This year hasn't been the best for me so far, and its showing in my reading/writing habits--or lack of those habits lately. But when all else seems to fail, I can turn to my books for comfort 👍😊

Here are my #top6reads so far for 2019. A review for the tagged still to come--one of the most beautiful pieces of literature I've ever held in my hands 💙 Thanks @Cinfhen for the idea!

Here we go, July!!! Pretty cool choices this month--what's everyone picking? #botm

For #pridemonth, I wanted to share two of my favorite books featuring #bisexual characters (LaCour's much more subtle than Colbert's, but still worth mentioning). I cannot stress enough that healthy bi representation--like ALL representation--is so important today, especially in YA literature. I think we've seen a steady increase in books breaking stereotypes of all degrees, and I only hope it continues 💪#repmatters

Overtime $$ well spent!!! Loving the limited gift edition from Cemetary Dance, complete with a some BEAUTIFUL illustrations and binding #bookmail #constantreader

Jennifer McMahon is typically my go-to author for "guily-pleasure" horror/creepy reads, but she really stepped it up with this one! Her writing has so improved since her earlier works (some are quite messy), and the story (while cheesy at points) actually felt fresh and coherent for the most part. This had just enough "creep" to make it a lighter read for horror fans, but it's also a good choice for newbies to try the genre out ?

FANTASTIC audiobook--I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it nearly as much had I picked up the print copy. The narrators did a great job capturing the gritty and raw emotions packed within this, and I adored the podcast-like format.

Know that this does have some pretty significant TWs for those who would need to know (I won't mention them here because I consider one to be a huge spoiler, so make sure to research if needed). #audio

I may have enjoyed this had I known more going in. I thought this would involve a feminist look at women in today's military culture, but instead it read like a PG-rated Hallmark movie (which can be fun, just not what I expected). The relationships were unnatural, the diversity felt a little forced, and overall it just was fragmented. Still, this could be a great book for the right reader. GR: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2768175138 #botm

Ugh. Just started this, and already I'm not a fan of how the author is incorrectly portraying Pittsburgh as a place that natives want to "escape." In reality, locals and transplants young and old are damn proud of their wonderful city and its schools, and this is coming from a Philly girl ?? I may be nit-picking, but it's a HUGE pet peeve of mine when authors fail to research local cultural norms #botm

And...They're up!! Wasn't too thrilled with the selections at first--I still have to read Dark Matter so holding off on the Blake Crouch. But then I saw that the thriller is a translation (which is pretty cool) so may give it a go 👍 #botm

WOW. One Goodreads reviewer described this book as leaving a "bruise." I'd have to agree that this left one hell of a bruise on my heart ? She packed so much into the story, I'm in awe when I remember that this is her debut #botm

This will probably be the last rainy Sunday snuggle session for me and my buddy--he's in the final stages of heart failure and we've decided that it probably will be time to take him to the vet this week. Between his illness and my grandmother's passing last Christmas, it's been a really hard 2019 for me so far--and especially lately, it hasn't been easy. Sending positive thoughts to all Littens struggling in some way ❤ #dogsoflitsy

1. My two sheepies, me, and my mom ❤ (Jingle up top with my me and mom, Frosty and myself in the bottom left, and my mom with double trouble on the right!) #dogsoflitsy
2. Nothing! Only read 2 books in April, hoping for a productive May!
3. Going down the shore/beach for some peace and quiet
4. 🌧🌧🌧 but that's ok!
5. It's pizza Friday! 🍕
@howjessreads #friyayintro

Hmmm not sure how I feel about this month's picks--I didn't read The Kiss Quotient but I'm sure alot of readers will be thrilled with The Bride Test! Thinking about either skipping, or getting the historical or non fiction if I do pick one #botm

FINALLY!! According to GR looks like a Feb 2020 release date, at least they've given us something to chew on for now! Will have to research recaps to prepare 🙈 Anyone else excited?? #thediviners

This was pretty well written, but not a "pick" because it wasn't quite what I was expecting--mainly because the "horror" and "paranormal" read more like sci-fi. But this is still a solid read for anyone interested in giving collections a try ?

The best way to end a crappy day? Putting on a pair of cozy socks, opening some #bookmail, and curling up to the rain outside 😊 #botm

My second month in a row that I failed in the "planning to skip" train of thought...got Miracle Creek, Lost and Wanted, AND Beyond the Point ? anyone else have a hard time picking this month?? #botm

1. One if my faves 💜
2. I'm not organized at all, but do try to make my bed every day to make up for it!
3. 48, and its raining...which is perfect weather for me 🌧
4. I put maple syrup on ALL my breakfast items (hashbrowns, omelettes, bacon), and apparenlty that's weird!
5. Saying hi to all new #littens who wish to join the fun!
@howjessreads #friyayintro

Happy Friday!

Ugh I HATE when I DNF a #botm pick, but I just couldn't focus on the story. I think the premise is interesting, but I couldn't connect to the writing style in any way. Maybe I'll give it another try later this year, but for now I need to move on to something else!

One of my reading goals for this year is to actively read more culturally-influenced books as a way to diversify my #TBR. With the start of March, I'm looking for everyone's favorite Irish-inspired reads-- fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, historical, YA, or anything else you've enjoyed!

All I can say is...wow. While not entirely flawless, this is such an important book on so many different levels, sparking dialogue about gender, domestic violence, and mental health. The hype for this one is spot on! #botm

Plot twist...I went from skipping #botm to one #botm selection PLUS some Barnes & Noble #bookhaul picks...oops 🙀

#Botm is up! Actually thinking about skipping this month since I just overhauled myself from the used book sale last week 🤣 but still excited to see what everyone else picks!

Nothing like a good haul from a used book sale to brighten me up! Even though its been two months since my grandma passed, I still have been finding it hard to smile some days, let alone read or check Litsy. I didn't even feel like going tonight, but here I am so excited share my finds with everyone--here's to the power of books! 💙 #bookhaul

Happy Friday!

1. Scooby-Doo
2. Scooby
3. Scrappy
4. Scoobs
5. As you can tell, I'm not too up-to-snuff on my Disney IQ...but I'm a walking Mystery Inc encyclopedia 😭

#frideas @SailorMoon

Jingle Bell is here to wish all my Litsy friends a #HappyValentinesDay, and to remind everyone that no matter where you are in life--single, married, divorced, or somewhere in between--you are loved today, and always will be 💜 #dogsoflitsy

Had really low expectations after her first one, which was such a snooze 😴. But this one is worth checking out! The writing was spectacular, and overall the book was everything I wanted #TheChalkMan to be. Minus some points for the too-obvious Stephen King tropes, some plot holes, and an ending that was totally bonkers--but overall, one of the better thrillers I've read recently! 4/5 🌟#TheTakingOfAnnieThorne

1. Just finished the tagged book and HATED it. So disappointed, but seems like everyone else loved it so don't let my opinion deter you from trying it!!!!
2. Sweet
3. Philomena & James, Theresa & Anthony
4. Free Willy
5. I wouldn't care, as long as long as there's good food 😋

Happy Friday!

@howjessreads #friyayintro

#Botm is up! I'm trying to manage my #TBR #backlog and only got one, A Woman Is No Man. Was thinking about The Winter Sister and may add it next month after hearing what you all thought of it (I keep hearing mixed reviews and that it's good but nothing spectacular). What did everyone else get??

Thanks @Texreader for the tag, this was so much fun!!! #20thingsaboutme

Taking a break from reading to bundle up and watch the #eclipse. What a beautiful night--there's not a cloud in the sky, and despite the cold I've never felt such peace🌙 #superbloodwolfmoon

Even though not a full "pick," for me, I think most readers will LOVE this one. I personally am not a fan of books where you find out what's going on right at the get go (and the rest of the plot following as so). But wanted to give this a try to stretch my reading, and did end up liking it :) onto the next! #botm

Joining in on the #WinterStormReadathon with the perfect pick...wouldn't want to be snowed in any other way! 🍷❄🌧 #botm @MrBook @BookBabe

About 100 pages into this one and liking the writing style, but it's just putting me to sleep 😴 hopefully it picks up a bit!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

What an utterly heartbreaking look at privilege and what it does to hinder progress--if this is what the book world looks like in 2019, bring it on!! #botm

Full review here:
https://theweekendlibrarian.wordpress.com/2019/01/07/the-far-field-by-madhuri-vi...

Happy first #friyay of the year! @howjessreads

1. Write and review more, and get my blog to be actually readable 😂🙈
2. As long as there's wine I'm good 🍷
3. Raven
4. July
5. Happy birthday everyone!

It's been a very emotional and un-festive few weeks for me since my grandmother's sudden decline this month and her ultimate passing on Christmas Eve. I wasn't able to finish any books and had zero interest in anything outside of work. With these EXCELLENT #botm selections, I think this is her way of telling me that it's ok to start reading, smiling, and kicking life in the butt again 😊👼

Absolutely in love with the #botm bookmark this month! #bookmail

#BOTM is up!! Some interesting choices--haven't heard of any, but thinking I'll go with The Far Field and possibly No Exit. What's everyone else picking??

I overall enjoyed this one, but it wasn't my favorite of hers. As usual, Moriarity's writing is sharp and witty, and the characters were wonderfully developed. Sadly, the outlandish plot just didn't work for me--though I still had a lot of fun with this! #botm

Full review: https://theweekendlibrarian.wordpress.com/2018/11/25/nine-perfect-strangers-by-l...

It's (almost) that time of year! Yes, the Dickens Village is up before the tree...nerd alert 😁

According to Goodreads, I'm only 24% through...and I've already been destroyed 😥😥 #botm #nowords

Starting this one tonight---my oh my is it MASSIVE 😥 not lying when I say I'm a tad intimidated, but it seems like a fitting time of the year to pick it up! Hoping it pulls me in quickly👍#constantreader

THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!!! Been waiting for this moment since The Night Circus came out during my senior year of high school 😂 To this day, it's still one of my favorite books of all time. Any other #littens just as excited as me?? Looks like we have about a year til publication!

Words of wisdom for all readers, young and old ❤ #charlesdelint

Kate Morton is one of my favorite authors, but I have to admit that this one frustrated me. I couldn't tell who exactly the story was supposed to be about. There were soo many plotlines/"mysteries"/backstories that seemed underdeveloped, scattered, and unfocused, and we don't really see alot of character growth. Seems like lots of other readers loved this, though, which is great! Hopefully I'll enjoy her next book! #botm

In anticipation of receiving my November #botm box, I'd like to take a moment and acknowledge all the books this past year that I only picked to "throw away my credit," but ultimately became all-time favorites! Have you ever read a book outside of your "comfort zone," only to discover something new and beautiful about the world or yourself? ?

Happy #Halloween to all my fellow #littens! 👻🧙‍♀️

#feelingwitchy

Full of monsters and girl power, this was such a delightful read! Great #halloween pick if you're not a fan of the spooky stuff!

Also, had no clue there was a sequel until just now--guess I have another TBR addition!

Some rainy-morning Saturday reading before company calls for the weekend. Absolutely loving this #worldfantasyawards nominee--the cover isn't too shabby, either!!