Sunday 31 January 2016

Month in Review: January

One of the things I decided I wanted to start this year were monthly recaps. I love reading them, I love watching them, so might as well do them! January was a whirlwind of resolutions, studying, and new things to look forward to in the year. Let's see what went down!



What I Read: 

I read a total of 9 books to kickstart my goodreads challenge of 60 books:

The Infinite Sea by: Rick Yancey: 3/5 stars
Six of Crows by: Leigh Bardugo: 5/5 stars
Everything, Everything by: Nicola Yoon: 4/5 stars
A Work in Progress by: Connor Franta: 5/5 stars
Carry On by: Rainbow Rowell: 3/5 stars
We Are All Made of Molecules by: Susin Nielsen: 4/5 stars
Vanishing Girls by: Lauren Oliver: 4.5/5 stars
Love Letters to the Dead by: Ava Dellaira: 3.5/5 stars
In Place of Never by: Julie Anne Lindsey: 5/5 stars

Favourite book of the month: Definitely A Work in Progress! I think what made this book so special was the fact that I was able to get a signed copy, and this is actually the first signed book I own! I've loved Connor Franta's Youtube videos for years, and this book was inspiring, heartwarming, and also very aesthetically pleasing.

What I Blogged: 

A total of 9 posts were put up this month! My favourite post I put up was on Blog Development and Growth, and how it's important to not compare yourself to perhaps bigger and more popular blogs. I appreciated all of the feedback on that post!

My Favourite Blog Posts of the Month: 

I really wanted to shed light on some very insightful and enjoyable posts that I read this month:

Cee Arr of Diary of a Reading Addict talks about depression and staying strong: Look for the Light

In wake of recent drama, Ranu of The Araliya Bookshelf writes an open letter to the book blogging community: An Open Letter to the Book Blogging Community

Erin of the Hardcover Lover discusses why teens like reading dark themes in YA: Dark Themes in YA Literature

Sierra of the Nerdgirl Review shares a personal story and discusses asexuality in media. My Need for More Asexual Characters

Blogger of the Month: 

As a way of showing my appreciation for the many lovely people on the internet, I decided to feature a Blogger of the Month, to showcase one of the amazing people in the community :)

This month's blogger is...

GERALDINE OF CORRALLING BOOKS!!! 

I became blog buddies with Geraldine last month, and she constantly is so friendly, funny and genuinely a lovely person to talk to. Thank you for being so kind, Geraldine!

Personally of This Month: 

I just finished exams, which wasn't as stressful as I thought it would be. Most of my classes were pretty easy, and it's 2nd semester which will be demanding. However I'm excited to start fresh and learn new things!

I REACHED 10K PAGEVIEWS!!! Seriously, this meant so much to me and I am so happy and thankful for every single one of those views. *hugs you all*.

I entered a writing competition! My school board is hosting a Young Author's competition, with all ages being able to submit short stories. Winners will be announced in June. *fingers crossed*.

I started journal writing! Recently I've been writing down thoughts, feelings and emotions, which have really helped me to de-stress and stop worrying. Getting things out of my head and onto a page makes me feel so less cluttered inside!

And that was my month! I'm excited to being new things in February and hopefully I enjoy the first few bits of 2nd semester! Halfway to summer. *sighs*.

How was your month?! Did you do anything exciting? What are you looking forward to in February?!

Emily @ Paperback Princess





12 comments:

  1. thanks for the mention! (blushes) and 10k page views?! well done!!! :D x

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    1. Anytime!! I really enjoyed the post :) And thank you!!

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  2. Congrats on reaching 10k page views! Keep up the good work :)

    Aeriko @ The Reading Armchair

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  3. Loved this wrap up and thanks for the shout out! I'm glad your exams weren't too stressful. If only mine were the same way... Journal writing yass!!! I love journal writing. I have been journaling since I was 7. It honestly feels so good to write out all your feelings and thoughts because sometimes there are things that need to be let out that you just can't tell other people.

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    1. Since you were 7?! Wow it's amazing that you've kept it up for so long! The benefits are honestly so rewarding :) Thanks Sierra!

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  4. You were my first blog buddy - and it's been amazing since we first started even talking to each other! You embody kindness, and it's fun to talk to you~! ^_^
    You've read so many books this month - if you keep this up, you're gonna finish the GR challenge in NO time! :D
    Good luck with the writing competition! Maybe you can share the story with us when you feel like it...? I dunno haha, it's up to you! :)
    Journal writing is pretty therapeutic yeah - I've been keeping a "4 year" journal kind of thing - it's really great to look back upon as well! :)
    Here's to an even better February~!

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    1. Thank you Geraldine! I really hope I don't slip into some reading slump and completely give up on all of my hard work lol. Good luck in all of your journal writing as well!!

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  5. 9 books so far, that's awesome! I'm slowly picking up steam with my reading, so I'm not quite there yet.
    Congrats on 10k views! And good luck next semester!

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  6. I'm glad you read a lot of books and got through with exams. I also recently finished my exams last week amidst stress and sleep-deprivation haha. AND CONGRAT ON 10K PAGEVIEWS WOOOO <3

    Jillian @ Jillian's Books

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    1. Hopefully the stress will be gone now! Thanks Jillian!!

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