2017 - A Bookish Year in Review..Tag..Thing!

Wow. 2017 was quite a year. A lot of firsts and adventures, as well as some horrendous events but hey, this was the year for some stupid actions from stupid people. But we're here to talk about what's really important - Books. 
Here is a book tag I created (with the help of one of my friends!)

January - A Fresh Start: A book that got you into a new genre or troupe.
As most people know, I am not a fan of YA Contemporary. Almost every book I've read in that genre has disappointed me in some way. But there was one in particular this year that I actually adored, and that was Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia.  The romantic interest felt organic, awkward, and exactly like it would be in the situation that they were in. The fandom-esque troupe it created was actually really fun and interesting, and seeing the pieces fall together about who Eliza really is just made me so happy. I'm also really happy I finally found a YA Comp. that I really enjoyed.

February - The Time for Love: Your favorite couple from a book/series you read.
This is easy. My OTP of 2017 was Kell and Lila from The Shades of Magic Trilogy by V.E. Schwab. Oh my lord, they were so perfect for each other, and the subtle burn that goes on throughout the books just pulls at all the right heartstrings. It was so obvious to everyone but them what was going on between them and just- uuuggghhh.

March - Luck Be With You: A book you're lucky you got through.
I'm not wasting much time with this one, honestly. It Looks Like This by Rafi Middlefehdlt. I'm very surprised I finished this one in one night. It was so plain and predictable, like almost every other YA Comp. I read.

April - Spring's Here!: A book with flowers on the cover you read this year.
I actually had to go look for one, ahaha! But I'm counting Strange the Dreamer by Lani Taylor for this one, because at least the hardback cover has some beautiful golden flowers on it. I did enjoy this book, it's very unique and so nice to see the awkward nerd get the hero role for once. This is a book that I need to recommend more to people in 2018.

May - May Showers: A book that was a real tear-jerker.
I've actually read a few this year that really made me emotional, but only one made me actually shed some big ol' crocodile tears. That was Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo. The second and final book to the Six of Crows Duology, the ending absolutely wrecked me. I wanted so much more happiness and closure for these characters. I wanted Inej and Kaz to be together. UGH. It was SO GOOD. These books were easily some of my top books for 2017, and in my ultimate favorites list.

June - School's Out!: A book set in a high school. 
I'm actually going to use a manga series I really enjoy for this one, even though the school they're in isn't exactly a high school, they're teenagers in a school and it counts. I really enjoy 07-Ghost. They're in more of a training school to fight demons and such, but hey, it's really good and everyone should at least check it out!

July - Fireworks: A book that was explosive to your reading year. 
A book that was explosive to my reading year.....hm....I had a few, good and bad. I'll do one of each. So the bad one is gonna have to go to Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King. I didn't hate this book - actually the opposite. I really enjoyed this book. It was just so much to get through. It took only three days to read, but afterwards I was in a reading slump for weeks. It took a chunk of time to get back into the grove of thing, so that's why it's bad. As for the good one, it's hard to choose. 2017nwas such a good year for some awesome reads for me! And since I plan to make a more in-depth Year Review next, I'll just pick one to go with just for the question. Definitely going with A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. This series was one of the ones in 2017 I wasn't expecting to read, but I'm so glad I did. It was a game changer for YA Fantasy for me.

August - Campin' Out: A book/series with an outdoorsy setting.
The Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness. Pretty much all they do is outside, running between towns trying to save their world. It's really good and suspenseful, though. And the pacing is so good.

September - Fall Arrives: A series you fell out of this year.
The Grisha Series by Leigh Bardugo. It just didn't cut it with me. I should've read this first befoe the duology, and I think it would've been better. But since I didn't, it didn't reach the expectations I had for it after reading it's predecessor. I read the first one, Shadow and Bone, and wanted to DNF it. But I charged through like the trooper I am.

October - Gettin' Spooky: A book that the ending shocked you.
I'm just going to list a few, in a neato bullet list!

• Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
• The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
• House of Furies by Madeline Roux
• The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
• Trash by Andy Mulligan

November - Awesome Food: A book/series that left you hungry for more.

I think I would've enjoyed to have some more out of They Both Die In The End by Adam Silera. It was so good, but I think there could've been a bit more to the boys' adventures nearing the end.

December - Christmas Lights and Gifts: An easy read that was a real treat to enjoy.

LET ME TELL YOU GUYS ABOUT MY NEWFOUND LOVE FOR READING POETRY. This 

year, I decided I was going to branch out more. And boy am I glad I did! Our Numbered Days by Neil Hilborn was my inspiration to start writing poetry again, and it's been a great journey!

And there we have it, my year review tag! I hope you've enjoyed, and be ready for my real year in review soon! 

The TBR Book Tag!

I stumbled upon this one on a blog I check periodically and decided to give it a shot!

1. How do you keep track of your TBR pile?

I have a "To Read" list on Goodreads that I base my buying from. When I have the books I need to read in my possession, I go ahead and add them to my bookshelves, because I know which ones are read and which aren't.

2. Is your TBR mostly print or eBook?

I HATE eBooks. I can't stand them. I don't even care for reading fanfiction online much anymore. Everything I read must be able to be held in my hands. It's a tick of mine. But my TBR list itself is online, because I can't lose it and it takes up less space this way.

3. A book that's been on your TBR the longest.

Oh man, there's quite a few! Probably Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It's one classic I need to get my hands on soon.

4. A book you recently added to your TBR.

This one is so recent I haven't even added it to Goodreads yet. I saw it in Books-A-Million and knew I needed it eventually. The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman. It's about a girl who runs away to join the circus after her parents die, from what I gathered from the back cover synopsis.

5. A book in your TBR strictly because of it's beautiful cover.

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton. It's freaking gorgeous, look it up on Goodreads!!

6. A book on your TBR that you never plan on reading.

After reading and DNFing Shadow and Bone, I'd say the Grisha series by Leigh Bardugo for this one. I love her, don't get me wrong, I just read them out of order and it ruined the kickstarter series for me.

7. A social-awareness book on your TBR that you're excited for.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. This is supposed to be such a relevant and socially-impacting book about current issues with racism in social media and of the sort. I'm so excited to get to it.

8. A book on your TBR that basically everyone's read except you.

This is super hard. I'm the one who normally starts the trend of reading a book within my friend circle. Honestly, I'm going to go with A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. All of my favorite booktubers rave about this book, and I'm excited to get to it soon. It'll probably be read after I finish my current read.

9. A book on your TBR that everyone recommends to you.

Game of Thrones Series by George R.R. Martin. I have it on my TBR for  much later read, if I even ever feel up to the challenge.

10. A book on your TBR that you're dying to read.

Honestly, I'm super excited to get to History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera. I've seen and heard nothing but good things for this book, but every time I go book shopping I forget to look for it. In the near future I'll be getting it for sure though.

11. How many books are on your TBR shelf?

On Goodreads, 83. In total, probably a little over 100. I tend to try and keep my TBR small so I don't feel like a failure at reading, ahaha!!

And there you have it, I hope you've enjoyed diving into my TBR with me!!

The Pokemon Book Tag!

I really enjoy book tags, guys. It's fun to go back and ponder on old books I've read, and share them! But anyways, here's a new one!!

Starters 

The book that started your love for reading.

I've always loved reading, and I learned to read really early on. But I think what started my true obsession with reading when I was in elementary school was the Guardians of Ga'Hoole Series. I remember going to the school library and checking one out every week, and loving every second of the story because owls were my favorite animals growing up. 

Pikachu

An iconic classic that you'll always love.

Anyone who knows me well knows that I love classics. But I think my favorite has got to be The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo. It's a bit of a read, but it makes sense since this is also my favorite Disney movies and one of my favorite musicals. 

Zubat

A book that you've lost interest in because it's literally EVERYWHERE.

So, for this one I'm going to be using a book that was once on my TBR list that I have now taken off because the hype has gotten too much. Turtles All The Way Down by John Green. At first, I thought it would be nice to read another John Green book, to give him another chance, yanno? Well the hype around this book has reached TFIOS level, and I'm not going down that road again with a disappointed read because everyone hyped the book up too much. 

Ditto

A book that reminds you of other books (troupes).

I just finished a book last night that fits this perfectly. It Looks Like This by Rafi Mittlefehldt. This book was very flat and lacking of a narrator character. It had the troupe of "gay kid with unaccepting parents, and a romantic interest that is doomed from the start." I've read two other YA Contemporaries with this same troupe, and I'm getting sick of it. I thought this book would be different, but it landed with a solid 2 disappointed stars on Goodreads.

Snorlax

A book/series you haven't started because of the sheer size of it.

I have been trying to stay away from the Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard for two reasons. One being the size, and another being the mixed reactions I've seen from booktube and blogs. I want to read it, but I'm not sure if I'll get to it anytime soon. 

Gengar

A book that has kept you up at night.

Since I do most of my reading at night, my answer for this could be a long list. But I'm going to go with A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab. It's the final book in the Shades Of Magic Trilogy. I was up until about 4 am, unable to put the book down. It was a suspenseful, sleepless night that I do not regret at all.  

Nidoking/Queen

Your bookish OTP.

I have so many. I don't think I could even list them all off the top of my head. I'll just list my top three(in no particular order):

- Kaz and Inej from Six of Crows Duology

- Percabeth from Percy Jackson Universe

- Kell and Lila from the Shades of Magic Trilogy

Rapidash

A fire-hot, fast paced book.

Since these are the types of books I like to read, I have quite a few. But I'm going to go with Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. Never once did I want to put this book down when I started it. I only had to set it down when I was forced, pretty much. The story was just so captivating.  

Eevee

Series that you'll never get tired of seeing spin-offs for.

This is an easy one. Anything from the Percy Jackson universe I'm trash for. Uncle Rick can keep 'em coming, even when I'm out of college I'll happily dive into them as an adult. 

Magikarp

A book/series that was surprisingly awesome.

As everyone knows, I love to be surprised in books. So I'll list a few that were super surprising:

- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

- The Asylum Series by Madeline Roux

- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Legendary

An overhyped book/series you're still excited to read.

This is hard. I hate giving in to the hype. But, with that said, I am excited to read Dante and Aristotle Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz. I have a bunch of friends who got it for Christmas (as did I), so the hype is very close and very real for this book.

Mew and Mewtwo

A collector's edition you wish you owned.

Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien. Super easy one. I have so many different versions of the Fellowship already, but I want them all. (gotta catch 'em all)

Poke-Egg

A debut novel you're looking forward to.

I don't keep up with new releases much, but there's one in late January of 2018 that I'm looking forward to. Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann. I've heard nothing but good things about this book so far. 

Lure Module

An auto-buy author.

Victoria Scwab. Leigh Bardugo. Rick Riordan. Stephen King. James Patterson. These are my go-to authors when I need a new book and don't know what to get. I always get something from them in those cases. 

Well, there ya have it. Again, I need to broaden my horizons more but hey, I'm getting there!

The Netflix Book Tag!

I found this beauty scrolling through some blogs earlier today, and decided to do my own!!

1. Recently Watched 

A book you've recently finished (add-on: book you're currently reading).

The most recent book I've finished was Vicious by V.E. Schwab. And wow, I have no words. Another phenomenal book from an amazing author. I gave it 4.5 / 5 stars on Goodreads. The book I'm currently reading is The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan. It's a book filled with short stories and personal essays, and it's been great so far. I'm about a fourth of the way in. 

2. Top Picks 

A book/books that have been recommended to you based off something else you had read.

I am VERY picky about recommendations, and honestly I don't listen to most the ones I get. My best friends that to get me to read something she has to just give it to me and tell me to read it, nothing more. So, because of this, this is a tricky one. I think I'll have to go with James Patterson's Woman of God. This was recommended to me by a friend on Goodreads after she noticed that I had added a lot of Christian-based fiction stories to my "Want To Read" list. It was a recommendation I'm glad I followed through with. 

3. Recently Added

Books you've recently acquired. 

Well, with it being the day after Christmas, I have acquired quite a few new books! I'll just run them down:

- Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis 

- Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne

- The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron

- I am The Messenger by Markus Zusak

- A List of Cages by Robin Roe 

- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

- The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

- The Tales of King Arthur by Henry Gilbert

- The War of The Worlds by H.G. Wells 

- Robin Hood by Henry Gilbert 

4. Popular on Netflix

2 books or series that are popular and you liked, and 2 books or series that were overhyped and didn't settle right with you. 

So this is fairly easy for me. Popular series that I enjoyed: The Shades of Magic Trilogy by V.E. Schwab, and The Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo. Easily some of my ultimate favorites. As for the dislikes, those go to The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, and The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. Don't get me wrong, they're great authors and I have many books by them, but these two books were so overhyped and just sucked compared to the hype and excitement around them, honestly.

5. Comedies 

A funny book. 

The Trials of Apollo Series by Rick Riordan. 

6. Dramas

A character in a book that was a drama queen.

This is definitely Rhy from The Shades of Magic Trilogy. 

7. Animated 

A book with a cartoon on the cover.

I own a LOT of manga. So technically any of those count. I'll use this to recommend a manga to you, then. I think Pandora Hearts in such a good manga. The anime ended abruptly, but the manga continues on and is so much better. It's quirky and action-packed. I really enjoy it, so there ya go. 

8. Watch it Again

A book or series you want to re-read in the near future.

I am re-reading The Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness for sure. I want to re-read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern as well. 

9. Documentaries 

Recommend a non-fiction book you've read.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. It's so good and important to modern science. 

10. Action and Adventure. 

An action-packed book.

Gotta go with a few good fantasy series for this one: 

- Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

- The Shades of Magic Trilogy by V.E. Schwab

- The Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo

- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R Tolkien 

- The entire Percy Jackson universe by Uncle Rick

All of these series I am trash for. Absolute trash for. I love all of them dearly.  

And now, dear friends, is the end to another tag! I realize I use a LOT of the same books and series for multiple questions, but I just think that shows how much I really enjoy them!!

Alright, I'm out!

The Style Questionnaire

1. How would you describe your style right now?
   My style right now is very laid back. I try to stay away from brand name clothes for ethical reasons. I think I wear the same outfit everyday, just with differing color palettes. I normally always wear solid colored shirts, which I do so that a person can focus on my personality and being rather than the clothes I wear.  I enjoy encompassing vintage styles into my clothes, more so in the summer and spring times because it's easier. The 1950-70s are my inspirations. I actually wear a lot of vintage clothes I get from family members from this time, and antique shops.
   
2. What do people normally say to describe your style?
   My friends (who I messaged in our group chat specifically for this question) say that I have a very "hippie chic" or "very unique" sense of style. They tell me that "no one else could pull off what you do everyday, because you're so natural about everything you wear." One of my best friends in particular said that "for someone who rarely wears makeup, doesn't let anyone give them shit about their size, and literally makes baggy shirts an icon, you're absolutely and unapologetically yourself and it's inspiring."  (Being my awkward self, I told her to stop crushing on me and to go kiss her boyfriend or something because ya girl can't take a compliment)
   
3. Who’s style do you admire?  Why?  What are the core elements/principles of the style of others you admire?
   I really appreciate minimalist style, and pretty much everything they believe in. I am a person who doesn't get attached to material objects, and I've been transitioning to minimalism for about four months now. I'm taking it slow, because I don't see a need to rush it. But definitely in my style, I feel like one could see where minimalism is slowly progressing into my lifestyle.
   
4. What do you want your style to say on your behalf?
   That I'm not here to look good for other people. If I like it, I wear it. I only care about impressing myself. I don't want - nor need - the fanciest clothes.
   
5. What is your current style saying on your behalf?
   I feel like my current style has a lazy vibe to it. Okay, maybe not lazy, but a carefree vibe that signifies I don't need high-end fashion to make my statement.
   
6. How does your current style need to change to say more of what you want it to say, or to say it better?
   I think I just need to vary what I wear, be that by changing accessories, or finding a different color palette, etc.
   
7. Has your style/look ever said exactly what you wanted it to say?  Think of past experiences and events (no matter how far back you have to go)…
   I think that finding a style I truly felt myself in has always been a bit of a struggle for me. The only consistent thing has been that I never have worn clothes with name brands plastered on them. In elementary school, I was picked on a lot for wearing pants and shirts that had similar color schemes. In middle school, I wore a lot of dark clothes. Oh the dreadful emo phase. Band t-shirts, rubber bracelets, black smeared makeup. It was the end of eighth grade and into high school that I sort of tried to recollect myself and explore new possibilities. I tried being a preppy type, but I always felt fake and reserved as to what I could actually wear to express myself. End of sophomore year was what I refer to as my "Awakening." I started crafting my own style out of clothes I had but never wore because they were not preppy enough, or stylish enough to those fake friends I had. See, I think my style really holds genuine to the minimalist and hippie vibe. Everything I own serves it's purpose.   
8. What were the elements of your past/previous style, when it was saying what you wanted it to say?
   Like I said before, I've had a lot of shifts and changes. I think I never used style and clothes to express myself, except in the emo phase.
    
9. How did it feel, when your (past/previous) style represented you so perfectly?  Connect with that feeling…
   Honestly, no style has ever connected so well with me than the one I have now. I feel like my current style subtly explains everything you need to know about me as a surface level person, and (hopefully) invites you in to learn more about what's beneath the surface level pleasantries.
   
10. How can you use those past/previous style elements to recreate the style you want now?
    I think I could use a bit more of an explorative nature in my style, because I think I've gotten too comfortable and used to my look. Gotta spice things up, yanno? 

Questionnaire

1.       Full Name.

Ashley Elizabeth Martin

2.       Zodiac Sign.

Libra

3.       3 Fears.

Failure, thunderstorms, the unknown (in some cases)

4.       3 Things I Love.

Jesus, family, friends

5.       4 Turn Ons.

Intelligent, self-sufficient, can take a joke and dish it back, dark hair/ dark eyes

6.       4 Turn Offs.

Conservative/Republican, anti-feminist, self-centered, rude to family/friends/wait staff

7.       My Best Friend?

Ellen and Chloe

8.       Sexual Orientation?

Asexual. Don’t like any of it, man.

9.       My Best First Date?

I honestly can’t remember really any of my first dates.

10.   How Tall am I?

5’4”

11.   What Do I Miss?

The simplicity of earlier aged days. Back when drama was resolved by an “I’m sorry” and a hug.

12.   What Time Was I Born?

9:18 am

13.   Favorite Color?

A darker shade of purple

14.   Do I Have a Crush?

Eh, not really.

15.   Favorite Quote?

“Be the Change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi

16.   Favorite Place?

Either Moxxee’s or Taylor Books

17.   Favorite Food?

I don’t really have a favorite.

18.   Do I Use Sarcasm?

Noooo, never. Duh, of course I do.

19.   What am I Listening to Right Now?

Like I Can – Sam Smith

20.   First Thing I Notice in a New Person?

Their eyes, like the color, how bright/dull they shine

21.   Shoe Size?

9.5-10W

22.   Eye Color?

A vibrant blue, that shifts to tealish, or grey

23.   Hair Color?

Naturally, a mix of light and dark browns; my hair currently is a darker auburn red

24.   Favorite Style of Clothing?

Simple, and appeals to the 50s through 70s styles

25.   Ever Done a Prank Call?

A few, actually. I’m not one to refuse a dare

26.   What Color is the Underwear I’m Wearing Right Now?

Black, like my soul

27.   Meaning Behind my URL?

One of the first poems I ever wrote was titled “Eyes of Galaxies” and it’s a phrase that’s stuck with me since

28.   Favorite Movie?

Lord of Rings, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Spirited Away

29.   Favorite Song? 

Anything from Bronze Radio Return

30.   Favorite Band?

Bronze Radio Return

31.   How Do I Feel Right Now?

I’m pretty indifferent right now, because there’s nothing going on

32.   Someone I Love.

Myself, and I don’t think that’s conceited. It’s taken a long road to get to say that confidently

33.   My Current Relationship Status.

Single AF

34.   My Relationship with My Parents.

Could be better, I guess. Better than it used to be, for sure. I still prefer to keep to myself

35.   Favorite Holiday.

CHRISTMAS!!!! HALLOWEEN!!!!

36.   Tattoos and Piercings I Have.

No tattoos (yet) but I have seven piercings

37.   Tattoos and Piercings I Want.

I want a bunch of minimalist tattoos (all B&W) and a few more piercings

38.   Last Book I Read?

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

39.   Do I Ever Get “Good morning/night” Texts?

More goodnight texts than morning.

40.   Have I Ever Kissed the Last Person I Texted?

Yes. I used to kiss them a lot, actually

41.   When Did I Last Hold Hands?

Probably Wednesday at rehearsal, guiding small children around

42.   How Long Does it Take for Me to Get Ready in the Morning?

Less than 5 minutes. I really don’t care enough to try

43.   Have I Shaved My Legs in the Past Three Days?

Nah fam. I only shave when I absolutely have to

44.   Where Am I Right Now?

In my room, on my bed

45.   If I was Drunk & Can’t Stand, Who’s Taking Care Me?

Well, I’ll probably always be the DD, so I don’t know

46.   Do I Like my Music Loud or at a Reasonable Level?

Loud IS a reasonable level. If the bass isn’t shaking the car/house, it’s not good enough