Month in Review: January

We all survived the first month of 2023, go us! This month was filled with loads of stress, but also loads of reading. Here's what happened: 

What I Read: 

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by: Gabrielle Zevin: 4/5 stars 

Funny You Should Ask by: Elissa Sussman: 4/5 stars 

Slash by: Jeanette Armstrong: 4/5 stars 

Time's Convert by: Deborah Harkness: 4/5 stars 

One Italian Summer by: Rebecca Serle: 3/5 stars 

Bridgerton Series books 1-3: avg. rating: 3.5/5 stars 

I read a lot this month! When I'm stressed, I read, and this month was full of stress reading. I would say my favourite book would be Tomorrow x3 by: Gabrielle Zevin. I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did, but it was a really poignant character-driven novel that will tug at your heart strings. 

What I Blogged: 

I'm still on top of reviews, which meets one of my New Year's Resolutions. My review on You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty would probably be my favourite review I wrote this month, as it was fun to try to put my complicated feelings towards this book into words. 

Favourite Blog Posts: 

Claire reviews Emily Ratajkowski's "My Body." 

Nicole's releasing her Debut MG Novel in Verse 

Cee says: You Can't Do All of the Things, All of the Time (And That's Ok) 

Life Stuff: 

As I mentioned before, I was a bit stressed this month. Writing the research proposal for my PhD applications (due on February 1st) was a very trying time, as I had a lot of different opinions on how the proposal should go that I just really ended up writing in circles. It's submitted now, and all I can really do is wait. I really don't know what I'm going to do if I don't get in, but I'm trying to tell myself now that I can't predict the future or what the committee's going to think, and that rejection is a part of life. (Even though it really sucks). 

Other than that, I've been working as a teaching assistant at the university I did my degrees at, and it's been fun! I really enjoy leading seminars and grading papers, and it's been a welcome distraction from the chaos. Next week the students start learning about The Marrow Thieves, which as some of you may know, is a book really important to me, and it's going to be really rewarding to share with the students why this book is important to learn from. 

So now we start the waiting game for hopefully some acceptance letters, and just continue going though the motions of life. I do hope all of you guys had a good January. 

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: January

 

Now that I've returned to blogging after a hiatus, it is also now time to return to monthly wrap-ups! I really missed these posts, so here's what I got up to in January, and how my 2022 is shaping up to be: 

What I Read: 

I've set my Goodreads goal for 100 books, which I'm fairly confident I'll make judging by my reading list for school and the types of books I'll be reading. I'm already on track, and some of the books I read in January include: 

Monstress: Volume 1 by: Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda: 2/5 stars 

Moon-Girl and Devil Dinosaur by: Amy Reeder, Brandon Montclare and Natacha Bustos: 5/5 stars 

Our Violent Ends by: Chloe Gong: 5/5 stars 

Cyclopedia Exotica by: Arminder Dhaliwal: 4/5 stars 

Squad by: Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Lisa Sterle: 5/5 stars 

Fall On Your Knees by: Ann-Marie MacDonald: 3/5 stars 

Favourite Book of the Month: You may be able to tell that I read a heavy assortment of graphic novels this month. This is partly why I'm able to keep on track of my goal. Graphic novels are faster for me to get through and I've been absolutely loving them. Some of these books I had to read for a superhero course I'm in, and some were just for fun. But my favourite has to be Moon-Girl and Devil Dinosaur. I got it as a Christmas present and it is such a fun series. It's diverse, heart-warming, and has some great cameos from other Marvel superheroes. 

What I Blogged: 

Like I said, I've returned to blogging weekly and my new routine is shaping up very well. I'm hoping that I won't have to stop any time soon because I really did miss it. My favourite post of the month would have to be when I wrote about Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Abuses of Power. There are content warnings attached to this post, but it felt great to get out my frustrations towards the creator of one of my favourite tv shows. 

Some of My Favourite Blog Posts of the Month: 

Cee talks about censorship in Of Monsters, Mice and Men 

Roberta shares Her Most Fulfilling Author/Blogger Interactions 

Claire says that 2022 is Ours 

Sabrina is Reading Outside Her Comfort Zone 

Life Stuff: 

It's a new term, and I've got an easier course load than last term, which is good. As I mentioned before, I'm taking a superhero course, which has definitely fueled my graphic novel collection. I'm hopeful that this term will bring about some new reading favourites, but of course, I also expect things to get busy as we near the end. 

Other than school stuff, I'm really looking forward to the Olympics this month! Today is the opening ceremony, and I've been waiting so patiently for things to kick off. My family are very much into the Olympics, and I am extremely passionate about snowboarding in particular. I'll be cheering on Canada and hoping that everyone has a safe and successful time in Beijing! 

That was my January. How was yours? 

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: January

The first month of 2021 is in the books! And honestly... it was ok. I am enjoying my online courses right now and it's nice that I'm being kept busy. I'm also all done with my master's applications, so now it's just a matter of waiting to see if I get in or not. It's an exciting time for sure. A lot of changes are happening. But I think change is good especially in our current time period. Here's what went down in January!

What I Read: 

The Answer Is by: Alex Trebek: 5/5 stars 

A Song Below Water by: Bethany C. Morrow: 3/5 stars 

Even if We Break by: Marieke Nijkamp: 3/5 stars 

The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by: Maggie Tokuda-Hall: 4/5 stars 

Cherry Crush by: Cathy Cassidy: 5/5 stars 

One of Us is Next by: Karen M. McManus: 4/5 stars 

Hood Feminism by: Mikki Kendall: 4.5/5 stars 

The Ship of the Dead by: Rick Riordan: 5/5 stars 

These Violent Delights by: Chloe Gong: 5/5 stars 

Moonrise by: Sarah Crossan: 5/5 stars 

The Extraordinaries by: T.J. Klune: 4/5 stars 

It was a great month for reading!! My favourite book I read this month was Ship of the Dead by: Rick Riordan. It's the last book in the Magnus Chase trilogy and I am so sad to see this series go. I am slowly working through the last of Riordan's books that I have to read, and idk how I'm going to be able to handle it. But, this was a fabulous conclusion. 

What I Blogged: 

I am so behind on reviews. I read a lot more often than I review, so I tried to get out a bit more reviews this month, but I am still never going to catch up. Oh well! Anyways, my favourite blog post of the month was my discussion on What Makes A Good Non-Fiction Book. It was nice to hear everybody's thoughts on non-fiction, especially since I run a predominately fiction-based blog. 

Favourite Blog Posts: 

Cee asks What's Behind the COVID Arts and Crafts Boom? 

Veronika discusses Comfort Characters

Nyx shares why she Doesn't Do the Goodreads Challenge 

Roberta asks about what Your Dream Bookish Job Would Be 

Life Stuff: 

Like I said, January wasn't terrible! I didn't have too many panic attacks, and there are now vaccines circling around the world, woohoo! Let's hope that 2021 continues to look up. 

I am taking a bunch of courses that I am really interested in this semester. I was able to fit into my schedule two ancient history courses, one of which focuses mainly on Greek mythology, which of course I am loving so far! Even my writing courses have been really fun so far. I'm hoping that my last term of undergrad continues to look up. 

I'm also attending a virtual concert this Sunday! My favourite broadway actor, Jeremy Jordan, is hosting a virtual concert this weekend and I am super excited about it. It's definitely going to be different than being there in person, but supporting artists during this pandemic is important nonetheless. This will be my first concert of his I will be attending, and even though it'll be over a screen, I cannot wait. 

So, that was my January! How was yours? 

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: January

The first month of 2020 is done and it was... difficult. Full of anxiety attacks, OCD triggers, and the fear of impending apocalypse. Here's hoping February will be better?

What I Read: 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by: Taylor Jenkins Reid: 2/5 stars
When You Reach Me by: Rebecca Stead: 2/5 stars
The Scarlet Letter by: Nathaniel Hawthorne: 3/5 stars
The History of Pompey the Little by: Francis Coventry: 1/5 stars
A Coyote Columbus Story by: Thomas King: 4/5 stars
Gulliver's Travels by: Johnathan Swift: 1/5 stars
The Paper Bag Princess by: Robert Munsch (hello blog name sake!) 4/5 stars
The Secret of the Old Clock by: Carolyn Keene: 4/5 stars
Winnie-the-Pooh by: A.A. Milne: 4/5 stars

Favourite book: Miraculously, I read a lot this month, and all of these books except for Evelyn Hugo were read for school. (As you can probably tell from the random picture books thrown in there, hello children's literature course). My favourite book was actually The Secret of the Old Clock, which is the first in the Nancy Drew series. I really like easy to get through mysteries, and this book was like the American answer to the Famous Five series, which I absolutely loved as a kid. I can see myself getting into more of these books.

What I Blogged: 

I stayed fairly consistent in blogging, and my favourite post was On Whether or Not to Speak Your Mind on the Internet. It was a cool discussion!

Favourite Blog Posts: 

Veronika shares her re-reads of her Favourite Books of the Decade 
Shayna shares some insight into Library Life 

Life Stuff: 

Like I alluded to before, this month has been tough. School started up again, and my courses this term are ten times harder than my ones last term. One course is basically all group work and... I just can't deal with that. My OCD has been driving me nuts, with intrusive thoughts and just overall me over- thinking everything. My anxiety has also not been good. I have extreme health anxiety (also lines up with OCD), so all of this talk about an epidemic has made me even more compulsive. Overall, just a very triggering month. I hope this virus is better contained this month, and I hope that everyone who has it will get better. I don't do well with virus outbreaks, and constantly seeing it on my Twitter timeline and the media's fear mongering does not help.

Anyways, February will bring my reading week, Valentine's Day (which I actually very much enjoy despite not having a boyfriend), and the premiere of P.S. I Still Love You! John-Ambrose will rise, folks. The Peter stans are not ready.

So that was my month. How was yours?

Month in Review: January

It's a new year, new school term, and a lot has changed. I really took control of my overbearing schedule this month, and, after a rough few weeks, I finally feel like I have some time to myself now. But, I did read a lot! Despite most of it being for school.

What I Read:

New Moon by: Stephenie Meyer: 5/5 stars
Eclipse by: Stephenie Meyer: 4/5 stars
Growing Up Stupid Under the Union Jack by: Austin Clarke: 3/5 stars
Breaking Dawn by: Stephenie Meyer: 3/5 stars
Wide Sargasso Sea by: Jean Rhys: 4/5 stars
The Hunger Games by: Suzanne Collins: 5/5 stars
Catching Fire by: Suzanne Collins: 5/5 stars

My favourite book was New Moon. As all of you know I was on a Twilight kick due to a university course, and this was my favourite of the series. Now I'm getting into The Hunger Games for the same course and I'm sure I will fly through that as well!

What I Blogged:

I only put up one blog post besides this one in January, that is my Review and Discussion of Twilight. I really liked the discussion I had with some of you and I'm hoping for more later on!

Favourite Blog Posts:

Lais talks about Books that Should be Required Reading 

Veronika shares Her Favourite Book Dedications 

Jillian discusses Pursuing Art in a Third-World Country 

Life Stuff:

School and work really took over my life, but like I said in the beginning of this post, I have reduced the hours I am at work and now I feel like I can get back on track. I'm also starting therapy soon which I am oddly excited for!

I also got really into podcasts this month. I never really used to listen to them before, but a friend at work recommended some to me when she heard that I love Greek Mythology and I have been hooked ever since! My favourite one is Let's Talk about Myth's Baby on Spotify.

That was my January! How was yours?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: January

Look who's back on track! Not only have I gotten back into a regular blogging routine but I've also been reading a lot and writing a lot too! Here's what I got up to in January:

What I Read: 

They Both Die at the End by: Adam Silvera: 5/5 stars
The Dark Prophecy by: Rick Riordan: 4/5 stars
Ms. Marvel: No Normal by: G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona: 3/5 stars
Lines, Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey by: William Wordsworth: 1/5 stars
The Amazing Spiderman Vol. 1 by: Stan Lee: 3/5 stars
Pride and Prejudice by: Jane Austen: 4/5 stars

So as you can see, there were some hits and some misses, and also comic books?? My favourite book was obviously They Both Die at the End. It was so unique and beautiful and sad and ugh so perfect.

What I Blogged: 

I changed up my schedule a bit. I now blog on Monday and Wednesday, and I'm enjoying blogging again. My favourite post was What's in my Writing Portfolio? It was fun for me to finally share my writing with you guys and I felt good doing it.

Favourite Blog Posts of the Month: 

Cee @ Diary of a Reading Addict: Cut Yourself Some Slack 

Amy @ A Magical World of Words: Romanticised Abuse: Bad Boys 

Mishma @ Chasing Faerytales: I Struggle to Find My Place in the Changing Dynamics of the Book Community

Life Stuff: 

I have started semester two of uni and I finally have started by creative writing course! I'm really liking the prof so far but the course is definitely not what I expected. I'm now working on my portfolio to get into my creative writing program next year and I'm really nervous. But hopefully, all will be well!

How was your January?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: January

Exams are upon me and I could not be more stressed. However, 2017 hasn't been so bad so far so I'm just looking forward to starting a new semester. Here's what happened in January:

What I Read: 

I was in full-on reading mode this month! I finally broke my 3-month long slump, and look how much I accomplished! It feels so good. Also, I was really excited as I got my wish granted on Netgalley to receive a Traitor to the Throne ARC! I have never gotten an ARC wish, so it was a really exciting moment for me and made me so thankful for these opportunities :) Here's what I read:

Magnus Chase: The Sword of Summer by: Rick Riordan: 4/5 stars
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by: Benjamin Alire Saenz: 5/5 stars
Challenger Deep by: Neil Shusterman: 5/5 stars
The Female of the Species by: Mindy Mcginnis: 5/5 stars
Girl Mans Up by: M.E. Girard: 4.5/5 stars
Rumble Fish by: S.E. Hinton: 4/5 stars
Traitor to the Throne by: Alwyn Hamilton: 4/5 stars
Code Red by: Janie Chodosh: 3.5/5 stars

Favourite Book: I re-read Ari and Dante in the physical format (I had used the audiobook before.) and can definitely confirm that it was even more magical for me. I am very passionate about this book now.

What I Blogged: 

8 posts went up this month! My favourite was my participation in Disability Diaries, in which I reviewed Challenger Deep! This was an amazing event and I loved each and every post.

Favourite Blog Posts: 

Cee says that there's No Shame, No Stigma in revealing your illnesses.

Lais discusses all about Book Titles!

A.M.B. explains her diverse book: Anusha of Prospect Corner

Sam talks about Fixing Bad Bookish Habits and Resolutions

Life Stuff: 

Exams are currently happening but to be honest I am so ready to get rid of these classes and start fresh. Especially dump history forever.

I also am still a vegetarian! I'm still keeping it up and have been feeling healthy so far, although for my cousin's birthday in a few days we're going to a Brazilian steakhouse, so idk how I'm going to dodge that.

I have a job! Well, technically I've finished it now, but over December I worked in retail for the Christmas season and they decided to keep me in on an on-call basis! It's been good experience.

And that was my first month of 2017! How was yours? I hope it was good!

Emily @ Paperback Princess

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