I think I may just have to throw in the towel and admit that my TBR is always going to be huge.
What can I say? There’s just that many books that I’m enthusiastic about reading right this second.
There’s also always the delicate balance of ARCs, library holds, and books on my physical TBR that need some love. And now I’m part of a book club, too!
So throw that all together, and you get…this.
Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles
Where Dreams Descend is the first book in a duology. It follows a group of magicians facing off to determine who the next headliner of the Conquering Circus will be. Little do they know there is the threat of danger waiting for them.
I’ve been wanting to read this for several months now and it’s finally out! In reading other blogger’s reviews I learned that the writing of this book is so lyrical and beautiful. It sounds like it captures the storyline and Circus atmosphere perfectly!
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
When Camino Rios is supposed to meet his father at the airport in the Dominican Republic, she arrives to find out that he has passed in a plane crash. Meanwhile in New York, Yahaira Rios finds out of his father’s death when her mother meets her at the principal’s office at school. And while handling their grief, Camino and Yahaira learn of each other.
This is my first book by Acevedo and I’m so excited! I can’t think of the last time I read a book in verse so I’m looking forward to this format. This will likely be one of the first books on my TBR I read this September.
Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor
When a small town outcast known as “The Witch” is found dead, speculation runs loose and investigations begin. Hurricane Season explores this small Mexican town and its villagers.
This is the Feminist Book Club pick for September, which features Latinx voices. From what I’ve heard from the other members, it’s going to be a tough, yet incredible read.
White Oleander by Janet Finch
White Oleander follows Ingrid, who was imprisoned for murder, and her daughter Astrid, who lives between many Los Angeles foster homes. As Astrid moves from one foster home to another, each one unique in its own challenges, she finds herself on a path to self-discovery.
This is a physical TBR book that I said I’d finally get to in June…and here we are. So I’d like to read this one now!
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
A Little Life follows four college classmates who move to New York. Over time they navigate complexities and their own relationships, but they find that Jude has been struggling and continues to suffer, defined by the unspeakable traumas that defined his childhood and his adult life.
Another book that I wanted to read earlier this year! It’s a big one, but I’ve been in such a mood for big books lately. This book is going to be another hard-hitting, emotional read, but I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about it.
Lie With Me by Philippe Besson, translated by Molly Ringwald
Lie With Me follows Philippe, who encounters a man who looks strangely like his first love. The book continues into a recollection of his earlier years, and the hidden affair he’s had, and the relationship he will never forget.
This is another recommendation by my Bookstagram friend Sahil @whisperedletters! Sahil always recommends me the most heart-wrenching, yet incredible books. I’m starting to notice a theme with this month’s reads – I think a lot of these books are going to make me cry.
Seven Devils by Laura Lam
Seven Devils is the first in a science-fiction duology. It follows seven resistance fighters and their mission to free the galaxy from the empire – and the roadblocks they face on the way there.
Octavia @ Mermaid Reads recommended me this book – lots of recs this month, too! This sci-fi novel sounds right up my alley.
On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
This graphic novel is set in space and follows a ship crew that focuses on re-building broken down structures and returning things to their past state. When Mia joins the crew, we learn of her year in a boarding school where she fell in love with a new student. Eventually, we find Mia’s true purpose of joining the crew is to find her long-lost love.
I haven’t read a graphic novel in over ten years – it’s been way too long. The libraries here are opening up again as well, so this is the book that I picked! I’m looking forward to reading a book in this format again – and a sci-fi one, at that!
Nobody Knows but You by Anica Mrose Rissi
Nobody Knows but You is a YA mystery/thriller that takes place at a summer camp. Kayla knows Lainie’s secrets – and best friends don’t share their secrets. None of this changes when someone is murdered at the end of summer. After all, the truth does not tell the whole story.
Thank you to HarperCollins and EpicReadsInsiders for the ARC! I’ve had a growing interest in the growth of YA mysteries lately, so this book was calling my name. Seems like the perfect time of year to dig into an end-of-summer mystery as well!
That’s everything on my September TBR. It’s still a lot of books, but I think I can do it!
How about you? What’s on your TBR? Have you read any of these? Let me know!
-Julie Anna
#goodreadance2021: It’s Time to Get Organized!
I have a list of admin tasks in my planner that I save for when I have time to complete them. And lately, an overwhelming majority of those tasks that I’ve been neglecting have to do with the blog and the state of my shelves. Luckily, it looks like I have the opportunity to do so with #goodreadance2021! This challenge is hosted by Shealea @ Shut Up, Shealea and this round is running from September to the end of November. This challenge is an opportunity for participants to organize their reading, including their Goodreads shelves, physical shelves, reviews, and more. You can find out all of the details on Shealea’s blog.
Today I’m sharing which goals I’m working towards over the course over #goodreadance2021. I’ll also be wrapping up this challenge once it’s over with my results – stay tuned!
August 2021 Wrapup
With August over, it’s time to share my reading wrap-up. This past month, I read seven books. While this definitely is not a small number of books to have read, I think this is actually the least I’ve read in a month in a long time. I think this month really has been different for me in terms of where I had to set my priorities. Plus, I had to switch my medication, and the fatigue has been real. But with that aside, although I didn’t have any five-star reads this month, I did end up with plenty of four-star reads, and that’s really good too.
Starting this new medication has served as a sort of reset for me throughout August. I’ve been taking the time to really declutter every aspect of my life, not only physically but also mentally – so that I can make space for what really matters. I’ve also been thinking about how I want to take my career from here, which means that I’ve started studying for my next certification (and hope to take the exam this month!). This month has also been spent well with family and friends, which may have also been a contributing factor to less reading this month!
Anyway, here’s everything I read this month. I hope you found some great new books this month too!
September 2021 TBR
August has come to an end, so it's time to share my September TBR! I'm looking forward to the cooler weather and cozier days, and I think my TBR this month will reflect that because there are so many books on it. I don't know if it will really cool down that much in...
Ooo, I think you’re really going to love Seven Devils! It’s such a great book. Definitely update me on your progress once you start reading it! This looks like an amazing TBR!
I will! I can’t wait to read it. And thank you! I can’t wait for all these books on my TBR 🖤
I’m hoping to read Where Dreams Descend, too! 😍
Ooh awesome! I hope you love it too! 🖤
Where Dreams Descend has been interesting me lately. The summary gives me some serious Night Circus vibes which is one of my favourites! – Amber
Yes – that’s exactly what I was thinking when I read the synopsis too! I’m really excited for it for that reason (or at least one of the reasons!) The Night Circus is one of my favorites too.