Month in Review: February

I am so happy we're in the month of spring. February was rough weather-wise, and just a few days ago I had such a stressful time driving home because of a massive snowstorm. I do not like this weather and am looking forward to a change. Anyways, here's the good stuff that happened this month: 

What I Read: 

I'm Glad My Mom Died by: Jennette McCurdy: 5/5 stars 

Braiding Sweetgrass by: Robin Wall Kimmerer: 4.5/5 stars 

Hunting by Stars by: Cherie Dimaline: 5/5 stars 

Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail by: Ashley Herring Blake: 3/5 stars 

The Theban Plays by: Sophocles: 4/5 stars 

Obasan by: Joy Kogawa: 3/5 stars 

Favourite Book: I was so excited to finally be able to get my hands on a copy of I'm Glad My Mom Died by: Jennette McCurdy. I've read nothing but positive reviews about this book, and as someone who grew up watching McCurdy on tv, this text really provided some shocking but important insights into the toxic culture of growing up on tv. McCurdy is a fantastic writer and I hope she continues to write more. 

What I Blogged: 

I really enjoyed writing my post about Performative Reading. I like when the inspiration to write a book comes from outside of the bookish world, and the inspiration from this post came from a really important talk I attended. The insights people provided in the comments were also very helpful, and I definitely want to continue this conversation. 

Favourite Blog Posts of the Month: 

Kit reveals Why They Like Redemption Arcs 

Cait talks 2023 Book Releases You Need to Read 

Lissa shares Meet-Cutes and "Meet-Awkwards" From Books 

Life Stuff: 

The big and good news from this month is that I got into my PhD program! It was such a coincidence how I found out as I got the email while talking about acceptance letters with a friend, but I am so unbelievably happy. Now comes the hard and not so fun stuff of budgeting, finding a place to live, figuring it all out, etc. But for now I can celebrate, which is good :) 

This month I am looking forward to some birthday celebrations and eating lots of Easter chocolate. With some work as usual sprinkled in as well. 

That was my February? How was yours? 

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: February

Thank god it's March. I am so over winter and I am so happy that we are one month closer to spring. I'm tired of being cold! Anyways, here's what happened in February, along with some very good news! 

What I Read: 

Sanctuary by: Paola Mendoza and Abby Sheer: 4/5 stars 

Concrete Rose by: Angie Thomas: 5/5 stars 

One of the Good Ones by: Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite: 5/5 stars 

Juliet Takes a Breath by: Gabby Rivera: 4/5 stars 

Love and Olives by: Jenna Evans Welch: 3/5 stars 

He Said, She Said by: Gigi Gorgeous: 4/5 stars 

Stay Gold by: Tobly McSmith: 4/5 stars 

How it All Blew Up by: Arvin Ahmadi: 4/5 stars 

10 Things I Hate About Pinky by: Sandhya Menon: 4/5 stars 

A Tail of Camelot by: Julie Leung: 5/5 stars 

Favourite book: I have to give it to A Tail of Camelot. This book surprised me so much because it is a middle-grade novel retelling Arthurian legend but with mice instead of humans. You heard that right. I had to read it for my King Arthur in Young People's Literature course, but I LOVED it. It was adorable, such a feel-good novel. 

What I Blogged: 

My blogging life has been... meh recently. By this I mean that I am running out of ideas, people! I mostly just blogged book reviews in February, because there wasn't anything I mainly wanted to discuss. I'm in a bit of a writer's block right now. Do you have any tips? 

Favourite Blog Posts of the Month: 

Despite my February writer's block, a lot of bloggers wrote fabulous posts this month! Here are some of my favourites: 

Cee explains what Depression Is 

Roberta shares a 2021 Update (Go give her some love, she has had it rough this year so far) 

Nicole asks: Unbiased Reviews: Is There Such a Thing? 

Sabrina recommends Books Based on Aesthetics 

Life Stuff: 

Now here is that good news I mentioned at the beginning: I GOT INTO MY MASTERS PROGRAM!! I am over the moon right now. I will be doing my MA in literature, focusing specifically on YA literature written by Indigenous authors. I just knew I had to focus on YA in my degree. I am really excited for this project and I am so happy that the biggest hurdle has been jumped. 

So, I had a good February. I had a week off of school, I got some great news, and I feel like even though this pandemic has taken a lot of opportunities away from me, my future is in a good spot. This pandemic has been tough on the people of my generation, so I hope that the future looks bright for all my fellow gen z'ers. We deserve a break! 

So that was my February. How was yours? Do you have any good news to share? 

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: February

This month (or more specifically, this week), has by far been the hardest of my life. I will get into it during the Life Stuff portion, but just know that there will be a lot of discussion about anxiety and depression.

What I Read: 

Sinner by: Maggie Stiefvater: 4/5 stars
The Keeper of the Isis Light by: Monica Hughes: 1/5 stars
China Rich Girlfriend by: Kevin Kwan: 4/5 stars
The Turkish Embassy Letters by: Mary Wortley Montagu: 1/5 stars
King of Scars by: Leigh Bardugo: 3/5 stars

Favourite Book: I loved China Rich Girlfriend. Not as much as I did Crazy Rich Asians, but all of Kwan's novels are so funny and easy to get through.

What I Blogged: 

I was consistent in blogging this month, despite everything that was going on, which I am happy about. I got around to reviewing Shadow and Bone, which was great because I always enjoy sharing my thoughts on such a hyped book.

Favourite Blog Posts: 

Sabrina shares The Lies She has Heard about Reading

Erin Reviews Ninth House 

Cee asks for Love and Hope 

Life Stuff: 

Now comes the sad stuff. But I promise, I'm doing better now. The month started off with my mother moving in with me to take care of me amidst my anxiety and OCD. Her presence was a great distraction, and I found myself getting better throughout reading week. However, just this past week, I was prescribed anti-depressants to deal with my OCD and anxiety, and I was super excited to get some extra help. I had high hopes, but boy was I not expecting the side effects.

I took the medicine for four days, each time expecting to get a little more used to the medication like everyone told me I would. For those four days, I laid trembling in bed, constantly nauseous, constantly paranoid, at the darkest moment in my entire life. My mom would hold me as I shook uncontrollably. I couldn't keep any food down, and I had no motivation to do anything. I was depressed.

So, needless to say, I am off of the anti-depressants. Lots of people have told me that it just takes time to get used to them, but my brain has never been more fucked up in my life. I didn't feel like myself, and I thought that I was doing better before medication than afterwards. It was a hard decision, but I felt so much better once I was off of them.

I am still not 100%, and this is mostly because I am experiencing some stress towards what was a very traumatic experience. I keep thinking that I will get sick again. But, I am more of my old self today than I was for the past four days. I went to school, and it felt so good getting out of the house. I don't know where I stand with other forms of medication, but I am hopeful that I will be better with time. I'm not writing this as a sad story, because I am honestly much happier now. I just wish I hadn't experienced all that, as it something that I would rather forget.

So, I am going into March with a clearer head, and hopefully a healthier future. I am happy to get some of my mojo back, and I know this month looks a lot brighter than my last one.

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: February

This is LONG overdue, but the shortness of the month underestimated me, so this post is going up in March. I am not one to stray from routine! Here's what happened in February:

What I Read:

Mockingjay by: Suzanne Collins: 4/5 stars
Divergent by: Veronica Roth: 4/5 stars
The Prisoner and the Chaplain by: Michelle Berry: 5/5 stars
Abeng by: Michelle Cliff: 3/5 stars

Favourite Book: I had to read The Prisoner and the Chaplain for my creative writing class, and the exciting thing is, I am going to interview the author! This is a fantastic crime novel from a great Canadian author.

What I Blogged:

I really enjoyed my compilation of Books for People Who Hate Reading. It was fun revisiting some old favourites!

Favourite Blog Posts: 

Lais discusses Outlining Characters vs. Outlining Plots 

Cee asks: What is a Wall? 

Life Stuff: 

February flew by! I had my reading week, so I got to go home from uni, which was really nice. I also started therapy, ended therapy, and now am starting up therapy again! It's a long story (sighs) but, I think I am finally starting to sort out my issues :)

I am really looking forward to this month because it is the last full month of the school year! Then I can relax, and hopefully have a great summer.

That was my February! How was yours?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: February

Hello everyone! I can't believe February is already over. To me it flew by and now I have only one month left of my first year of university! Here's what happened in February:

What I Read: 

Pride and Prejudice by: Jane Austen: 4/5 stars
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by: Mackenzi Lee: 5/5 stars
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Hammer of Thor by: Rick Riordan: 4/5 stars
Five Little Pigs by: Agatha Christie: 3/5 stars
One of Us is Lying by: Karen M. McManus: 5/5 stars

What I Blogged:

We got a little ranty this month! My favourite post I did was JK Rowling, You Need to Stop. It was good to get some things off my chest regarding the Harry Potter series in its current state.

Favourite Blog Posts: 

Claire says #Never Again 
Amy explains why Tamlin and Feyre is an Unhealthy and Abusive Relationship 

Life Stuff: 

Nothing really eventful happened in February! Like I said, it kinda came and went quickly. I had my reading week so it was nice to have a break and go home. But other than that, it was just school and writing. I did get to submit my writing portfolio for my program, and I'll know by mid-April whether I'm accepted. Finger's crossed!

How was your February?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: February

February has come and gone, and with it, the dread of a new semester!! Realistically, I'm pretty miserable and I'll explain that later. For now, let's get into books!

What I Read:

Carve the Mark by: Veronica Roth: 4/5 stars
Crooked Kingdom by: Leigh Bardugo: 5/5 stars
Wucaii by: Pembroke Sinclair: 2/5 stars
Holding Up the Universe by: Jennifer Niven: 4/5 stars
Station Eleven by: Emily St. John Mandel: 6/5 stars (yes, I know I put 6)
The Sun is Also a Star by: Nicola Yoon: 3/5 stars
The Outsiders by: S.E. Hinton: Do I even have to rate this one anymore?
Hidden Figures by: Margot Lee. Shetterly: 3/5 stars

Favourite book: Now I'll explain why I put the 6 for Station Eleven. Never, in my 12 years of going to school have I ever read a required reading book that I completely enjoyed. Then came Station Eleven. I read the whole thing within the weekend that the first chapter was assigned to us and I am standing by the decision that it will be my favourite book of the year. I'll talk more about it in my review of it, so stay tuned.

What I Blogged:

To be honest, it was kind of a slow blogging month. Just the same ol', but I did put up one post that I was very proud of: Swearing in my Posts. It was a good discussion and good to get things off my chest.

Favourite Blog Posts of the Month: 

I discovered a whole lot of new blogs this month and I have been loving it!!

Kirsty talks about her Anxiety 

Uma shares The Blog Squad's thoughts.

Lyha says hello to the blogisphere in her Welcome post.

Brooklyn reveals her Bookish Boyfriends 

Life Stuff: 

So like I said in the beginning, this month has been pretty rough in terms of my semester. I haven't enjoyed the change because my teachers are so much worse now, the people in my classes are the most irritating people ever, and to top it off, I have a new lunch without any of my friends, so basically I have nobody to eat lunch with. It's been pretty annoying and frustrating, but hey, only 4 more months of this bullshit!!!

On the bright side though, this month, my mom and dad surprised my sister and I by telling us that we're going to New York in March! I could not be more excited because this has been a dream of our's for such a long time, and I can now officially enter the Hamilton lottery! I doubt I'll win, but of course, I'm so looking forward to everything else there is to see. I literally cannot wait.

 I hope your February's went well! What did you get up to?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: February

Hello everyone, and happy leap year! I feel sorry for all the babies being born today, but I guess they can say that they're unique! Here is my month in review:

What I Read: 

This month was the month of re-reads, as I have now started to re-read the entire Harry Potter series!

1. Dangerous Lies by: Becca Fitzpatrick: 4/5 stars
2. Dumplin' by: Julie Murphy by: J.K. Rowling: 3/5 stars
3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by: J.K. Rowling: 5/5 stars
4. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by: J.K. Rowling: 5/5 stars
5. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by: J.K. Rowling: 4/5 stars
6. Village of the Small Houses by: Ian Ferguson: 2/5 stars
7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by: J.K. Rowling: 5/5 stars
8. Simon vs. the Homosapiens Agenda by: Becky Abertelli: 5/5 stars

Favourite book of the month: Definitely Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! It reminded me why this book was my favourite of the series, and I think it was a pinnacle point of Harry's life at Hogwarts.

What I Blogged: 

10 posts went up this month! My favourite was my collab posts with my sister: The Reader Vs. the Non-Reader. It was great to collab with her and I think she really enjoyed it!

Favourite Blog Posts of the Month: 

Jillian @ Jillian's Books shares what she does when she's not reading: When I'm Not Reading

Mishma @ Chasing Faerytales reveals the insecurities of book bloggers: The Insecurities of Book Bloggers

Geraldine @ Corralling Books spreads some blogging love: I Love You. Bloggers

Jess @ Princessica of Books shares why bloggers love blogging: I Love Blogging Because...

Blogger of the Month: 

The February award to dedicated to a lovely blogger who never fails to comment on a post, as well as has amazingly unique posts herself: Cee Arr of Diary of a Reading Addict! 

Thank you Cee for constantly sharing lovely thoughtful comments and for being openly honest in your posts :)

Personally of this Month: 

I REACHED 100 TWITTER FOLLOWERS! Thank you to all of my twitter buddies for being so lovely and always up for a chat.

I started my second semester of school. This semester I have pretty hard subjects such as math (ugh) but hopefully I can tackle it before summer.

I have become shamelessly obsessed with the tv show Gilmore Girls. Seriously though, this show is so adorable and hilarious and gives you ALL THE FEELS.

I started utilizing my library more. I've never really went to the library before, but recently I've realized how much of a convenient gem it is and I hope to get more use out of it in the future.

I'm so upset that award season is over :( But I saw some great movies and LEO FINALLY WON AN OSCAR!!

That was my month! How was your February?

Emily @ Paperback Princess