2025 Goals

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And it's officially 2025! 

I was going to wait and do a tag or something, but I want to start this year off well- so I'm drawing out a list of my 2025 goals- both with reading and everyday. (Though maybe waiting til the 12th to finally finish one is a bad start.)

I hope you enjoy it. 

1. Post more reviews. 

I've read over 100 books in the past two years. Admiteddly, some of those were re-reads, or part of a series, but in total, I posted ten reviews. 

I definitely want to make the effort to note down more of my thoughts with the books I read this year. 

2. Get a cat 

I've lived in my house with my boyfriend for the best part of a year, and sometime soon, we'll be getting a cat! Maybe from Cat Protection, maybe from a house nearby. But it's definitely something we're considering soon! 

3. Post more in general, to be honest. 

Even if only slightly, my number of posts per year have gradually been decreasing. I want to post three times a month (at least)- though, as I'm writing this on the 12th, nearly halfway through the month, I'm very much hoping that I get better as I go along. 

4. STOP BEING SUCH A PEOPLE PLEASER.

I need to stop trying to bend over backwards for people, and try and fit everything in. If it's impossible, I need to learn to just tell people that, instead of giving people falsh expectations. 

If you can't tell, that's a main one. 

5. Read all of my unread books- and achieve my 80 book Goodreads Reading Challenge. 

This one is basically a given by now. I always want to achieve that, and last year it didn't (the unread books goal). Let's change that. 

Okay! Those are all my main goals for the year- I would of course like to travel more, but for that I need money. 

As always, feel free to post any new years' resolutions- bookish or otherwise, in the comments below, so we can support eachother! 

I hope you have a lovely eveming, and I will see you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Yearly Wrap Up (2024)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And I'm coming at you with my last post in 2024- my yearly wrap up. 

This post is mostly about reflecting on everything that I've managed to accomplish this year- both reading and otherwise, and just put it all to bed so I can look ahead- to 2025! 

This year has been particularly different, due to one major change- but somehow I've managed- and read and posted some along the way! 

Without further ado, let's get to it- I hope you enjoy, and I hope you've had a good year too. 

~Books Read in December~

Funny enough, I've really struggled with staying committed to reading this month. I only managed to finish two books (one isn't even finished as I'm writing this, but I'm including it because it's a graphic novel, and I have like 10 pages left), but that's okay, because I don't have any pressure on me at the moment, and I only needed to finish 2 to make 52 for the year. 

1. Unbroken, by Katarina Johnson-Thompson

For everyone that doesn't know, I'm a huge athletics fan. And anybody that has experienced athletics will know about the hepthatlon, an event that is seven different sports, and takes place over two days. 

Katarina Johnson Thompson (or KJT for short) first appeared on our television screens in 2012, during the London Olympics, at just 19-years-old. I'm not going to list her many achievements, the book will tell you about the amazing and terrible feats she's had to experience, without me trying to list them. 

But her book is amazing, and I recommend you try it, if you're into athletics at all. 

Because this is resilience and strength at it's purest. 

2. Monstress, Volume 1: Awakening (Monstress #1), by Marjorie M. Liu

I stumbled upon this in a retro gaming store in King's Lynn, of all places. I'd heard about it and was vaguelly interested, but had never seen it physically. £5- of course I was going to pick it up (despite it having 9 volumes, and was showing no sign of slowing down). 

With ten pages left, I'm hooked. I'm sure I've told my boyfriend at least 10 times how great it is. 

If you asked me what it was about, I don't think I'd be able to tell you. There was a war, many years ago, but the country is now in peace. There are children with powers, that are causing fear and fighting between the two sides- that peace is on the brink of turning into war again. The protagonist, a seventeen-year-old girl has stolen a mask and has a creature, living under her skin, that everyone wants to capture. And she's just trying to figure out what's going on. 

That's the bare bones. I feel like I'm constantly being pulled in different directions, and I'm really enjoying how the story is unfolding. Eagerly anticipating picking up the next volume. 

~Series Finished in 2024~ 

This year definitely hasn't been the year for series'. Instead of my usual seven, I've only finished three. But that's fine! My goal this year is to not be afraid of the bulkier books- and that's exactly what I've done! 

I've also caught up on some, and started others (like the graphic novel series I mentioned above). I'll talk about them after. What's more, I've enjoyed every single one. 

1. The 'Maple Hills' trilogy, by Hannah Grace

This is the trilogy that's responsible for making my heart flutter, and my insides turn to mush- they're all just so damn sweet! Stacie and Nate, Rory and Russ and Hayley Henry all have a special place in my heart- and I'm having a hard time finding a book series that makes me feel the same (I have an idea about one, but it's going to be a while until I can be fully committed to a series like this again). 

If you're in the mood for a cute, easy read (with series issues thrown in every so often), then this is the series for you. It's rare that I pick up a contemporary romance series, but I'm so glad I decided to give this one a go. Icebreaker was one of the first novels I picked up after moving into my new home this year, and I feel like each book has been in my head for the whole year. It's been amazing to get to delve into these characters' journeys. Thanks Hannah Grace. 

2. The 'Poppy War' trilogy, by R.F. Kuang

This trilogy had my brain in knots. It absolutely deserves the hype surrounding it. If there is anybody on this earth that has anything bad to say about this trilogy, they are lying. 

I will go as far as to say that R.F Kuang is up there with the fantasy greats- Brandon Sanderson, Joe Abercrombie, George R.R. Martin, Neil Gaiman... need I name any more? 

If you like epic chinese fantasy, then go and pick this trilogy up- you won't regret it- now where's my copy of Babel? 

3. The 'Montague Siblings' trilogy, by Mackenzie Lee

 
I read the books 1 & 2 right when they were released- way back in 2017 & 2018, and then I preordered book 3 on Audible, so I could read it right when it was available- simple right? Wrong! Instead it stayed, languishing on my Audible library- unread for years! Years! I told myself, it's fine, right? The Nobleman's Guide takes place over a decade after the first two, so I can pick it up whenever... 

I basically decided that enough is enough, and started way back on book 1, so I could experience The Montague Siblings trilogy in it's entirety.  

Thankfully I managed it, I didn't stop before book 3, thus laying the series to rest. 

It was lovely to be able to re-emerge myself in the stories of Monty and Felicity, in their escapades across the world, being caught up in adventure they never dreamed they'd find themselves in. 

And getting to meet Adrian, and then the inevitable reunion with the siblings he never even knew existed- it was great. 

And now the series isn't hanging over my head any more- even better. 

~Series I've Started and have Caught Up on~

To be fair, I've caught up on just as many series, as I've finished. One of them was even meant to be finished by the end of the year. Here's the list of series I'm awaiting the next release: 

1. The 'Clementine' trilogy, by Tillie Walden- Awaiting the third and final graphic novel, release date is 8th July, 2025. 

2. The 'Heartstopper' series, by Alice Oseman- Awaiting the sixth and final graphic novel *sobbing*. Release date is currently unknown. 

3. The 'Skulduggery Pleasant' series, by Derek Landy (of course- I'm always doing that). Awaiting the 18th book in the series (A Heart Full of Hatred- release date is 27th March). 

Those are all the series I'm caught up on, the only book series I've started, but am yet to catch up on is, well, basically, the one I started yesterday: 

The 'Monstress' graphic novel series, by Marjorie Liu. I have eight volumes to read after my current one, and then whatever she sees fit to release in the future. But this graphic novel series is here to stay.

~What I Accomplished in 2024~ 

1. I FINALLY GOT SUB 23 AT THE 5K- literally been trying to do that for 6 fucking years- and I finally managed it this year. 

2. I moved out- have lived in this house for the best part of the year and I couldn't be happier. 

3. Kept my blog posting and reading consistent- a book a week is decent- going to try for three posts a month consistently next year- doing four in December is proof that I can achieve that. 

~Goals for 2025~

1. Blog three times, every month. I know I can do it. 

2. Achieve a marathon time that's better than 5 hours. Brighton was over measured, but that's still no excuse. I know I can do better. 

3. Get a fucking cat. We've nearly made it a year. It's time. 

~What I'm Looking Forward to in 2025~ 

1. Actually doing a marathon- I said on my 2023 wrap up that I'm eyeing the distance up- I'll be running Boston (Lincolnshire, UK- I'm not that fast) in April- and then eating a lot later on. 

2. New trainers! I've had my current ones nearly a year and a half- and I can't wait to get another pair. 

3. Donating my hair again! I'll be sending my hair to Princess Trust Foundation some time in January- it'll be such a relief to not find my hair everywhere. 

4. Talking to you all! 

Okay! That is my 2024 at it's end! I don't think I have anything left to say- if you do, write it in the comments! Let me know your achievements, your thoughts, your goals for 2025- or even what your favourite read was! 

This year has felt different. Some days I was so tired I was surprised I had the energy to even wake up. Other days I was up and out of bed, ready to take on the day. Even making a cup of coffee or getting in the shower was enough to make me feel brighter about the day. 

Getting out of bed, or making a cup of coffee is an achievement some days. But we've made it through another year, and for that we should be proud! 

So let's look forward to 2025! 

See you on the flip side, everyone! 

Byeeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Favourite Books of 2024!

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with my Favourite Books of 2024!

So far I've read 50 in total, and I am hoping to read two more before the month is out, but as of now, I have comprised a list of all of the ones I have finished! 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy reading. 

~Favourite Books of 2024~

1. Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, by Matthew Perry

Every time I'm on my way home, I remember hearing Matthew Perry's voice telling me his version of his life. It's hard not to add a story that so moved me, onto my yearly favourites list. I know it's easy to love something after it's gone, but Matthew Perry's story has really stuck with me, especially after it's no longer possible to tell him that. 

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terribe Thing is an astonishingly moving, honest novel about Matthew Perry and his trials and tribulations, as well as his successes in his acting career; and then there are parts, also extremely honest, within his personal life. Of course, they were intertwined, as all of our lives are. 

Absolutely phenomenal novel. 

2. Dragon Republic (The Poppy War #2), by R.F. Kuang

I know everyone will have their own opinion on which of these is there favourite, and ordinarily, I'd be going with the first book in the series, given they usually have a clear premise, and I know what to expect- somewhat. 

In The Dragon Republic the floodgates open- the plot goes in so many directions, so many new characters are introduced, and the ones I had already met in the first one grow so much- it's bloody chaos. That's more or less what the story is. 

I have no idea how R.F. Kuang imagined this story up, but it never once feels rushed- it's always fast paced, but you never feel like you don't know what's going on. Sometimes when reading this book I gasped out loud, or covered my eyes, because I didn't want to believe what I was reading. 

I wish I could pick this book up again with fresh eyes again, to take it in again, completely new. 

3.Beyond the Wand, by Tom Felton

I'm beginning to wonder how both autobiographies I picked up this year (not including my CR) have ended up on my Favourites List (I'm either picky or just really good at picking my autobiographies- or maybe it's just that I listened to them on Audible). 

But whatever the reason, what started as a book I wanted to get to and finish before the end of the month, ended up as so much more than that. 

Tom Felton's storyt-telling, from describing his upbringing, to getting to meet some of the acting greats- both before and during his time filming the Harry Potter films- was light-hearted, candid and funny, and it was that voice that made it such easy reading, and made for a nice balance when he was talking about the less fun stuff he had to deal with as an adult. I would recommend this book to any HP fan that wanted to know more about the rival to 'the boy who lived'. 

4. A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness

Wow. 

What an emotional read. Story about a boy that has to come to terms with his mum's declining condition, and learn to let go. 

I was in tears throughout this book- and not becuase it was the fourth book I'd picked up that day. 

I genuinely can't believe it's been three months since I picked this one up, because I still remember it, like it was yesterday. 

I'm genuinely trying not to just write single sentences about this, but honestly, I'm struggling to find the words that can best describe how this book made me feel. I was distraught, my heart was sobbing inside. I was sad. I was so desperately hoping that the unthinkable would happen, and the boy's mother would pull through. What this book does to you- it tugs on your heart-strings. 

Just read it guys. It's amazing. 

5. The Women, by Kristin Hannah 

If you want my most in-depth thoughts about this book, you can click the link on the title and read my full out review. 

The Women, in short is a story about the Vietnam nurses in the 1960s. We follow Frankie, who is determined to do her bit for her country, and to follow her brother into the Vietnam War- to help the soldiers that are fighting for freedom. 

Surrounded by bloodshed, of soldiers with limbs falling off, Frankie is fighting a losing battle, and she knows it, for she doesn't have half the supplies or staff needed to feel like she's making any sort of difference. Just carry on she must, for she made a promise- to carry on, and do as much as she can. 

And then she leaves, to return to the society that considers it a crime to have served in the Vietnam War, (the soldiers don't even believe that there were any women in the Vietnam War). 

The Women is a moving, powerful story about a minority group that served their country, and got all the bullshit dropped on them, upon returning home. The Women centres around Frankie, Barb and Ethel- three powerful women that will stick with you long after you finish the last page. 

6. Daydream (Maple Hills #3), by Hannah Grace

And my final Favourite of the Year- of course it was going to be Daydream! I've loved the Mapel Hills books more and more, each time I've picked one up! 

I've talked about this book maybe three times since I first mentioned it, so if you want to know what it's about, either go and find my November Wrap Up, my July- September Anticipated Releases post, or my November TBR, cos all the details are on there! 

The Maple Hills trilogy are all cute, romance based YA novels, with lovable, funny, yet realistic characters with genuine issues that need to be worked through. I do not think I could love any Hannah Grace book more than I love these stories. 

But never say never. 

Okay! Those are my Favourite Books of the year! Since I hope to read more next year, I'm hoping I won't have to think so hard, and I may even have a longer list! (Or it may be ten times harder- who knows!) 

I hope you have a lovely evening, and I'll see you all soon with my 2024 Wrap Up! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx