. "I am grateful that you're beside me. I am grateful that you're eating."
She rested her head on his shoulder.
"You're better than waffles, Matthias Helvar."
A small smile curled the Fjerdan's lips.
"Let's not say things we don't mean, my love.” --Crooked Kingdom
I AM STILL HIGHKEY MAD FOR WHAT LEIGH DID TO THIS SHIP. I won’t say more, but I will say that this is the most painful ship to have ever sailed and I will never get over it. But also the sweetest and well-crafted because of how much these two characters developed over the course of two books. Granted, Nina and Matthias had their history together before the Dregs, but even without it, Leigh wrote them in a way that makes you believe they really are meant for each other in the end despite all adversity. I’m happy Nina is likely going to get a female love interest in Leigh’s installment on Prince Nikolai’s story, though her being with Matthias will always have a special place in my heart.
Art by nilaffle
7. Lira & Elian Midas from To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Favorite Scene/Quote:
“If you get shot,” Lira says, “I’m going to treat you like you’re incapable of doing the simplest tasks.”
She cradles her arms around her knees to keep out the cold.
“See how you like it when I hold out my arm to help you walk, even though you’re not shot in the leg.”
“I’d be flattered,” I say, “that you would look for an excuse just to hold my hand.”
“Perhaps I’m just looking for an excuse to shoot you.” --To Kill a Kingdom
I love a good “do I want to kill you or kiss you, it’s interchangeable” trope between couples, and when it comes to Lira and Elian, they pretty much seal the deal on that kind. Lira, the princess siren, is pretty much a cray murderer that takes people’s hearts and Elian is a prince-pirate that’s set to destroy her and kill her for good. I mean, it can’t get any more angst and interesting than that. The way they slowly develop in this standalone is very intriguing because not a lot of authors can pull off a realistic romance fantasy the way Alexandra Christo did. I just absolutely love Lira and Elian, their funny banters and their angst. They’re the kind of ship I would sail forever, really.
Art by silketara
8. Ron Weasley & Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
There was a clatter as the basilisk fangs cascaded out of Hermione's arms. Running at Ron, she flung them around his neck and kissed him full on the mouth. Ron threw away the fangs and broomstick he was holding and responded with such enthusiasm that he lifted Hermione off her feet. --Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
CONTROVERSY. But seriously, I absolutely adore and love Ron and Hermione together because of their balance as a couple. There are times where Ron will be street smart and there are times (but most of the time) where Hermione will be book smart. Plus, I definitely think they need each other at times to get off their own high horses because we all know Hermione can be a wee bit intense and Ron can be a wee bit ignorant, but that’s the beauty of them balancing each other out. And that particular favorite scene I just showed proved just how far their relationship as more than friends have come. I practically squealed the first time I read their first kiss scene!
Plus, have you seen them in Cursed Child? I know hardly anyone considers it canon, but adult Ron and Hermione are the cutest ship to squeal at in that book--which seems to be one of the very few good things that book had ever produced.
Art by johannathemad
9. Elain Archeron & Lucien Vanserra from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Favorite Scene/Quote: Lucien’s hands slackened at his sides. His voice broke as he whispered to Elain, “You’re my mate.” --A Court of Mist and Fury
Here we go, y’all. Another controversial ship. Let me just say that I want Elain to be happy, and whether it’s with Azriel or Lucien or by herself, I’m totally down for that. I just simply love the idea of Elain and Lucien together because of how actual smol beans they both are. Elain, our sweet flower girl and Seer with Lucien, our soft and loyal Fae--I mean, honestly. If I’m weak for ships that want to kill each other, I’m also weak for ships that have the softest hearts. I think they both have their own struggles and I definitely think they’ll grow from those struggles together.
We all know what happened in ACOFAS and how Elain pretty much snubbed Lucien, but I still have high hopes for them. Maas has a plethora of novels coming out for the minor characters of the ACOTAR series, and I’m betting Elain and Lucien will get their moment in one of those novels. I haven’t lost hope yet! I mean, I bought magnetic bookmarks of these two, so it’s pretty clear I want these two to be endgame, haha!
Art by embaileyart
10. Nesta Archeron & Cassian from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Favorite Quote/Scene: Cassian grunted in pain, but lifted his bloodied hands - to cup her face. “I have no regrets in my life but this.” His voice shook with every word. “That we did not have time. That I did not have time with you, Nesta.”
She didn’t stop him as he leaned up and kissed her - lightly. As much as he could manage. --A Court of Wings and Ruin
I think the whole, if not all, of the ACOTAR fandom can agree that Nesta and Cassian are endgame through and through. Judging by that intense moment alone as per the scene presented above, I can pretty much say that while they both have a long way to go, the foundation has already been built from there. I mean, come on, people! They were willing to get killed by the King of Hybern if it meant protecting each other. If that isn’t squeal-fangirl factor trying to protect each other from some evil war lord, I don’t know what is!
Art by meabhd
11. America Singer & Maxon Schreave from The Selection series by Kiera Cass
Favorite Quote/Scene: “Break my heart. Break it a thousand times if you like. It was only ever yours to break anyway.” --The One
My high school fangirlish heart is exploding with memories of how much I loved America and Maxon back then, and I still do! This single sentence above said by Maxon says so much about how far he and America have come together through the adversities faced during the Selection and the rebellions that came with it from the people of Illea. Their love story is definitely one for the ages. While it’s your typical poor girl marries rich prince story, they’re definitely worth the remarkable development they’ve have over the course of three beautiful books.
Art by marimari999
12. Arin & Kestrel from the The Winner’s Curse trilogy by Marie Rutkoski
Favorite Quote/Scene: She turned to look at him, and he was already looking at her.
“I’m going to miss you when I wake up,” she whispered, because she realized that she must have fallen asleep under the sun. Arin was too real for her imagination. He was a dream.
“Don’t wake up,” he said. --The Winner’s Crime
I’m in slight tears because I still remember this scene in the second book. The scene wasn’t actually real, but a dream that Kestrel had after months of being separated from Arin by some messed up duty to her country. Y’all have no idea the struggle these two had before they finally got their happily ever after (they did, just a little heads up for any hopefuls wanting to read the trilogy). This scene definitely gave me a sense of the impending tragedy of them being together (and yes, there’s also a forbidden love trope, sign me tf up, amiright), but it was a momentary bliss to everything that’s been happening during the course of when that scene happened. I absolutely adore Kestrel and Arin, and I’m so mad very few people have read of them or the series ahhhh.
Art by taylordraws
Phew! That was a lot of ships and hunting down for their quotes. Admittedly, I had some trouble with looking for scenes/quotes and that’s actually a perfect opportunity for me to start bookmarking my favorite parts of a book.
Aside from the struggles, though, I’d love to hear some of your favorite bookish ships, whether we ship the same thing or not. It’s always interesting to hear someone else’s point of view of ships, especially ones where our ships contradict. Feel free to sound off in the comments below!
#Project14Lists 2018: Recommended Books for Non-Reader Friends
I thought I would write something unique before the year ends, something that involves sharing my love for books and dragging my friends in them. Today, I’m going to talk about books that you can recommend to your non-reader friends based off of the personalities of my own friends!
This post is also dedicated to my friends mentioned below for being such a big part of my 2018 still despite the separation because of school or work. I cannot thank them enough for being incredible, and therefore, they deserve the biggest round of applause for keeping me sane for the most part of the year. Think you’ve got friends like mine? Let’s talk about them below!
The Lexie - that one friend that loves fairy tales
I recommend: The School for Good and Evil series by Soman Chainani
Lexie is just about the sweetest person I have ever had the pleasure of being friends with, and she loves books, too! We just met again this year in July when she came back from New York after many years of being away after she left the Philippines back in high school. Seeing her again has filled me up with the utmost joy.
I think my being away from Lexie for the longest time has made me think of The School for Good and Evil which is such a good fairy tale inspired book. It’s got all the good ol’ stories, except, well, it’s much darker. But the fact that the books inspire a sense of hope is definitely one of the better parts of it. My Lexie or your non-reader friend that’s like Lexie would definitely love this kind of book for that small silver lining. Plus, it’s the perfect series for a one-sitting read for your non-reader friend!
The Jojo - that one friend that loves the outdoors
I recommend: Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
There’s a different camaraderie when you end up working in the same job with one of your closest friends in high school. Jojo is one of the strongest and smartest people I know long before we started working together in the same company and industry. She has an adorable baby girl right now, and is a happily married lady. I honestly cannot wait to see her again!
Jojo has, in fact, read the Percy Jackson series. And she adores the outdoors. She would leave the house to go hiking or trekking if she could help it, and I think the PJO series is the perfect recommendation for any non-reader friend that loves being outside. The books are action-packed and takes you to all the amazing places. It’s the perfect book to have for any friend that would take breaks while trekking (if they take breaks, haha!).
The Pearl - that one friend that exercises her no-nonsense feat
I recommend: Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter
Pearl is such a headstrong person. In the circle of friends we have, she’s probably the one that makes some of the more logical choices than most of us that go by heart. She’s currently pushing through the struggles of college right now, and I admire her so much for it.
Pearl has also read the Gallagher Girls series. In fact, we grew up loving the series together back in high school. This is honestly the perfect book to recommend to your no-nonsense friend because I definitely think they’ll enjoy the espionage personality that the books in this series portrays. They’ll love the first book, but I’m pretty sure they’ll rave about the rest of the books even more!
The Caryl - that one friend that is a hopeless romantic
I recommend: The Selection series by Kiera Cass
Caryl is also one of the sweetest people I’ve met, and she also has the kindest heart in any person I’ve ever came across. There is nothing Caryl wouldn’t do for her family and her friends. She always goes the extra mile and I just absolutely love her for it. She’s currently in New Orleans pursuing her dreams right now, and I honestly miss her so much already. But I know in due time, we’ll meet again.
Now Caryl is one of my actual non-reader friends. But if she does decide to sit down and try out a book, I would definitely recommend The Selection series because it has all the feels wrapped up in one glorious set of books. She always was a hopeless romantic to me, and I think she and your own Caryl would love to dive into this amorous book of choices, love and sacrifices.
The Lei - that one friend that’s not afraid to stand out
I recommend: Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco
I have known Lei [and Nikki] the longest in this set of friends I have written out. She’s been my friend since elementary school and have just recently reconnected with her since the start of the year. Lei has grown so much into the person she is now in all the years that we’ve missed each other, and she is not afraid to stand out in a crowd (literally and figuratively, for all her miniature height, haha!)
Lei likes to read books, but to a selective extent. She loves reading about powerful women and how they take no rubbish from no man. And I think if you have a non-reader friend like Lei, you should definitely recommend the Stalking Jack the Ripper series. The main character, Audrey Wadsworth, is definitely not afraid to stand out despite society’s bearings against her as a woman. And such a character reminds me so much of Lei and how she--and your similar friend that’s much like Lei--would enjoy reading such an epic series.
The Nikki - that one friend that loves art and making it
I recommend: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Like I’ve mentioned earlier, Nikki is one of the people I have known the longest in this list of friends because I have also known her since elementary. In fact, Nikki, Lei and I have been close since our very youngen days. She is one of the most artistic people I know and I have loved seeing her art since the first day I’ve ever met this amazing girl. I definitely think she’ll go places one day!
For my artistic non-reader friend, I would recommend A Court of Thorns and Roses. Not only is the main character a remarkable painter, but the detail written into Maas’s ACOTAR books are absolutely splendid. Plus, if you don’t mind some Adult content, this is definitely the book for your friend. And of course, this is a book I should have Nikki read because I reckon she’ll have a blast with it.
The Penny - that one friend that loves classic retellings
I recommend: The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer
Penny is one of my college friends and one that I still keep in close touch with despite myself having left that very brief one semester at university. You’ll be surprised to know that I’ve known Penny since my elementary days, and you guys do not want to know how we became friends, haha! It’s almost laughable what happened between us before we became close in college. Anyways, Penny is a remarkable breath of fresh air and is actually one of the lovely people that I can totally get along with when it comes to our favorite books. We nearly have all the same faves, really!
One of the things Penny absolutely enjoys reading are retellings of some classics. In the case of the non-reader friend, a classic could be anything like a classic movie that your friend would want to go back to from time to time like Mulan or High School Musical. Penny enjoys classic fairy tales and how people write retellings of them. The Lunar Chronicles has those fairy tales with a darker twist in an action-packed sci-fi world. It will surely pique the interest of your classics-loving friend!
The Feliz - that one friend that could build empires
I recommend: An Ember In The Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir
Last, but definitely not the least, is Feliz. Or rather, Liz (because she’d probably stab you with a fork if you called her Feliz), has been my best friend since high school and our friendship has been inseparable ever since. She’s pretty much the Elphaba to my Glinda, the Ginny to my Luna, the Angelica to my Eliza, or whichever amazing friendship or sisterhood that comes to mind. This girl is one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever met and I am forever grateful to have her as my best friend.
If you have a non-reader friend that’s strong-willed and makes her own rules, perhaps she will fancy reading the An Ember in the Ashes series. The Roman Empire setting is absolutely timeless, and with strong characters like Helene and Laia, one cannot help but dive right into this brilliant world-building. I personally think my best friend would enjoy such a remarkably written book about powerful women, and I think your non-reader friend would too!
Do you have non-reader friends that sound a lot like my friends? What are some other recommendations do you have in mind for the kind of friends I have? Sound off in the comments below!
#Project14Lists 2018: Favorite Book Covers of 2019
My #Project14Lists would not be complete without raving over some of the most gorgeous covers of 2019 book releases! I feel like 2019 is definitely going to be the year of really good YA books--book cover-wise and synopsis-wise--because of all these brilliant authors (new and old).
Today’s list is rather short because ya girl tends to be very selective with her favorite covers--but I promise that it’s a short list of awesomeness. Think we’ve got the same favorite covers?
King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
Anyone who has ever read my Favorite Book Covers of 2018 post for the #Project14Lists knows that I absolutely love anything that has gold in it. And, well, King of Scars is chock full of gold upon gold upon gold. I was honestly so shaken by how beautifully designed this cover is. It definitely looks like something that came from some very ancient and well-preserved vase. It is so beautiful and no doubt the story within would be twice as.
Again, But Better by Christine Riccio
This cover is probably the most symbolic and one that looks aesthetically pretty. The way the main character shifts from the black and whites of her life going into one with colors shows much of how the character is stepping out of their comfort zone. I absolutely love how symbolic that is. Plus, that scene of pink and blue is so gorgeous! I’m heart eyes for this cover.
Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
I’ve never been more in love with such a beautiful cover! The long tress of auburn hair with the intertwining leaves--it’s just absolutely breathtaking. Even more amazing is the fact that this book is pretty much about Will and Tessa’s children from The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare. It is definitely my most favorite cover so far. I mean, come on--how beautifully intricate are all those colors? Words can not even explain anymore how much I love it.
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
i adore fierce-looking girls on covers and the one in Sorcery of Thorns definitely looks amazingly powerful! Plus, she looks gorgeous in this one with that ruby-encrusted sword in hand. It was definitely an instant add to my TBR because the book gave me ACOTAR slash Throne of Glass vibes. I was glad my gut feeling was good on this because as soon as I added the book on my TBR just based off the cover, I read the synopsis and I was blown away. I look forward to reading this!
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
*loud screeching because Asian representation* Oh my goodness, need I say more after that screech? But this is seriously such a remarkable cover with our main girl spinning the thread to weave that intricately designed piece. Plus, after I found out this book was Project Runaway inspired, it was an instant add to my TBR plus, again, Asian representation. I am overwhelmed with all the feels already!
What are some of your favorite book covers of 2019 releases? Do we have the same favorites? Sound off in the comments below!
Day 12: Literary Tattoos I love. I might be a tatted up Girl soon!!. Hop on over and tell me whic tattoos you have or want too get. #books #bookblogger #bookblog #project14lists
THIS PROJECT IS HOSTED BY SHEALEA FROM THAT BOOKSHELF BITCH ( THE GORGEOUS HEADER WAS ALSO PROVIDED BY HER)
I love Tattoos and i plan on getting one before i am 30 ( still have six years to think on it).
I decided that if i do i want it to be something i like ( well Duh!!) and also maybe quotes from books that have an impact on me.
So far i have had three quotes from books that i would love to…
Day 11: 5 skincare products to try [super affordable]
Day 11: 5 skincare products to try [super affordable]. Trying to get all book people glowing in the new year check out these products. #skincare #project14lists #bookblogger #bookblog
THIS PROJECT IS HOSTED BY SHEALEA FROM THAT BOOKSHELF BITCH ( THE GORGEOUS HEADER WAS ALSO PROVIDED BY HER)
Who doesn’t Love glowing like a princess/ princes in a faery court ( I mean i have hear the fae are pretty). So maybe i have discovered their secrets and i want to share them with you.
Here are 5 skincare products i recommend to use:
Thayer’s Witch Hazel Toner alcohol-free($14.99): Its a…
Today’s list specifies a list of authors that I’ve never read from before until this year! This is also to show my appreciation for these authors for doing such an amazing job in writing, whether I liked their book or not. Regardless of how they made me feel, I cannot thank them enough for writing such eloquently written books and I am super glad I gave their books a chance.
2018 was definitely the year I explored a little more out of my comfort zone when it came to books written by the authors on this list. Like how I never would have thought I’d actually enjoy a Sarah J. Maas book, or push through consistently on a Cassandra Clare series. This was a year of experimentation on things outside my usual bubble, and I have never been more proud of this year for all the amazing books I read written by these brilliant authors.
Down below are the authors I’ve read in 2018 and which books I’ve read from them this year.
Renée Ahdied
Books I’ve read from her: The Wrath and the Dawn duology
Did I love her books: They were smashing! Her attention to detail with the description of the palace and the foods in her book really takes you to that place itself because everything is so vividly written. Also, kudos to Renée for achieving the nearly impossible feat of developing a couple in the short span of two books. It’s honestly one of the most impressive feats she’s done.
Marie Rutkoski
Books I’ve read from her: The Winner’s trilogy
Did I love her books: I am screeching over her books because I still cannot believe I held off reading them in forever. These are books published years ago and have been sitting in my TBR forever. When I decided to pick them up this year as part of my reading experiments of 2018, I knew I was done for because Marie is such a riveting writer that has pieced together such an epic trilogy.
Sabaa Tahir
Books I’ve read from her: The Ember Quartet
Did I love her books: SWEET MERLIN, DO I LOVE SABAA’S BOOKS. I think I’ve made that the most obvious nearly most of the time whenever I’m not fangirling over Harry Potter. This woman writes the most impacting words and weaves the most complicated and realistic story as far as fictional stories go. Her characters are just absolutely on point and everything from the start of An Ember in the Ashes to A Reaper at the Gates were perfection on top of perfection. I haven’t got a single negative thing to say because Sabaa is an absolute killer queen with writing (and a killer of characters *side-eyes Sabaa while sipping her tea*).
Kiersten White
A book I’ve read from her: And I Darken
Did I love her book: It was sadly one of my first low rating of the year after I read it. I bought the book at a really good sale in National Bookstore because it was a hardcover and very inexpensive for something that costs nearly a thousand pesos. While the concept of the story was intriguing, the pacing of the story felt a tad too slow for my taste. I’m not certain if it’s only just this book that didn’t make it for me, because I’ve learned a long time ago that authors can duly develop overtime. But this book came out about three years ago, so who knows? I might give her another chance.
Leigh Bardugo
Books I’ve read from her: The Grisha Trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, and The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic
Did I love her books: I absolutely did! Well, anyone who has ever been on my journey into reading Bardugo books knows that I absolutely rave about the Six of Crows duology. If I had to pick a favorite child of hers, it would definitely be those two books. The Grisha Trilogy was pretty good too, but the Six of Crows duology was such a glow up after the trilogy. I rarely cry over character deaths, and when I cried over that one character (I’m not gonna say his name because it still hurts *ugly sobs*), I knew I had invested so much of my emotions on Leigh’s carefully plotted out and written characters. I honestly love her so much for it.
Alexandra Christo
A book I’ve read from her: To Kill A Kingdom
Did I love her book: Standalone books are the last thing I find any sort of interest in. I always love something more to come after the first book because I find it nearly impossible to put together a complex story all in one. But the impossible became possible with how well Alexandra Christo wrote To Kill A Kingdom. There are rarely any YA fantasies out there that are stand-alones, and Alexandra takes the cake with this one that it definitely made me want to read even more YA fantasy stand-alones now that I know it is, in fact, possible, given the perfect author and the amazing way they execute their story like Alexandra did.
Cassandra Clare
Books I’ve read from her: The Infernal Devices
Did I love her books: Granted, I have read from Cassandra Clare before many moons ago by the book named City of Bones. Let me just say that said book was not really my favorite back in the day because high school Ella enjoyed Greek mythology more than other fantasy books. But I decided to give myself a go with Cassandra’s Infernal Devices trilogy because everyone kept saying it was much better than her Mortal Instruments installation, and they were not wrong on that one. I gained a new appreciation for Cassandra’s writing in the Infernal Devices, which gives me even more reason to read her other series, the Dark Artifices before Cassandra Clare comes to the Philippines next year.
Victoria Schwab
Books I’ve read from her: Monsters of Verity duology
Did I love her books: This Savage Song has been sitting in my TBR forever just like the Winner’s trilogy. But I am so glad I picked up a book from Victoria Schwab because apparently, she’s such a queen when it comes to writing, and I can absolutely attest to that after reading the Monsters of Verity duology. Her books are an honest to Merlin breath of fresh air from all the other YA books with romance. While the two main characters here had potential (and they really did) to be a couple, Schwab didn’t focus on that, and I honestly love it for all its difference. Plus, she writes some of the most haunting lines, which is always a yes for me.
Kerri Maniscalco
Books I’ve read from her: Stalking Jack The Ripper series
Did I love her books: I have raved about Kerri’s books more times than I can possibly imagine in the span of a year. There’s something about a girl in the 1800′s doing forensic science and experiencing horrendous murders left and right that makes it very unique for a YA book. There aren’t a lot of stories like that, which is why it drew me so much to this particular series. I just absolutely love Kerri’s writing because I can easily get into it without having to overthink things. And although Escaping from Houdini, the third book in the installment gave me some very mixed feelings about it, I still cannot wait to see how Kerri finishes the series with a flourish with the fourth and final book, Capturing the Devil.
Sarah J. Maas
Books I’ve read from her: A Court of Thorns and Roses series
Did I love her books: Everyone probably knows by now that I’ve read Sarah’s Throne of Glass book about three or so years ago. It was a nasty train wreck from there on because I disliked the book. But as part of the 2018 experience, I thought, hey, what the heck--let’s read Sarah’s ACOTAR series and maybe it’ll be better than the other book she wrote. And I was so glad I gave Sarah a second shot. She was probably one of my most unexpected good reads of 2018 because I never thought I’d be able to pick up a Maas book the same way I felt about picking up a Cassandra Clare one. I’m honestly just so glad I got to enjoy her ACOTAR series and I’m honestly here for giving her Throne of Glass series a second chance.
Who are some of your 2018 authors that you’ve read from? Are any of them second chance authors like Maas and Clare was to me? Sound off in the comments below!
#Project14Lists 2018: Contemporary Books on my TBR
Anyone who ever witnessed my reading preferences knows that I don’t fancy myself enjoying contemporary books. There are, however, some very rare instances where I would find myself raving about a contemporary book--and today’s list shows the lucky ones that made my TBR.
When it comes to contemporary books, I tend to be very selective. It will have to be something that’s never been done before that adds a unique stride to it. And I believe this modest list of books on my TBR really impressed me--synopsis-wise--enough for me to want to desperately read them. Think we’ve got the same faves? Let’s take a peek, shall we?
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
I have raved about the film adaptation of this book for quite some time. I made my family and friends watch it. And every time they get to the closing credits, they always tell me how moving the story is. The Hate U Give takes a very realistic stand to the everyday life of black people in America. It is terrifying, but the story also gives you a sense of hope to keep fighting for what’s right. I have loved the film for this book so much that it made me want to read every single detail of it in Angie Thomas’s writing. I have a feeling it’s going to be one heck of a good read.
Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins
I love me a good regal romance! Anything that has to do with royalty is always a weak spot for me because I gobble stories up like that on a daily basis. The concept of a princess going to boarding school and falling in love with her roommate is some fanfiction trope right there, and I am honestly here for it! Also the fact that this book takes place in Scotland, one of my top ten places to want to travel to, says enough of how much I desperately want to get my hands on this book.
Again, But Better by Christine Riccio
Listen, the last story I would want to read is about a girl going through college (even though that sounds super tempting because ya girl has never had the real “college experience”). But there’s something appealing about a story where a college girl decides to just up and go abroad to a different country to start anew and get out of her comfort zone. I know that’s like every contemporary book ever out there, but I relate to the blurb of the story alone simply because I kinda wished I would have done what Shane (the main character) did. Obviously I can’t just up and go to London to go to college there because ya girl is broke, but I had hoped that I had the courage that she had when she decided all of this.
Plus, this is a Christine Riccio book, one of my favorite booktubers of all time on Youtube, aka polandbananasBOOKS. I’ve seen Christine work on this book for ages and I’m honestly so proud of her cause she’s a sweetheart and I’m so excited to get my hands on this book. Also, that title is inspiring. I absolutely adore it.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
This is another one of those book-to-movie adaptations where I watched the movies first before I even read the books. And after watching the Crazy Rich Asians film, I am now extremely tempted to purchase my own copy of the book (it’s crazy expensive, but I’d be so happy if anyone decided they wanted to gift me this) because of how successful the film was. I’ve read about a dozen or so books about European or American wealthy families, but having to read about a wealthy made-a-name-for-themselves Asian family is definitely a difference in all the others. Plus, Asian representation gives this brownie points! I absolutely adore Rachel as a character in the film and I’m definitely looking forward to see what book-Rachel has in store for me.
Thrilling contemporary books are hard to come by for me. Perhaps I’m just a tad picky because I tend to lean more into my well-protected bubble of fantasy books. But I think it’s time to be a bit of a Shane from Again, But Better and try new things for a change. If you have any recommendations for contemporary books, I would love to hear them! Share some of your faves and recs down below!
