Book Nook: An Fans out There?

 I may have done this novel before, but I began rereading it again recently. (Nearly done once more.) It's a nice break from the other novels I've been reading. More light-hearted and what-not.

Here are a few of my favorite aspects of this novel

1. It was written during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) purely for fun

2. It plays with something every fan has encountered at least once.

3. It doesn't take itself seriously until it does

4. It covers more material than any book that size should (and does it well)

Rainbow Rowell's introduction is pure gold. She states how and why she wrote the book from the very beginning. At the end she then thanks everyone who's ever read or written FanFiction as well.

Ah, FanFiction. The art of taking something you love and writing a new character into the universe to meet the original characters. Taking the original characters and putting them into new circumstances. Slash.

WARNING PAST HERE BE SPOILERS!

This novel follows Cather through her first year of college and all of the awkward socialities that ensue.

We meet the following cast of characters in the regular narrative:

  Wren - her twin

  Regan - her upperclassman roommate

   Levi - The smiling guy who's always in their room

   Art - Cather's dad

   Nick - fellow student and story thief

Cather prefers to be alone. She goes to classes, engages when she has to, but people are not her cup of tea. (To which I can relate, hiding in my room and avoiding people in the safety of my book-filled bedroom.)

Her preferred method of coping is writing.

FanFiction.

Slash.

Simon Snow and Baz slash, to be precise.

She has been writing her fanfiction, Carry On for two years and has to have it finished before the final book in the series comes out. All while attending college and taking a writing course which wants a 10,000 short story as a final.

Between trying to focus on Simon and Baz and her courses is a bi-weekly meeting with Nick. He's in her Fiction Writing course and wants to "collaborate" *coughstealherstuffcough*. Then there's Levi who's constantly in their room because he's Reagan's boyfriend (or so we assume because Cather assumes).

This novel deals with new roommates, social anxiety, mental health, and abandonment.

I won't spoil it all completely, but the issues that it talks about definitely are not listed in the fun going title. This is an excellent read for anyone beginning college, moving away for the first time, and living with mental issues. It takes us through the steps from the point of view of someone who is coping with them firsthand.

I recommend reading this book. And fear not.

Carry On is next on my To-Read list....provided I don't get caught up in another Cozy Mystery.

What is your favorite novel to read? Any recommendations?

See you next week!

Book Nook: Undecided Title

 With the past year being what it was I finally got around to some decent reading. Meaning I got the chance to start and finish some work.

I like to change up the genres I read so as not to keep things stale. Though I would be lying if I said I didn't have a type.

Cozy Mysteries

Fantasy

Science Fiction

Mixtures of them all.

I am always on the lookout for a new book, a new genre, something different.

Today I'm just going to list some of the novels I finished last year, most of which were fun. The final one will not be listed as it is residing in the corner where it belongs. It knows what it did.

      Fudge Cupcake Murder - Joanne Fluke

      The Woman in Black - Susan Hill

      Undercover in High Heels - Gemma Halliday

      Caraval - Stephanie Garber

      The World Above - Cameron Dokey

      Dead Beat - Jim Butcher

      One Taste Too Many - Debrah Goldstein

      Hiddensee - Gregory McGuire

      Beauty and the Clockwork Beast - Nancy Campbell

      As Old As Time - Liz Braswell

      Tales From the Haunted Mansion - ??

Take a gander at any of these and they won't disappoint. Just check to see if they're part of a series first.

No one likes a spoiler

What are some books you love reading? Let me know and I'll see you next week!

Book Nook: Castle Life

Book: We Have Always Lived in This Castle

Author: Shirley Jackson

Genre: Thriller/Suspense

 

This is a book I’ve been waiting to read for a while. It took me a while, but I managed to snag the audio copy of the book and was able to listen to it while driving to and from school the last few weeks.

This was a story I hadn’t fully expected.

I knew it was a scary story based on what I’d previously heard about it, but I had to see if it was true.

It’s true.

From the onset we are introduced to our narrator, Mary Catherine, or Merricat. She tells us about the routine she and her household have.

She goes into the village on Tuesdays and Thursdays for basic supplies. From there we learn that she and her family are ostracized by the villagers.

Through the story we come to learn that six years prior four people were poisoned during a family dinner. Poison in the sugar bowl.

The elder sister, Constance, was the prime suspect in the case. She was ultimately acquitted of the charges, but suspicions run deep.

Now, Constance, their uncle, and Merricat live in Blackwood house alone. The talk and scorn of everyone, until an unexpected visitor shows up on their doorstep putting into play grievances and stress.

I don’t want to give the ending away, but this little book is worth the read!

After all, we have always lived in this castle.

 

 

What are you currently reading? Anything you think I should read?

Book Nook: Sci-Fy, Steampunk, and Proper Romance?

 Four years ago I picked up an interesting novel at a conference. Simple titled: “Beauty and the Clockwork Beast”.

It sat on my shelf since then until the beginning of summer when COVID hit.

When I began it I was under the assumption that it was just another retelling with steampunk additions

I.

Was. 

Wrong. 

This novel took me on a ride including vampires, werewolves, air ships, ghosts, and grisly murder. 

I ate it up. 

The best part?

Three more novels currently in the series.

I finished the latest (which came out this year) just last night and now I’m rather frustratedly awaiting the next one. 

If you like fairy tales or alternative telling a these are a must have from amazing author Nancy Campbell Allen. 

“Beauty and the Clockwork Beast”

“Kiss of the Spindle”

“The Lady in the Coppergate Tower”

“Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts”

This was one of the best series I’ve read in a while. Check them out!

(I may add photos later on.)

Book Nook: Ever Been to -

 - Caraval?

 Series: Caraval

Title: Caraval, Legendary, Finale

Author: Stephanie Garber

These books kept me up late into the night.

Every.

Single.

One.

And I will read them all again once I've read something else.

The premise: Once a year a man by the name of Legend sends out invitations to his Caraval. It's five days (or so), of magical whimsy where you can't take anything for face value. Nothing it what it seems, and if you're not careful it will drive you mad.

But that's all part of the charm.

Here at Caraval you can buy a dress for a memory.

Throughout the trio of novels you'll find yourself immersed in Legend's realms of make-believe and fakery.

Find out what's real, what isn't, and who exactly Legend is.

Because I love artists here are a few images I've found (credit to ALL authors):

(I was unable to find the artist name, if you know who it is, please let me know.)

(Credit: VanePyroRocker on Devientart)

(Credit: tokio92 on Devientart)

And remember..... It's all a game.

Book Nook: What have I been reading?

This week I'm just going to list a few titles I've had on my To-Read shelf that I've finally managed to begin reading.

This blog has been a bit harder to post to since quarantine (don't ask me why, I have no will power at this point in the game, and things are looking downhill again in society).

So without much further ado, and in obviously no particular order:

Legendary - Stephanie Garber
Moriarty - Anthony Horowitz
Stalking Jack the Ripper - Kerri Maniscalco
DeadLand: Ghostwalkers - Jonathan Maberry
Asylum - Madeline Roux

Those are just a few that I can see from my desk.


What books are on your To-Read list?

Which ones have you finished?

Next month I will (try) to get a new little review up and running.

Have a fantastic week, and stay safe!

Book Nook: Have You Been to the -

Night Circus

This is a novel I've had on my shelf for a few years. Thanks to being quarantined I've gotten to delve into the massive stacks and shelves full of yet-to-read novels.

Novel: The Night Circus

Author: Erin Morgentern

The circus arrives without warning.

So begins a wonderful tale about a travelling circus, apply titled Le Cirque de Rêves.

It comes for two weeks and leaves promptly after.

The circus is only open at night, from dusk to dawn.

The only color there is black and white.

With acrobats, fire breathes, lion tamers, food beyond compare, and an Illusionist, the cirque has something for everyone.

Each tent leads to something new.

Each doorway leads to something amazing and astounding.

But what if there were something sinister behind the cirque - something in charge that no one quite knows about. Something slightly off about the underworks.

Follow the circus and become a Reveler!

Just remember, you only have the one night.



What is your favorite novel right now?

Book Nook:

Today we all lucked out.

Due to circumstances, I was able to finish an entire novel today. While that is cause for joy, it was mostly due to being a little ill.

That's fine by me. It's been a while since I've had an entire day to myself to read.


Title: Dead Beat
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files

SPOILERS AHEAD - though since it was published in 2005 I'm certain most of you have read this. (I'm a little behind the times here, gimme a break.)

In this tale, we find our friendly neighbourhood wizard dealing with multiple things:

    - his half-brother vampire who can't seem to hold a job
    - regaining control over a severely burned hand
    - a half-alive vampire threatening Murph
    - students of Kemmler
    - a silver coin with a demon
    - Necromancers
    - Halloween


With all this ahead of him, and only a few days to get the bad guys.

With everything coming down the line he manages to find the help of a mortician, his half-brother vampire, his huge shaggy dog, the Wardens (who knew, right?), and a plethora of others.


But something goods gotta come out of it, right?

It's just an average day for the resident private investigator Wizard.



I personally love this series. What are yours?

Book Nook: The Ship of the Dead

It has officially been one month since I've returned home to quarantine.

One month away from one of the coolest places I've lived and worked.

What have I been doing in all that time, you may ask?

Absolu-Floggin-loutely-Nothing.

Well, I've been reading a lot. Snuggling with my furever Cat. Trying to survive.


Anyway, I heavily digress.

Today's novel is the final instalment in the Magus Chase chronicles!

Rick Riordan is one of my favourite authors. His introduction of Greek, Egyptian, Roman, and Norse mythology is amazing. It's had me running to my encyclopedia and checking my knowledge base.

This final entry into the Norse Mythological realms was amazing. I finished it within days (had to do other things in between reading).

SPOILERS AHEAD

We find our band of heroes preparing to embark on a voyage to prevent Loki from launching the Ship of the Dead! ... and subsequently Ragnarok.

This is my personal theory about why we won't get to see more of Mr Chase and his amazing friends: Ragnarok is the end of the world. If the world ended there wouldn't be any more stories to tell.

With many new encounters with old Norse gods and goddesses, it keeps you on your feet the entire time.

Not only new encounters, but old relationships starting and stopping with one coming a little out of left field (in my opinion, though I will go back and re-read them. Likely I wasn't picking up on the hints earlier in the novels).

Preventing Ragnarok is hard work, especially when you have a Banana yellow boat that attracts the eye of every monster and giant within a 200-mile radius.


Check out this last entry into the Magnus Chase series.

(Though it has been hinted there may be more. Who knows?)

And, once you've finished these three, look into the Trials of Apollo. :D


What have you been reading during this home-bound time? Leave a comment below and let's read a novel together!

Book Nook - A Cue

Today's Book Nook is a little novella from a series I actually haven't read yet. To be fair, I didn't realize until it hinted at other things that had happened and such forth.

After reading this little bit though, I am thorougly interested in finding the other novels and giving them a good read through.


Title: A Cue to Kill
Series: Stage Door
Author: Lilian Watts


While performaing their Halloween production of Bone Chiller, one of the ensemble is targeted by someone out to get her! Being pushed down the stairs before Act One, the cast is wondering whether or not it's her imagination running wild.

Until she is nearly strangled.

With a cast who smuggled alchol onto set and are having a roaring time, it's up to Kath to find the killer before curtains!


It's a short story, but full of love and wit. Check it out!

Book Nook: Seaside Secrets

This weeks book is one I've been reading on my phone. I do this often when out and about, especially while waiting in lines or those few moments before clocking in for work.

While on my little library app, I've been going through a bunch of Cozy Mysteries (which, if you haven't caught on by now, are some of my favorite reads).

This week's novel takes place on an island.

Title: The Secret of Seaside
Author: Agatha Ball
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Series: Paige Comber #1

What happens when a bored pastry chef is stuck working in a bookstore/cafe for the summer?

Mystery and Intrigue!

When Paige gets stuck working at her grandmother's book shop, she thinks the summer is going to drag by with nothing to do.

Enter, Nate, nephew of the reclusive Byron who lives up on the hill. There bound to be something fun with a newcomer to town, right?

When dear old Uncle Byron is found floating face down in the tides, it's up to Paige to clear Nate of doing his uncle in!

During the chase there's land disputes, missing cats, and a plot from years ago.


Check out this caper, it's bound to keep you turning to pages.



Is there a novel you'd like to recommend? Leave a comment below and let's read a novel together.

Book Nook: A Twist on the Detective

I've been reading a lot of books on my phone recently. Mostly while waiting for work to start or while travelling. Though I do keep a regular book with me at all times, sometimes it's fun to mix the mediums up a little.

Title: Poison in Paddington
Author: Samantha Silver

This is novel that is akin to Sherlock Holmes.

Seriously - the entire time I read it I got the Doyle-vibes. It was an excellent read through and I highly recommend it.

Lots of wit and sarcasm.

Science.

(Tune in next week for an exclusive DISNEY PIN GIVEAWAY!)

Book Nook: Between Readings

This past month, well few months actually, I've been working so much I've hardly had time to read.

Actually hard back/paper backs, that is.

I have been reading books on my phone in between waiting and such. There are a few that I'm in the middle of, yet none that I've finished as yet. Well...there is one.


Title: Alice
Author: J.M. Sullivan
Series: The Wonderland Chronicles #1

One thing I'm completely in love with is fairy tale retellings. This one is up there on my list of new favourites.

There are a few others I could name right now - but for the moment we are talking about "Alice".

This is a re-telling of the gal who follows the rabbit down the hole.

When a brilliant scientist stumbles upon a supposed cure for what ails everyone, it goes horribly awry. The serum turns its victims into mindless momewraths.

Alice and her sister Dinah live in a safe compound, but when Dinah starts coughing in the pre-signs of the disease, Alice has to act.

She follows the White Rabbit until she has to head to the Tulgy wood to confront the Red Queen.

From there it's all a matter of finding the cure.


I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a read though!


What are some books you've been reading lately? Any recommendations?

Book Nook: Murder Buys a T-Shirt

Glad tidings this Book Nook Day!

I finally finished reading a book!!

Title: Murder Buys a T-Shirt
Author: Christy Fifeld
Series: A Haunted Souvenier Shop


This little novel was one of the best reads I've had so far this year.

It takes place in Key Hole Bay, Florida. We follow the owner of Southern Treasures, Miss Glory as she tries her best to make ends meet during the off season.

The introduction of the characters is a delightful way to find yourself sitting in a small town. It brings you into the community.

When an young rising football star is killed in an automobile accident, things appear straight and narrow. Until a ghost in the shop starts hinting that not everything is quite as it seems.

Now Glory and her friends must find out the truth of what happened before its too late!


With a wonderful array of character and a cursing parrot, this novel is one of the best quick reads you'll find.



Keep tuned for the last couple weeks of 2019!





I am going to do a Disney Pin Giveaway for everyone following. All you have to do is leave a comment with your favorite novel, or a mystery you love to read. Everyone who comments will be entered to win a Disney Pin from the Walt Disney World parks.


Leave a comment and I'll see you next week!

Book Nook: Good Try

Well.....


This blog is harder to keep up now I have a crazy job schedule.


When I finish a book I'll make sure to let you know.

Book Nook:

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Book Nook: ??

Been working - not reading much.

Leave your top 5 favorite books quotes and see if we can guess them.

Book Nook: Wee Murders

This is perfect for today. I finished the third novel in a series last night. It's perfect for today, as well, it's Book Nook day.

Title: A Wee Homicide in the Hotel
Author: Fran Stewart
Series: ScotShop Mystery #3


It's time for the Hamelin Highland Games!

Book Nook: Summer Reading

This is a friendly reminder that, even though it's summertime and vacations run rampart, now is a good time to pick up that cool nifty novel you've been wanting to read.

It's okay to read fun books now. School's over.

That's it.

Go pick up that book off your "To Read" stack and read it.

Later.

Book Nook:

This one's a shortie.



Title: A Spoonful of Murder

Author: Connie Archer

Lucky Jamieson returns to Snowflake after a tragedy in her life. With her parents gone she is set to run their soup restaurant By The Spoonful with her Grandpa Jack. However, days within being back a body is found out back behind the dumpsters. With too many suspects piling up, and an old crush, it's hard for a girl to run a restaurant.


Take a gander at these two - they are fun Cozy Mysteries with fun recipes to try out.




Also: I just saw Endgame tonight, if you need to talk about it.