Month in Review: April

I didn't post anything in April besides this post... lol. Alas, marking very much did get in the way. But that's okay! I'm hoping to return back to consistency now that summer is on its way. In any case, here's what happened in April: 

What I Read: 

Anne's House of Dreams by: L.M. Montgomery: 4/5 stars 

VenCo by: Cherie Dimaline: 3/5 stars 

If Not, Winter by: Sappho (edited by Anne Carson): 4/5 stars 

My Name's Yours, What's Alaska? by: Alaska Thunderfuck 5000: 4/5 stars 

The Sunbearer Trials by: Aiden Thomas: 3/5 stars 

Favourite book of the month: There were no five star reads this month, but I did think that Anne's House of Dreams was so delightful. The Anne of Green Gables series is pretty much one of the few classic series I actually enjoy, and this book was no exception. 

What I Blogged: 

Nothing, haha! 

Favourite Blog Posts of the Month: 

Roberta invited me to consider: If I Could Go Back and Change One Thing About My Life, What Would it Be? 

Really, my blog hopping wasn't up to par this month either. But I hope to be able to read more posts in the future as well. 

Life Stuff: 

Now that my teaching assistant position is finished, I seriously need to start looking for a place to live in my new city. It'll be stressful for sure, but I've been putting it off for too long and it needs to get done. 

May will be a bit busy. I am going on vacation next week which I am super excited for, and at the end of the month I'm going to an academic conference. I get really nervous presenting in front of a lot of people, but I like to go to these conferences to get practice at it and push myself out of my comfort zone. 

Other than that, I will continue to move forward! That was my April. How was yours? 

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: April

My month in reviews have been on and off since I've taken a few hiatuses, but I'm finally in a good place to bring them back! April was so chaotic, so let's get into it: 

What I Read: 

A Lesson in Vengeance by: Victoria Lee: 4/5 stars 

Laughing All the Way to the Mosque by: Zarqa Nawaz: 5/5 stars 

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by: Malinda Lo: 4/5 stars 

Arsenic and Adobo by: Mia P. Manansala: 4/5 stars 

Lore Olympus by: Rachel Smythe: 5/5 stars 

Care Of by: Ivan Coyote: 5/5 stars 

Honey Girl by: Morgan Rogers: 4/5 stars 

The Fire Never Goes Out by: ND Stevenson: 5/5 stars 

Favourite book: It was overall a great month for reading! I'm going to have to give my favourite book prize to Laughing All the Way to the Mosque by: Zarqa Nawaz. Nawaz created the popular Canadian tv show Little Mosque on the Prairie, and she embodies everything I want to be as a writer: funny, but also incredibly concious of representation and social issues. 

What I Blogged: 

Like I said, blogging has been inconsistent over the past few months, but this month, I slowly started to get back into the swing of things. My favourite post of the month was when I discussed When You Stand Up For Something You Believe In, But It Doesn't Turn Out Right. That discussion was difficult to write, but also I think very needed in terms of my personal reflection on an uncomfortable situation. 

Favourite Blog Posts: 

Vera and Sabrina celebrate their blogiversary by Shouting Out Some of Their Favourite Bloggers 

Cee shares how to Write Your Obvious 

Morgan shares how they've Changed As A Reader 

Life Stuff: 

April was an extremely busy month. I finished up my coursework with final essays, and just this past Tuesday, I had to complete a big presentation of the work I'm doing for my MA. It was extremely daunting and I had some hiccups (for example, when I get nervous, I tend to ramble), however, for the most part, I am extremely proud of myself for overcoming some social anxiety. 

The day this post goes up, I will be going to my first family celebration since COVID started. There's been a lot of milestones since the pandemic, and now we all feel more comfortable in celebrating them. I'm excited to get back to dressing up fancily lol. 

Next month will probably be more busy. I will have to start writing my final paper for my MA, but also, I am attending a conference in Montreal in the middle of May. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, as meeting new people is not my strong suit, but it'll definitely push me outside of my comfort zone which I'm interpreting to be a good thing. 

So, that was my April! A lot of busyness, with some more busyness to come. How was yours? 

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: April

 

CW: this post will briefly discuss intrusive thoughts/OCD 

April was.... a month. There were a lot of ups and a lot of downs, but I've made it to the end! And that's all that counts. 

What I Read: 

Rain is Not My Indian Name by: Cynthia Leitich Smith: 4/5 stars 

Happily Ever Afters by: Elise Bryant: 5/5 stars 

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by: Suzanne Collins: 3.5/5 stars 

Loveboat, Taipei by: Abigail Hing Wen: 4/5 stars 

The Tower of Nero by: Rick Riordan: 3/5 stars 

The Moonflower Murders by: Anthony Horowitz: 4/5 stars 

The Left Hand of Darkness by: Ursula K. Le Guin: 2.5/5 stars 

Anne of Green Gables Books 2, 3, and 4 by: Lucy Maud Montgomery: Avg. rating: 3/5 stars 

Lore by: Alexandra Bracken: 2/5 stars 

Favourite book: It obviously has to be Happily Ever Afters by: Elise Bryant! I got this recommendation from booktube and I loved it. It's about a bi-racial girl who writes fluffy rom-coms, but struggles to finds her words when she moves to a prestigious art school. It had great representation, the love story was so well developed, and it just made me feel validated as well. 

Side note, but I did expect The Tower of Nero to be my favourite of this month, as it was my most anticipated read of this year. I was so hyped to see where the Camp Half Blood series would end after loving it for more than ten years. But, it fell flat. Review to come :( 

What I Blogged: 

I really loved sharing a recommendation list for My Favourite Romantic Books by Asian Authors. Most of the rom-coms I love are from Asian authors as I feel like I can relate to them, so it was nice to share some of my faves. 

Favourite Blog Posts of the Month: 

Veronika shares her Thoughts on the Shadow and Bone Adaptation 

Sabrina gets Personalized Recommendations from The Storygraph 

Greg rants a bit in Sunday Post (but it was a very well thought out and I think a necessary rant) 

Life Stuff: 

Life was rough this month! I had a few days of quite intense panic attacks brought on by my harm intrusive thoughts, which was unexpected and also I hadn't experienced them this bad since I first got diagnosed with OCD over a year ago. I talked with my therapist and she suggested readjusting medication. Long story short I am now on an anti-psychotic drug which I think is helping, but it also makes me really sleepy so that is something to contend with. I do think there is a stigma around medication and especially around anti-psychotics, but I am willing to change the narrative. I do think for my OCD anti-psychotics could be very helpful, and I hate that some people are so anti-medication. Do what makes you get better! But speaking of getting better, I am getting better. Haven't had a panic attack in about a week. Like I said before, I am pretty tired now, but I think I just need to get used to the medication so we are pushing on! 

This month wasn't all bad. I got a job at a freelance writing agency which is fun. It's nice that I can pick my projects depending on how busy I am, so I am in control. I am happy that I'll have something to occupy me during the summer, especially since my sister who I usually hang out with also got a job with the government!! That is major good news because it is right in the field she is interested in, so that was also nice to celebrate this month. 

I watched the whole of the Shadow and Bone tv show in about 24 hours, and I l LOVED it. It has definitely inspired me to re-read Six of Crows. The characters, the acting, the costumes, everything was just so well done. Now I'm setting my eyes on The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. 

I'm also starting to work on my upcoming MA degree now that I'm done undergrad. Exciting changes are coming! 

In random news, I'm getting my wisdom teeth out on Wednesday. I've never had to be sedated before so I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but it should be fine. They have been hurting me so I just want them out at this point. But this is also to say that I'm not sure if I'll post next week, depending on how I'm feeling. 

Anyways, that was my month! The good, the bad, and the in-betweens. I'm hoping for more sunshine and some more wisdom (see what I did there?) in May. 

How was your April? 

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: April

Another month of quarantine is behind us. I definitely thought that April went by a lot faster than March, which is great! I guess I might be becoming more used to this whole isolation thing. That being said, I really hope it's over soon.

What I Read: 

Yes No Maybe So by: Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed: 4/5 stars
The Selection by: Kiera Cass: 4/5 stars
Rich People Problems by: Kevin Kawn: 4/5 stars
Two Can Keep a Secret by: Karen M. Mcmanus: 4/5 stars

Favourite book: It was the month of 4/5 stars! However, I think my win for favourite book goes to Rich People Problems. It is the last book in the Crazy Rich Asians series, and I thought it did a good job at wrapping things up. I'm actually really sad to let this series go.

What I Blogged:

Yay for consistent blogging! My favourite post of the month was my OMG! That Song! Book Tag. My music taste is all over the place (kinda like my book taste), so it was nice to share my favourite songs with you all.

Favourite Blog Posts: 

Cee shares her love for the tv show Arrow in a heartfelt letter. 

Erin features a guest post of fellow book bloggers' favourite quarantine reads. 

Jillian explains Why Student Journalism Matters 

Life Stuff: 

Like I said, this month went by a lot faster than March. I am happy because I am officially done 3rd year! This year did not end how I expected it to, but everything got finished, and my marks look ok, so that's all I can ask for. I will be taking a summer course though, simply because I have a lot more time on my hands now, and I figured I might as well gain a credit now so I'm not scrambling in the fall.

My sister and I started watching RuPaul's Drag Race this month. We absolutely love it! I think it's such a motivating, light-hearted show with an important message. I think it's also educated me on how I can be a better ally. Overall, it has really lifted my spirits.

I also started properly watching Schitt's Creek. I have caught a few episodes here and there in the past, but finally decided to watch it from the beginning. It is absolutely hilarious, and also makes me so proud as a Canadian that a show lead entirely by Canadians has made it so big all across the world.

In May, I am looking to improving my mental health, staying positive, and leaning on hope. Also, looking forward to some warmer weather, which has definitely brightened up my mood in the past!

How was your April? Have you read or watched anything good in isolation?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: April

This girl is done school and is ready than ever for summer! 2nd year... well it wasn't fun both mentally and physically, so I am excited to have a break. Here's what happened in April:

What I Read: 

My Lady Jane by: Cynthia Hand, Brodie Ashton and Jodi Meadows: 5/5 stars
To All the Boy's I've Loved Before by: Jenny Han: 5/5 stars
There's Something About Sweetie by: Sandhya Menon: 4/5 stars
P.S. I Still Love You by: Jenny Han: 5/5 stars

Favourite Book: Besides my re-read of To All the Boy's, I very much enjoyed My Lady Jane! It was hilarious, cleverly written, and satisfied by history-loving heart. (Though to call it a historical retelling is a little wrong.)

What I Blogged: 

I continue to suck at blogging and didn't post much this month, however my favourite post was my wrap-up on the Twilight series with Breaking Dawn. It was fun sharing my insight and having a great discussion with other bloggers.

Favourite Blog Posts: 

Ruzaika talks about Muslim Rep in YA

Lais discusses High School in Brazil

Noel reveals that She's Publishing a Book!

Life Stuff: 

Like I said before, school is over and I am really happy about that. I am now going to be working full time to gain some money for the new car I will be getting soon! I am so excited to finally being able to get around on my own.

This month I went to see one of my all-time favourite musicals, Dear Evan Hansen, in Toronto. It was an incredible show and I really want to see it again. I may have cried.

My month was also consumed with watching the new season of Game of Thrones. *sobs* Let me know what you thought of the first few episodes!

I hope May will bring a lot more sunshine, and that my summer will be fun. God knows I need it.

How was your April?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: April

Exams are over, my job has fully started and I am in a whole new routine now! I have shortened my posting to once a week now as I haven't had much inspiration to blog lately, but hopefully over the summer I'll be brainstorming new ideas. Here's what happened in April!

What I Read:

The Upside of Unrequited by: Becky Albertalli: 4/5 stars
One Dark Throne by: Kendare Blake: 5/5 stars
Otherworld by: Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller: 3/5 stars
Queens of Geek by: Jen Wilde: 3/5 stars
Radio Silence by: Alice Oseman: 2/5 stars
The Raven Boys by: Maggie Stiefvater: 5/5 stars


Favourite Book: One Dark Throne of course!! I ended on SUCH A CLIFFHANGER and ugh I just can't wait for the new book to come out in September!

What I Blogged:

Like I said before, I've been feeling a little uninspired recently. I did do a discussion about Getting into New Adult Fiction that I really enjoyed, but other than that, it was mostly just book reviews.

Favourite Blog Posts:

Veronika and Ruzaika talk Reading Styles 
Cee discusses Toxic Friendships and Reclaiming Enthusiasm 

Life Stuff:

I started my job, and I am quite enjoying it! It is a learning process but I'm trying not to be too hard on myself when I make a mistake and just focus on getting better.

I also have finished my first year of uni! It went by so fast and while I can't say I fully enjoyed it, it was easier than I thought it would be. Summer is now upon me and I'm hoping to write a lot more.

The greatest news of the month: I got into my creative writing program! You may recall a few months ago I shared my writing portfolio. Well it was approved and now I am officially a creative writing major! A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

How was your April?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: April

We are now in the 2nd last month of the school year and I could not be more stressed! I'm going to be put in a lot of social situations this month which I am not used to, so if we could just fast forward to June, I would really appreciate it.

What I Read: 

The Shining by: Stephen King: 2/5 stars
The Hate U Give by: Angie Thomas: 5/5 stars
The Virgin Suicides by: Jeffrey Eugenides: 1/5 stars
Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold by: Iain Reading: 3/5 stars
The Song of Achilles by: Madeline Miller: 5/5 stars
A Study in Charlotte by: Brittany Cavallaro: 2/5 stars
The Kingdom of Oceana by: Mitchell Charles: 3/5 stars

What I Blogged: 

9 blog posts went up this month! I think my favourite post was Don't Judge a Book by Its Publisher. It was kind of interesting to talk about and something that I've been thinking about for a while.

Favourite Book: Without a doubt, The Song of Achilles. It combined two of my favourite things: Greek Mythology, and a good romance, and I know I will be re-reading this one for a long time.

Favourite Blog Posts of the Month: 

Cee explains that Millennials are not Lazy 
Lais discusses Trigger Warnings
Amy review Six of Crows
Uma explains how she Develops Fantasy Worlds

Life Stuff of the Month: 

Nothing really significant happened this month. A lot of worrying for the upcoming months, especially May, but other than that I haven't got anything new to really report. I just really hope that I will be able to calm myself down for this month. Hopefully when I'm writing my Month in Review for May, I will be saying some positive things!

How was your April?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: April

April has came and went and I am so ready for hopefully some nicer weather in May! Bring on the sunshine :D This month was a whirlwind of some INCREDIBLE books, specifically with male protagonists, so I was on a role this month:

What I Read: 

Dorothy Must Die by: Danielle Paige- 4/5 stars
The Outsiders by: S.E. Hinton- 5/5 stars
Devil and the Bluebird by: Jennifer Mason-Black- 3/5 stars
Frayed by: Kara Terzis- 4/5 stars
Cinder by: Marissa Meyer- 4/5 stars
The Raven Boys by: Maggie Steifvater- 4/5 stars
The Dream Thieves by: Maggie Steifvater- 5/5 stars

Favourite book: A toss between The Dream Thieves and The Outsider's. Both of these books were magnificently crafted, that I honestly couldn't pick one over the other!

What I Blogged: 

This month was the month of Conversations in which the fantastic meme hosted by Geraldine and Joan launched! The most recent Conversation, 15 Year Old's and 50 Shades of Gray, was my favourite post this month as I had so much to talk about!

I also participated in Nefarious Tales, a week-long Villain Blog Tour hosted by Mishma! It was so fun to talk about all things evil and the twitter chat was great as well! I talked about Harry Potter Villains.

Favourite Blog Posts of the Month: 

Geraldine asks if 15 year olds are too young to be reading 50 Shades 
Cee discusses women and book prizes 
Megan shares her amazing support system
Annika randomly rambles about her similarities to the characters she reads 
Mishma hosted a villain week blog tour! 

Blogger of the Month: 

This month I'm highlighting a non-bookish blog to switch things up! My cousin Megan, who also graciously designed my blog header, has a wonderful lifestyle and mental health-driven blog in which she shares inspiring posts and personal stories. Most of her posts are related towards strengthening mental health, and she puts such heart into her posts! So, if you're looking for a great lifestyle blog, check out Megan @ Megan Inness!

Personal Stuff of the Month: 

I WON A WRITING CONTEST! Technically, I got in third place, but it was a huge accomplishment for me and I'm so proud that I got this far. I even won a giftcard to Chapters Indigo! Book shopping, here I come.

The physical copy of my book finally arrived! The book I wrote for NaNoWriMo finally came and it was so surreal! I'll cherish it forever.

I'm still in school, I still hate math, but hey, what can you really do? TWO MORE MONTHS!

That was my April! How was yours?

Emily @ Paperback Princess