Are monthly TBR lists more trouble than they're worth?

At the start of each month, my feed fills up with TBR lists, usually at least five or six books, some of them having featured in this person's monthly TBR photos for, well, months. Comparing their TBRs and their wrap-ups, you start to notice those books than keep on falling through the cracks and it's made me wonder whether TBR lists are worth it.

Some major examples for me are Carry On by Rainbow Rowell and Simon vs. the Homo-Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. They feature on my monthly TBR photos again and again, but for some reason, whenever I start a new book in that month, I never feel drawn to pick them up. I don't know why, maybe I'm just not in the mood for them, and that's okay, but I worry that I will pick them up because I feel forced to, rather than because I really want to.

So, from now on, I will not be setting myself monthly TBR's and instead I will just be picking up whatever I'm in the mood to read. I will aim to read certain books within a set time period, like "I really want to read this book by the end of summer!", but they will only be aims, not books I feel I have to read in order to feel accomplished in my bookish endeavours.

What do you think of monthly TBR lists? Are they are a help or a hindrance? Do you just go with the flow or do you stick to them like glue?

-E

Summer Reads Recommendations

Summer will soon be upon us, and for some lucky people it has already started, so I thought I would share with you some books to read in summer.

Personally, I tend to read contemporary books in summer and these are some of my favourites from the past year and a half.

The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

If you're in the mood to be a little sad, then this is the book for you. Nelson's writing really draws you in to the characters and the story. Be prepared to hate certain decisions, but you can love this book through that and that's what makes it really stand out.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

This book has been hyped and plugged so much over the past year, so you're probably sick of hearing about it, but I can guarantee that at least one of you won't have read it. So, why should you give into the hype? This book mixes the importance of family, the stresses of schoolwork and exploring new relationships with being part of a fandom, making it extremely relatable and, secretly, we all want Cath's life.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

This is my favourite out of Anna, Lola and Isla and is the perfect starting point if you want to explore the contemporary genre. If you're in the mood for a sweet romance and a couple that's extremely shippable, pick this up.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

This book surprised me, in a good way. This is a great story about friendships, new and old, and the perfect way to spend your summer. It's both inspiring and heartbreaking; the perfect holiday read.

If you end up reading any of these, let me know what you think of them! What books would you recommend to read over the summer?

Review: The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne

A beautifully sad tale that offers a different perspective on such a well known era. Sometimes the villain doesn't realise that what they are doing is wrong and this book explores that sensitively, yet realistically. This is a truly though provoking read.

(Goodreads parallel)

A Chat With Julie Kagawa

In May I was fortunate enough to win a competition, the prize for which was the Talon series, the books that have been released so far, and a Skype call with the author of the series, Julie Kagawa.

She has been one of my favourite authors for years, mainly with the Iron Fey series, and now with her other works as well, so I was beyond excited for such a great opportunity. Unfortunately, that excitement didn't really help me prepare, so I went in with no notes or prepared questions, save one from a friend who also loves The Iron Fey.

Luckily, we were able to find common interests, including anime, fanfiction and overflowing TBR piles, and the conversation just flowed from there. As a reader, it was so amazing for me to be able to connect with her one on one and to realise that she is just like me.

It may sound a bit over-the-top when I write this, but the Skype call that I had with Julie Kagawa was one of the best moments of my life so far, partly because of the interesting, and sometimes hilarious, things that I found out from her, but also because she was so lovely. I hope that in the future I'm able to do something like that again; it was (and I'm running out of adjectives here) awesome.

-E

Review: Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

A stunning novel that is truly unputdownable. This story is captivating, fast-paced and, despite being set in an alternative reality, very real. I had high expectations when I picked up this book, but they have easily been exceeded.

(Goodreads parallel) 

Review: Soldier by Julie Kagawa

Though this is the shortest book in the series so far, it had the largest emotional impact. The character development is getting better and better and I cannot wait for Lieutenant now!

(Goodreads parallel)

Review: Rogue by Julie Kagawa

A well developed continuation to Talon. I enjoyed seeing the characters becoming more fleshed out and the introduction of new faces. Love triangles aren't really something I get along with, but that was the only let down.

(Goodreads parallel)

Review: Talon by Julie Kagawa

A good beginning to a series that has great potential. I have not read any other YA novels, I believe, in which there is even a mention of dragons, so to have an entire series based on them is brilliant. I'm really looking forward to starting Rogue now.