Favourite Books of 2022

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm here with my Favourite Books of 2022! 

There aren't that many this year, but still enough to do this post! 

I hope you enjoy it. 

2.1. Off the Record, by Camryn Garrett

As you can see, I have a full review (linked into the title) if you wish to see more of my in-depth thoughts but ultimately, this was a powerful, sensitive and compelling novel about a writer that wins the competition of a lifetime (a chance to write a profile for a rising movie star) and finds herself following a story where a series of actresses have struggled to come forward to talk about their experiences with a certain director. Trigger warnings for body image, sexual assualt, anxiety, depression, amongst others. 

This was one of my anticipated releases from a couple of years ago, and as soon as I saw it in a Waterstones in London, I picked it up straight away. Of course I loved it. 

2. Carrie Soto is Back, by Taylor Jenkins-Reid 

Finally! A book about tennis! This was everything I was expecting and more. Carrie Soto is Back is about Carrie's rise to fame as a child, teenager, and then her comeback when, seven years after retirement, one of her records is threatened. It's cut-throat, compelling, and you get the feeling that Carrie is more than just the battle-axe that she is known for. Carrie was a truly wonderful person to read about, and I loved how accurate the world of tennis felt (even though I have no idea whether it is actually like that). 

3. I'm Glad My Mom Died, by Jennette McCurdy 

Growing up, iCarly was one of my favourite shows to watch, coming in from school. Like everyone, I was genuinely surprised to discover the atrocities that Jenette's mother committed, forcing her daughter into the limelight, and then everything that stemmed from that relationship. This account, coming from the actress herself was 100%  honest and I'm so happy that Jenette was brave enough to confront everything that happened to her. 

4. Flight (Flight #1), by Vanessa Harbour

I never actually meant to read this. Purely by accident I picked up the second book in the duology, found out it was the 2nd book, and promptly downloaded Flight onto my Kindle. Three days later, and I've already finished book 1. 

Wonderful read. It's a middle grade set at the end of WWII, so there's the perfect balance of scary chapters, because of the war, but the right amount of light-hearted breaks and humour. I really wish I could go back to the start of this and read it for the first time, with fresh eyes again. I just want to gobble the children up, they're so well-written and fleshed out. Absolutely top class book. 

5. I Was Born For This, by Alice Oseman

I can't believe I nearly forgot about this! It was great to be able to pick up my last Alice Oseman book, and I think because I knew this would be the last one that I picked up before Heartstopper Vol 5, which comes out next year, I savoured it all the more. I'm not going to say it's my absolute favourite Alice Oseman book, because I don't have a favourite (I love them all equally) but it definitely holds it's own. It introduces the idea that singers and celebrities can experience anxiety and depression and although I was aware that that was the case beforehand, it's refreshing to read about that in a YA novel. Highly recommend Alice's novels if you haven't picked them up yet guys. 

6. Illegal, by Eoin Colfer & Andrew Donkin

Illegal tells the story of a young boy, making the journey across Africa in the hope of reuniting with his older brother, after he awakes to find him gone. Such a simple premise, I found this in a comic book shop in Romford when I went for my birthday, and read it the day I bought it. Hopeful and realistic, especially of the poverty-stricken world that Ebo must survive in day after day. So happy I picked this up (especially after seeing how much they were charging for this elsewhere.) 

Okay! Those are my Favourite Books of 2022! 

I hope you enjoyed reading about them, and as always, feel free to comment what your favourites of the year were too! 

I hope you have a wonderful evening and I'll see you all soon with my 2022 Wrap Up!

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

December TBR (2022)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm here with my final TBR for the year of 2022! 

It's been a wild year, full of good times, and at last I'll be posting the final TBR, which will catapult me into 2023! 

I won't be reading any festive books this month, or at least, I don't plan to. I might drop everything and just read Tinsel, or HP or something, but honestly, I doubt it. 

I hope you enjoy my TBR. 

1. Nothing More to Tell, by Karen M. McManus 

I'm already a part ways into reading this, and I'm actually enjoying it more than some other Karen M. McManus' recent books. Might have something to do with one of the protagonists working as an intern true crime journalist, but it's not just that. I'm about 240 pages in and if I manage to get this posted in enough time tonight, I'll be trying to finish this tonight. To put it bluntly, this is probably my favourite Karen M. McManus' book so far. 

2. The First to Die at the End (Death Cast #0), by Adam Silvera

They Both Die at the End is probably my favourite Adam Silvera book, so I'm eager to start this as soon as I can. (And it's even bigger than the first book so I can hardly wait.) I know next to nothing about this book (that's the way I want to keep it- because I have no idea why it's so large) but I'll give you the low down if you haven't read the first book. 

On 5th September, Death Cast call every person that is going to die that day. When Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio receive their news, they both want the same thing. To be with someone else who is having their last day. Fortunately, there's an app for that. Total strangers at the start, Mateo and Rufus are about to have one whole life's adventure- all in a single day. 

3. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, by Gabrielle Zevin 

I found this book in London in September and despite not having heard of the author, or heard much buzz about it, I picked it up. I imagine people must like it, because it's a nominated book from the Goodreads Awards. 

Basically, it's about two people in a hospital, one that's recovering from a car accident, and one that's visiting their sister. Their love of videogaming becomes a shared world, a place of escape, of joy and of competitiveness- but that time is brief. But when they first lay eyes on eachother at a train station eight years later, they can't help but fall back into the world where they create gaming worlds that inspire, challenge and immerse players. This is the story about the perfect worlds that Sam and Sadie create, in an unperfect world. About all that comes with success: fame, failure, identity, creativity, and everything else. 

This has a similar feel to The First to Die at the End, it feels hopeful and magical and although they aren't considered to be christmas books, they sure feel like books to read in December. I have a sneaky suspicion that this is going to be a 5 * read, or even a favourite of the year. I'm intrigued to see if I'm right. 

4. Amari and the Night Brothers (Supernatural Investigations #1), by B.B. Alston 

5. Amari and the Great Game (Supernatural Investigations #2), by B.B. Alston 

Absolutely adored the first book, now I'm back with a re-read, and to take on the second. Not a huge fan of the cover but the story will undoubtedly be phenomenal. Might be a bit of an understatement to say I have high expectations. 

I always tend to enjoy middle-grades, they're light and funny, but engaging at the same time. However, I rarely enjoy them as much as I enjoyed Amari and the Night Brothers. Basically, we follow Amari, who after finding out her brother is missing in a magical agent society she knew nothing about, jumps straight in to find him.

Wonderful novel, wonderful characters, might even have been a favourite book of the year I read it. 

Very much looking forward to reading these. 

Okay! Those are all the books I'm hoping to read this month. 

However, since I've already finished my Goodreads reading challenge, I'm not going to beat myself up if I don't get to all of them. 

Right! I hope you have a wonderful evening, let me know what you're planning on reading this month, and I'll see you all very soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxx

November Wrap Up (2022)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with my November Wrap Up! So relieved to finish my Goodreads reading goal this month,  so I can sit back and relax without worrying about it. (Thanks Saga.) 

So because I was committed to the immense series that is Saga, I read quite a bit. 13 books, to be exact. 

I hope you enjoy my wrap up. 

1. Safe (Flight #2), by Vanessa Harbour

After being thoroughly surprised and flying through the first book, I hoped I would do the same with the second. For some reason, the opposite happened. I genuinely struggled to read more than 20 pages at a time, and although I was enjoying the story, I never felt any motivation to pick it up. 

Safe takes place in the last days of WWII, and we see Jacob and Kizzy into travelling to dangerous territory. When they're attacked they find a hiding place in a seemingly abandoned mansion. Until they start to hear strange sounds. Upon searching the mansion, they find a number of lost children and their ensemble of horses. Setting out in unknown territory, can Jacob and Kizzy make the treachorous journey back to safety? 

2. Saga Volumes 1-9, by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples

It was such a joy to go back to this world after nearly two years away. I loved each volume just as I had before, maybe even more, because I knew that I had a brand new volume to devour at the end of it. Highly recommend if you're looking for an engaging and vast series that will have you desperate for the next volume to be released. 

3. Saga, Volume 10 (Saga #10), by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples

An awesome return to the series. Meet some new characters, a new direction to the story, and a total obliteration of a home for our beloved characters. Yeah, you could say this volume was explosive to say the least. And, Hazel is growing up! I can't wait to see what this mischievious child does next! 

4. Carrie Soto is Back, by Taylor Jenkins-Reid

I honestly didn't think it was possible for me to love a Taylor Jenkins-Reid book more than I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but boy was I proved wrong. I was so excited/ hyped up for this book and I am happy to say that my expectations were very much exceeded. There are so few intense, sports based books around and I am so happy that this will be one of the books to set the standard for this type of book. Absolutely faultless. Game, set and match for this book. 

5. I'm Glad My Mom Died, by Jennette McCurdy 

I finished this yesterday and I'm still reeling from this book. It was honest, poignant and will leave a lasting impression on you for at least a few hours yesterday. If you didn't know, this is about the life Jennette McCurdy, famous for playing Sam Puckett on iCarly, when she was forced into child acting by her narcisstic and abusive mother, and how this affected her later in life. Trigger warnings for bulimia, anorexia, emotional and sexual abuse, and addiction. 

But if you think you can read about those themes, then I truly recommend this novel, especially as Jennette recorded it herself. 

Okay! That's my wrap up for the month of November! I hope you enjoyed it and feel free to comment what you finished this month! 

I hope you have a wonderful evening and I'll see you soon with my TBR for December! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxx

Off the Record, by Camryn Garrett

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm here with my review of Off the Record, by Camryn Garrett. (I did say I'd be writing a review of this soon- and here it is!)

This was one of my anticipated releases from last year and when I noticed it in Waterstones on my booktrip round London, it was all I could do to put the book down until the following day. 

 I always thought this might be a five star read, but I didn't like to jinx it. 

Anyway, here are my thoughts. 

I hope you enjoy it. 

Title: Off the Record

Author: Camryn Garrett 

Genre: Hard-hitting contemporary 

Release date: 18/5/2021

Status: Standalone

Pages: 307

Blurb: "Seventeen-year-old Josie is living a young journalist's

dream when she wins a contest to write a celebrity profile

for her favourite magazine, especially once she meets

the charming new actor at its centre. 

But there's a dark side to the glitz and the glamour, and

Josie is suddenly in the perfect position to expose it. 

A young actress trusts her with a terrible secret, and Josie 

realizes she's in over her head. Is it her story to tell?

What if she lets down the women entrusting her with 

their secrets? And will revealing it jeopardize her 

writing career before it's even begun? There are so 

many reasons to forget what she's been told. 

But one secret is followed by another and another, 

until Josie needs to decide whether to step up-

and what she can bear to sacrifice for the truth."

My Thoughts

If I had to use one word to describe this book, the word I would use is powerful. There are so many hard-hitting themes within this book that I would definitely check the trigger warnings before picking this up. To name the main ones: mention of sexual assault, fat shaming, sexual abuse and harrassment. Never super graphic and brutally worded, but it was all graphic/suggested enough that you knew how serious the situation was. 

Josie feels like a lot like me when I was growing up. I imagine she's a character that everyone can see themselves in when reading this book, and that's a great quality to have. She has doubts, anxieties, as most teenagers do growing up, but there's her journalist side that you get to see too. This side of her is professional, passion, and in touch with her surroundings, in order to get the best profile she can (her task when she wins this journalism contest). 

And then, as the book goes on, the two sides of personality sort of merge, when she's approached with writing an article about someone's life, instead of just the profile she's meant to be working on. 

From that point is when the story really pulled me in. You can feel Josie's anxiety as if it's your own. Her worry that she's going to screw everything up, ruin her journalism career before it's even started, and make everyone hate her for either not coming out with the truth, especially when they've risked so much by reaching out to her, or revealing the article and facing the world (directors and producers, film companies, the whole lot). 

The story felt very mixed in to me- everything happening all at once. I actually prefered it to be like that, rather than slowed down. It definitely helped me to feel how Josie was feeling- completely overwhelmed and unprepared to deal with everything that was going on with her in this book. 

As emotional and hard-hitting as I'm making this book sound (I mean, it is all those things) there are some wonderfully funny conversations, some wow moments, and some discussions that would leave me thinking about for at least a couple hours after. The give and take between the seriousness, the humour and the way we get to see Josie is just constructed so brilliantly, it was what kept me engaged, not knowing what was going to happen next. 

The writing style never felt too wordy, and it was always easy to follow. Basically it was honest, straight and to the point. Not distracting at all, which is what it needed to be, so as not to distract from the story as it unfolded. 

All in all, a beautifully and brilliantly constructed novel that had me reading to finish with an urgency that I haven't had in a long time. I love Josie as a character, her story, all the other actors, and the romance that went with it (not overbearing at all). Such a compelling #Ownvoice story that I will definitely be picking up Full Disclosure in early 2023. 

Loved this book so much. 

Okay! Those are my thoughts on Off the Record, by Camryn Garrett. 

I hope you enjoyed them, and after reading this, think you might have an interest in it, I implore you to pick it up and give it a chance. 

Definitely a favourite of the year. 

If you have any thoughts on this review, or your own thoughts if you've read the book. 

I hope you have a wonderful day and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

November TBR (2022)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm here with my November TBR (2022)!

Honestly, I don't have a concrete plan as for what I want to read this month (or just under three weeks I should say) but I'll be making a note of anything that I might want to pick up.

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy reading about my TBR for the month. 

1. Safe (Flight #2), by Vanessa Harbour 

I have just under 100 pages left of this and I have a feeling that I'll be finishing this tomorrow. Safe follows two children, Jakob and Kizzy, at what they think is a simple rescue job, bringing a herd of rare horses back to safety. What they didn't know is that they were just a way to get over a border. In an unfamiliar place, they're attacked and only just escape. On a whim, they hide in an abandoned house. Only they soon find they're not alone... 

I'm so close to the ending of this novel, and honestly, I don't want it to end. The characters are fantastic, they feel as if they're real live people, the story is compelling, the feel of being in danger, but not at the forefront is second to none. If I didn't have something that I'm really looking forward to after this, I would be in a serious reading slump. 

2. Saga Volumes 1-9, by Brian K. Vaughan 

I recently obtained Volume 10 (yes, Volume 10) and I was so excited that I couldn't not re-read the entire series (I mean, it has been two years). I know I haven't forgotten the main points in the story, but I've definitely forgotten a lot of the finer points, which means that a re-read is definitely on the cards. 

(I'm going to be dedicating at least a couple of full days to these graphic novels in the near future. So excited.) 

3. Saga, Volume 10 (Saga #10), by Brian K. Vaughan 

FINALLY! 

I mean, I know I haven't been waiting half as long as some of the fans that have been with this series since the beginning, but that doesn't mean I'm not veryveryveryveryvery excited for this release. No idea what will be happening in this, but I'm so excited to find out. 

4. Nothing More to Tell, by Karen M. McManus

I purchased this a few months ago and I haven't even tried to pick it up. Time to change that. 

Nothing More to Tell is a story about Brynn, who left her high school four years ago, after the death of her favourite teacher. But when she gets an internship working at a true-crime show on television, she decides to take a closer look at the still unsolved murder of her favourite teacher. But the further she digs, the more mystery she uncovers... 

After the most recent Karen M. McManus book, which I enjoyed but didn't love, I decided to give her books a break or a bit. I mean, Karen produces books more often than I produce, so I was due a break. Of course I still bought the book though. For when I needed it. 

But now it's time. From what I've seen of the reviews, people have enjoyed this a lot more than the predecessor, and I hope I feel the same. Looking forward to catching up on her latest thriller. 

5. Carrie Soto Is Back, by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

Out of all of the books that I've obtained in the past three months, this book is the one that I've been tempted by the most. It's been a while since I've read a Taylor Jenkins Reid book and although I was interested in her other works, I knew this was one I wanted to start with (when I heard it was about competitive tennis). 

Now, I wouldn't go as far as to say that there are no books about tennis, but I definitely don't remember hearing about any in the past few years. 

When Carrie Soto retired, she had smashed every record worth having. Her fierceness, her determination, and her attitude that she was entitled to every one has not made her popular. 

But six years into her retirement, Carrie finds herself sitting in the 1994 US Open, watching her record be shattered by the ruthless Nicki Chan. 

In a last ditch effort to reclaim her title, Carrie makes the decision to reclaim her title, with her father coaching her back to victory, even if she isn't as sharp or as nimble as she once was. 

But for one last, epic season, Carrie Soto is back. 

6. I'm Glad My Mom Died, by Jennette McCurdy 

I always like to read books in the order than I received them, which would mean that I'd be reaching for the Mara Wilson autobiogrpahy before this. But right now I'm just going to let the chips fall where they may and be fine with it. This book is getting nothing but fantastic reviews and I'm excited to see what it's all about. The blurb reads "A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor- including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother- and how she retook control of her life." 

That's all I need to know to know that I need to read this. 

And that's all there is. 

Okay! Those are the books that I plan to read in November! 

(So glad to finally finish this.) 

As always, let me know in the comments what you guys plan to read this month (or if you're throwing caution to the wind and just reading whatever the fuck you want)! 

I hope you have a wonderful day and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxx

October Wrap Up (2022)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I've actually posted some this month! 

Not loads necessarily, but more than in recent months (so I'm happy). 

It's now the end of October, and therefore, time to share everything I've read this month! 

I hope you enjoy it. 

1. It Only Takes A Minute, by Sasha Lane

I was gifted this for my birthday, and honestly, I have no idea where my friend found it- but found it he did. The chapters look like the start of an essay, just underlined, in bold, basically no authors have blurbed this, it's all just amazon reviews. But instead of putting it off and putting it off and having it become a problem book- you know, the ones you deliberately avoid reading- I decided to pick it up. 

I got exactly what I was expecting- a fast paced, surface level book where a woman meets a guy- on a month long sabbatical (who takes sabbaticals anymore) and falls for him the first time she meets him. 

Honestly, it wasn't subtle at all, and it was absolutely fantastic for a laugh and a good time. I soured through it in a couple of days (on the days I was actually reading). Recommend putting down your heavy fantasies guys, and picking something like this sometime. You might find you actually enjoy it. 

2. Secrets, by Jacqueline Wilson 

I was so excited to start my childhood (Jacqueline Wilson) re-read that I soured through this in just over 24 hours. Secrets tells the story of two girls, Treasure and India, who live in entirely different worlds. Purely by chance, they meet- and it's as if they've been friends all their lives. Both share a love of Anne Frank, so when disaster strikes and Treasure has to hide away from her abusive step-dad, India hides Treasure in her very own secret annexe.

A very quick read, something about going back to this book just made me want to keep reading all night long. I related to the girls, being studious, liking writing and reading too, so it was really easy to jump into their story upon picking up. 

But whatever the reason, I was so excited to start back up with the first of many Jacqueline Wilson books I loved as a child and still love today. 

3. Lola Rose, by Jacqueline Wilson 

    My boyfriend picked this JW book for me next, cos I wasn't sure what I wanted to pick up (out of the selection I'd chosen- reckon this had something to do with the fact that he used to have a cat called Lola- but I can't be sure)! 

This was probably the book that was the most serious of the five. I'm not saying that the others don't have heavy themes, but this one feels like it takes more of an adult approach, because you're reading from the POV of the oldest child, and she's left in charge, while her mum's in hospital. Although I didn't have a lot in common with the characters in this book, it was always one I could go back and re-read without getting bored when I was a child. 

Now, re-reading as an adult, I look at this book now and think that this might have peaked my interest for books that might contain relevent themes, to what's happening in the world today. I mean, winning the lottery doesn't happen everyday, but abusive relationships and cancer are still very present today (which isn't good obviously). Jacqueline Wilson was brave enough to write a novel that deals with these kinds of issues with sensitivity, and that takes guts. 

4. The Diamond Girls, by Jacqueline Wilson 

4 completely different girls: Martine, Jude, Rochelle and Dixie, with their mum Sue, about to move to their new house, just before the mother gives birth to the 5th child. Although they're hesitant to leave everything they hold near and dear, Sue convinces them that this'll be a new start: a house with a garden, picket fence, the whole lot. But when they get there, it's not a dream come true like they thought. It's a dump, to put it mildly. And then, when it seems like things can't get any worse, Sue goes into labour! The minute she's gone, Martine's storming off, Jude's fighting and Rochelle is flirting- can the Diamond Girls pull together for the first diamond boy?

This was the book that gave me the idea for the epic Jacqueline Wilson re-read. I just loved how all the characters- especially the Diamond sisters- were all extremely unique and easy to remember. Because you're reading from the POV of Dixie, the youngest, the daydreamer of the family, the things going on around her, for the most part anyway, are only suggested, but that's what makes the overall feeling of the book more hopeful, rather than sad, which works really well.  

5. Candyfloss, by Jacqueline Wilson

Probably the most random premise of the lot, but undoubtedly the book that I found the best when I was younger. Even when I was younger, it was easy to see why. The relationship Floss had with her dad was one that I had with my own, and I was definitely able to see a lot of myself within Floss and Susan's friendship too- I had enough imagination to fill a room, and I was often by myself, much like Susan, before her and Floss become friends. 

Basically, Floss makes the choice to stay with her Dad when her mum, her new husband Steve and young son Tiger decide to move to Australia for six months. He doesn't have a whole lot of money, working at a chip cafe, but her dad always treats her like his very own special princess. Until disaster strikes and they find themselves homeless! Can their new fairground friends help them find their feet again?

Floss is such a lovely character to read about, even though I'm now a fully-fledged adult, she's still up there with my absolute favourite protagonists of all time! 

6. Clean Break, by Jacqueline Wilson 

Definitely the simplest premise, but maybe also the most heart-breaking because of how often it happens in real life (though maybe not on Xmas day). Basically, Em's dad walks out on them and Clean Break is Em and her family trying to piece together what happened, and move on without him. 

As always, Jacqueline Wilson tells the story with humour, light-heartedness and sensitivity, in a way that makes it enjoyable to read, for children and adults alike. (Especially with the way she basically wrote herself into this book- there's literally an author called Jenna Williams.)

7. Sisters Red (Fairytale Retellings #1), by Jackson Pearce

8. Sweetly (Fairytale Retellings #2), by Jackson Pearce 

I decided to carry on the trend of childhood favourites, but because it was October, to read some Halloweenish books instead. And so, enter Sisters Red and Sweetly, arguably my two absolute favourite Fairytale Retellings. Almost fantasy type fairytale retellings because they're fighting werewolves in these two, and there are legends and folk lore involved too. 

Gorgeous colours, wonderful balance of dialogue and description (particularly the Chocolateir in Sweetly), fast paced and engaging, well-written novels that I will always be able to fall into, as easily as falling asleep. 

9. A Shot in the Dark (Constable Twitten #1), by Lynne Truss 

I picked this up as a recommendation from a colleague. We had both enjoyed Thursday Murder Club, and according to her, was a lot funnier than the former. 

And she was right. It was. For some reason, I couldn't get into the books. I think it was a combination of not wanting to ruin her copies, but also knowing that I'd be able to read it a lot quicker by audiobook (and being just ahead of my Goodreads goal at this point was weighing heavily at this point). 

So at this point, I've given the books back, safe in the knowledge that I'll pick them up by audiobook if I ever want to continue. 

My honest opinion of this book: funny, and easy to follow. But I really didn't have any emotional connection to any of the characters. I saw how long I had to listen to get to the end of the book, and barely anything else. It's been a week or so since I finished this and I remember very little. Certainly not enough to carry on reading the other three books. (It's a detective story, set in Brighton by the way, and it has some history about the gang wars in the 1950s.) 

So I can say with some confidence that I likely will not be continuing in this series. I feel like I'd have to re-read this again, and I honestly don't feel its worth it. 

Okay! Those are all the books that I read in October! I'm genuinely happy with all the reading I managed to get to this month, and I hope it carries through to November (even though we're four days in and I still haven't finished one yet). 

As always, let me know in the comments what you picked up in November! 

I hope you have a wonderful day and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Anticipated Releases (Oct-Dec 2022)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with more anticipated releases for the final quarter of 2022! Can't believe we're coming to the end of 2022 (granted there's still a few months left at this point but I'm planning to read books that are coming out in December, so it feels like the end of the year). 

But here are the books I'm anticipating in the next few months, I hope you enjoy it. 

October

Okay, some of these will have already come out (and I actually own them)! But I'm still going to include them anyway. 

1. The First to Die at the End (Death-Cast #0), by Adam Silvera

Release date:4/10/22

I was so psyched when I heard that this was going to be released. They Both Die at the End has to be my favourite Adam Silvera book maybe ever, so this was definitely a book I knew I'd be purchasing as soon as it was in my local Waterstones. (And I do already have one.) If the title doesn't give it away, this is a prequel to They Both Die at the End, which is about two boys, who are brought together when the Death Cast app tells them that today is their last ever day. I have no idea what is in this enormous 550 page book and I am very excited to pick it up. 

2. Numb to this: Memoir of a Mass Shooting, by Kindra Neely 

Release date: 11/10/22

I love reading books with current issues. Books about representation, that share journeys and experiences. They show the people that are living those themes in their everyday lives that they have a voice, that they're not alone. 

This book is a prime example. And the fact that this is a true story makes it all the more special. 

I can already tell this will be an emotional, moving graphic memoir and I can't wait to read it. 

November

1. The Hunger Between Us, by Marina Scott 

Release date: 1/11/22

Books like this always spike my interest, especially when they take place in a time I've never even heard of, and it gives me an opportunity to learn about a place and time in History, both through the book and individual research. 

The Hunger Between Us is about a girl fighting to survive the siege of Leningrad, and to save her best friend from a terrible fate after she mysteriously vanishes. That's more or less the opening sentence to the blurb on Goodreads, and that is all I need to be 100% hooked to this book. Before doing research into the siege of Leningrad, I had no idea what it was, or how harsh it was for the civilians that lived there when the siege took hold. Imagine 872 days of starvation, in the cold winters of Russia, and you'll get the idea. 

I really hope this is available for me to read from someone, because I'm desperate to get started on this.

 

2. Whiteout, by Various YA Authors 

(Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon

Release date: 8/11/22

Completely different type of book from the last one, Whiteout is a Christmas holiday romance book from too many authors that I've read and loved (so many that I couldn't not include this book on the list). I loved Blackout (exactly the same authors wrote that- probably why it's called Whiteout) and it's always nice to read a story where everyone writes a different point of view, all within one day, that all comes together/ falls in place, right at the very end. 

Basically, Whiteout is about a group of twelve teenagers that band together to pull off the most epic apology- but then an unexpected sheet of white grounds the city to a halt- will they be able to pull it off, or will the white elements ruin everything? 

This sounds like the perfect read for December, so I'll be trying to get a copy as early as I can. 

3. Scattered Showers, by Rinbow Rowell 

Release date: 8/11/22

Basically, these are all short stories too, but they're all from the POV's of EXISTING Rainbow Rowell characters- yes there is another story that's featuring Snowbaz. It's been a minute since I've read anything by Rainbow, so of course I put this on my list. It'll be perfect for maybe January/ February when I'm looking for a quick read that I'm guaranteed to enjoy. Love the cover, love the premise (nine chapter romances), and I just know I'm going to love the characters, because she writes the best characters. 

I'm excited. 

December

1. A Million to One, by Adiba Jaigirdar 

Release date: 13/12/22

A thief, artist, acrobat, and artist, that don't have anything in common, all united in one goal. To steal the Rubaiyat, a jewel encrusted novel, currently aboard the Titanic. When distaster strikes, and careless mistakes and old grudges put the group in immense danger, this seemingly impossible heist becomes even more impossible, and the chances of the group ever getting to this book become very slim. But not as slim as their chances of survival. 

I've never read a book about people trying to keep afloat in the Titanic, and although it is a very grave theme, this actually sounds quite light-hearted. I've read two Adiba Jaigirdar books in the past and I'm looking forward to picking another one up. 

Okay! Those are the books that I'm anticipating for the back end of 2022! If you're looking forward to reading any of these, or others, then let me know in the comments below. 

I hope you have a great evening and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxx

October TBR (2022)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm catching up on the posting game by drafting this straight after my wrap up. Look at me being all productive and stuff! 

Now, I know I usually conjour up a Spooky TBR for the month of October, to keep with the Halloween theme (getting as much pumpkin spice as I can this month, before Gingerbread waltzes in like it owns the place) but this month I'm prioritising my Goodreads Goal, because I'm sick of being behind. 

So this month I'll be re-reading yet more books, all from my childhood. All from just one author actually. 

I'm warning you now, there'll be four Jacqueline Wilson books on this TBR. 

That's your warning. 

I hope you enjoy my TBR. 

1. Candyfloss, by Jacqueline Wilson 

Candyfloss tells the story of Floss who, when her mum and new husband Steve are moving the family to Australia for a year, feels split. She loves her Dad, with his greasy spoon cafe, and his way of making her feel like the most special girl in the world. So when they reveal they're moving, Floss decides to stay with her Dad. He's not great at ironing, or making nutritious meals, but they muddle along well enough. But then disaster strikes and they end up homeless, will their new found fairground help them out? 

Now, this does have some very serious themes to it, but even when a bad situation arises, you sort of always feel like Flossie and her Dad will be okay. What I love the most is the balance between the seriousness and the humour in this book. Like you never feels like it gets too heavy or too harsh in the way the story is told. 

2. Clean Break, by Jacqueline Wilson 

Bloody harsh this is! Stepdad leaves Em and her family (her siblings Vita and Maxie are his blood children) for another woman on Christmas Day! Em knows that a good story can be enough to make life seem a little better, even though they're trying to muddle through a tough time. Meeting her favourite author, Jenna Williams, would be a dream come true. But could her greatest wish be granted? Will her Dad ever come home? 

This was never my absolute favourite Jacqueline Wilson book, but it holds it's own and I like some of the themes in it. As always, the subtle and gentle introduction of difficult topics, with the hearty humour is absolutely perfect, and I am very much looking forward to re-read this. 

3. The Diamond Girls, by Jacqueline Wilson 

I'm 36 pages into this book right now, and this was the book that I was thinking the most about, out of these three Jacqueline Wilson books. It's the one that made me want to re-read them. I think what I love about The Diamond Girls is how distinguished all the girls are. They're all really easy to like and the group dynamic is very well-written. 

The Diamond Girls starts when their heavily pregnant mother reveals that they'll be moving that week. They arrive, and things all start to go downhill. All the girls go off their own; Martine storming off, Jude fighting and Rochelle on the lookout for a boyfriend. Dixie is the daydreamer, the protagonist and even though she's the youngest, she's determined to pull the family together for the first diamond boy. 

 4. Sister's Red (Fairytale Retellings #1), by Jackson Pearce 

I felt the urge to re-read one of my absolute favourite halloweenish reads this morning and since I'm already re-reading a ton this month, I thought, what the heck? It's clearly what I want to pick up next, and I'm in the mood for it (also I was stuck on what to include on my TBR after the first three books). 

Sister's Red is a Little Red Riding Hood retelling, about sisters Scarlett and Rosie, two fenris (werewolf) hunters. It's just the two of them, after their grnadmother was maliciously killed by a fenris. Scarlett is driven by the hunt, she lives and breathes it. But Rosie has always wondered, is there more to life than hunting?

I don't know what it is that drew me to this book when I first read it, but I know I always enjoy reading about the fighting, the characters, and the mystery with the Silas brothers and the fenris. Looking forward to going back to this. 

5. Sweetly (Fairytale Retellings #2), by Jackson Pearce 

Sweetly is a Hansel and Gretel retelling, and growing up, it was a strong placeholder alongside Sister's Red. But growing up, I actually think it just edges up the first book in the way the whole story comes together. Aside from that, there's a Cholocatier in this book and reading scenes that take place there always makes me hungry for chocolate. 

Sweetly is different to the original book by Brothers Grimm, but similar enough that it doesn't seem like it stems from a different story. There's shooting and training, there's another Silas brother, and of course there are fenris in this version too. Mouth is already watering at the thought of that Chocolatier. 

6. Where Am I Now? By Mara Wilson 

And again, I tack this on at the end of another TBR. I will get to you, Mara Wilson autobiography! If it's the last thing I do (actually, I'm currently flying through these Jacqueline Wilson books, so the only reason I don't pick this up will be if I decide to read something else). This novel will only take me a few hours so there really isn't any excuse for me not to finish this this month. 

From what I've read, this is an honest and emotional account of what it's like rising to fame accidentally, feeling out of place growing up in the public eye, and all the bad parts of the film industry. I've heard nothing but fantastic reviews about this book and I'll be so happy when I finally get to it. 

Okay! I hope to finish these and then some (but I just can't think of more to read at the moment) so I'm going to wrap it up here. 

As always, feel free to comment down below what you guys plan to read and we can talk about them! 

I hope you have a wonderful day and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxx