Friday 27 November 2020

Month in Review: November

 


I am in Christmas mode. After the year it's been, I think everyone who celebrates any kind of holiday during this time of year has started celebrating a little bit earlier. We could all do with a little bit of cheer. But, even if you don't celebrate anything during this time of year, I hope you still find joy in something. Here's what I got up to in November: 

What I Read:

A Discovery of Witches by: Deborah Harkness: 3/5 stars 

Dear Justyce by: Nic Stone: 5/5 stars 

Furia by: Yamile Saied Mendez: 4/5 stars 

An Ember in the Ashes by: Sabaa Tahir: 5/5 stars 

A Torch Against the Night by: Sabaa Tahir: 4/5 stars 

A Reaper at the Gates by: Sabaa Tahir: 4/5 stars 

Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop by: Roselle Lim: 4/5 stars 

Favourite book: Dear Justyce was an incredible sequel to Dear Martin. I was very curious about Quan's story from hearing about him in Dear Martin, and this book offered an amazing insight into him, and the lives of incarcerated black teens. I think this book gives a great outlook on racism within the justice system. I thought it was really well written. 

Favourite Blog Posts: 

Roberta shares Gratitude on Tell Me Something Tuesday 

Sabrina shares Five Signs that You Should Take a Reading Break 

Claire interviews author Maurene Goo 

Cee discusses Setting Work/Life Boundaries 

Simone shares Wheelchair Facts and Stories 

Life Stuff: 

November was a very busy month school-wise. I rarely ever get stressed out about school, but this month I almost sent myself into a panic attack! To be honest, I was actually kind of happy that I was stressed about school and not other things, because I feel like school is a more common thing to get stressed about rather than the stuff that usually stresses me out. I know it's sad that school is such a common thing to get anxious over. We definitely need professors and teachers to be a bit more understanding. 

Anyways, this month was spent at my desk studying and writing masters applications. It's so nerve-wracking! But, hopefully December will be more under control. I'm looking forward to the winter break and I'm definitely looking forward to the holiday season. Even though it will look different this year, the spirit will still be there. But please party responsibly this year and limit social gatherings! Let's have a happy new year, instead of a sick one. 

How was your November? Do you have any plans for December? 

Emily @ Paperback Princess


13 comments:

  1. Aw, another shout-out! You're spoiling me 😘.

    I get what you mean about school-related stress being almost welcome because it feels normal. Then again, I seem to understand that this year school of any kind was even worse than it used to be...many students of all ages (and for the younger ones, their parents as well) have been struggling with digital learning. I hope your spring break will give you all the time you need to relax and recharge.

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    1. I personally love digital learning, but I totally understand that I can be such a struggle. Especially for younger students who need parental help, and for students who don't have a lot of access to digital resources. It's not an ideal situation, for sure.

      No problem, Roberta! I love your posts.

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    2. *it can be such a struggle.

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  2. I agree w/ you. I am SO in the mood for Christmas now. And good luck with your applications! I agree about school too- such a common source of stress! We need the holidays to relax a little lol!

    Have a super week!

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    1. The holidays will be such a welcome distraction for sure! Thanks Greg!

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  3. I'm glad I'm not the only one who is in a Christmas mood already! I've bought everyone's presents during October and November, and I'm so excited to gift them to my friends and family. Unfortunately, unlike normally, I can't go shopping with my friends, which is a program I love. I mean, technically, we could go because the shops are not closed, but I don't think it's safe right now. (Apparently, I love Christmas for all the commercial reasons, haha.) Anyhow, planning on getting a lot of stuff for uni done this weekend and early next week, so I can use the weekend to start decorating the house. I bought decorations for my shelves, which is so exciting, I've never tried to decorate them. Sorry for the long Christmas talk, haha. Hope December will be a good month for you! Definitely agree with you about professors. :|

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    1. I love Christmas talk! Like you, I started shopping quite early, and I cannot wait to see everyone's reactions as well. Shops aren't closed here either, but especially now they are so packed so I try to limit my outings unless super necessary.

      I'm glad you're decorating your shelves! I have little snowmen on mine right now. It's definitely a mood lifter to decorate a bit :)

      Hope you have a great December, Veronika!

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  4. Thanks so much for the link Em! :) <3

    Take care with the stressing, ok? I know, easier said than done, but go easy on yourself, basically! <3 And enjoy all the Christmas-y-ness! (I LOVE Christmas! <3 )

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    1. Thanks Cee! I'm definitely enjoying the season right now :) Christmas can be such a serotonin boost!

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  5. I'm also fully in Christmas mode :D I started watching Christmas movies last week and it was the best decision I ever made. I hope that you're able to find time to ease your stress a little! I'm so glad I decided to take this gap year after undergrad because I could not IMAGINE having to do school right now with everything else going on. So give yourself a hug and a warm blanket and a night of silly, ridiculous Christmas movies. And good luck on your master's applications! I'm also doing mine and holy moly is it a process :) You can do this!!

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    1. Thanks Laura! I am definitely enjoying all of those light-hearted Hallmark Christmas movies right now. They are the best escape. Hope you are taking care of yourself as well! We will tackle these applications together :)

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  6. I know what you mean about everyone starting to celebrate a bit earlier this year! It’s been nice to look forward to something.
    I’m glad to see you had a pretty good reading month!! I still need to read A Reaper At The Gates, but I think I’m going to have to reread the first two books before I can.
    Sounds like you had a lot on with school this month! Hopefully it makes the winter break all the more sweet.
    Also, thanks for sharing my post Emily! Wishing you a very peaceful December :)

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    1. I had to reread the first two Ember novels as well before I started Reaper. I had left the series for so long that I could barely remember what happened! But now I know why I love that series so much.

      Thanks Sabrina!

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