Bout of Books 10.0 Wrap Up

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Day 7

Currently reading: 

- Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Books completed: 

- The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

- Bossypants by Tina Fey

- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

- The Archived by Victoria Schwab

- The Diviners by Libba Bray

- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Pages read since last update: 214

Total pages read: 2058

Thoughts: So, this Bout of Books was my first true read-a-thon. Can I just say that it was an amazing experience? No, I didn't meet my updated goal. But, I did exceed my original goal of 6 books. Which, considering my schedule for the week of BOB and the tiny amount of time I actually could read over the weekend I'm very happy with. I think this read-a-thon was a great way to jump into summer on a great note reading wise. It was a fun, communal, and relaxing way to get back into the right mindset to try to tackle the books on my TBR shelf. So, while I didn't do as well as I once predicted this experience as a whole was worthwhile and invigorating. I will be posting some reviews of the books I read this week so keep an eye out for those!

How was your experience? Did you meet your goals? What are your reading goals now?

Bout of Books Update | Day 6

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Day 6

Currently reading: 

- The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Books completed: 

- Bossypants by Tina Fey

- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

- The Archived by Victoria Schwab

- The Diviners by Libba Bray

- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Pages read since last update: 25

Total pages read: 1844

Thoughts: Yikes. Saturday I did not get a chance to read at all. I had a bit of time while waiting on my best friend to complete a press conference but it was only about 15 minutes or so honestly. I was hoping to get a bit more read on Saturday morning than I did but I just couldn't make it fit into my plans. Which I'm totally okay with. This set me back a bit and thus I don't know if I'm going to complete my goal of 7 books. But, my original goal was 6 (I went back and upped the ante) so I at least will complete that. Today (Sunday) is going to be a night jock full of reading. As always, wish me luck!

How's your reading going? Have you read these books? Let me know!

Bout of Books Update | Day 5

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Day 5

Currently reading: 

- The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Books completed: 

- Bossypants by Tina Fey

- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

- The Archived by Victoria Schwab

- The Diviners by Libba Bray

- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Pages read since last update: 105

Total pages read: 1819

Thoughts: Sorry about the delayed update guys. I haven't had internet access really since Friday so, I'm playing a bit of catch up. On Friday I continued on reading The Bell Jar but only made it a little less than halfway through. I'm totally okay with this because it's honestly what I planned for. I knew my weekend was going to be very busy and I'm glad I got so much reading done during the week.

How's your reading going? Have you read these books? Let me know!

Bout of Books Update | Day 4

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Day 4

Currently reading: 

- The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Books completed: 

- Bossypants by Tina Fey

- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

- The Archived by Victoria Schwab

- The Diviners by Libba Bray

- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Pages read since last update: 385

Total pages read: 1714

Thoughts: I'm slowly making my way through my list of books for bout of books and I"m still holding strong. I'm glad that I've chosen to vary a bit from my go to genre (YA Fantasy/Dystopian) to go back and read some classics as well as Tina Fey's autobiography. It's keeping me invested and all of the books fresh. I'm still very much determined to complete my goals set at the beginning of the week and I believe I may just be able to do it. Tina Fey's autobiography was honestly hard to get into but once she began speaking of her adult life and career I was very invested. Her to the point attitude and way of acknowledging her shortcomings and embarrassments was refreshing and humorous. I am also glad that I committed to reading Pride and Prejudice during this event. I had started it multiple times before but never stuck with it. By making it a goal within this read-a-thon I finally accomplished it. It was excellent and I knew I would love it (I adore 19th century british literature). It lived up to my expectations and then some. Overall, I've been very pleased with the books I've read thus far.

How's your reading going? Have you read these books? Let me know!

Bout of Books 10 | Spell it out Challenge

N

Hey guys so I thought I would participate in Kimberlyfaye Reads Bout of Books 10.0 challenge. Kimberlyfaye has challenged us to use the title of books we have read or want to read to spell out a word. So, here goes nothing. :)

J - Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

E - Evolution of Mara Dyer, The by Michelle Hodkin

N - Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

N - Naked by David Sedaris

I - Importance of Being Earnest, The by Oscar Wilde

F - Fault in Our Stars by John Green

E - Edgar Huntly by Charles Brockden Brown

R - Return of the King, The by J.R.R. Tolkien

Have you guys participated in this challenge? If so, link me so I can check it out!

Bout of Books Update | Day 3

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Day 3

Currently reading: 

- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Books completed: 

- The Archived by Victoria Schwab

- The Diviners by Libba Bray

- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Pages read since last update:250

Total pages read: 1329

Thoughts: Yesterday wasn't the best day reading wise to be honest. I didn't finish a book as I had planned because other obligations got in the way so I had barely any time to read. Today I will for sure finish Pride and Prejudice as I only have about 110 pages to go. Then I think I can also knock out another book after I babysit as well. Fingers-crossed. I know there's no failing in bout of books but, I want to see just how far I can push myself. Also, I know I won't have much time at all to read over the weekend.

How's your reading going? Have you read these books? Let me know!

Bout of Books Update | Day 2

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Day 2

Currently reading: 

- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Books completed: 

- The Archived by Victoria Schwab

- The Diviners by Libba Bray

- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Pages read since last update: 488

Total pages read: 1079

Thoughts: Today was another good day. I got through two complete books and I've started on another one. If I keep going at this rate I should complete all of my goals! Especially since I completed the longest book on my goals list. I'm really happy I stuck with The Diviners because I was honestly debating about just putting it down after yesterday. However, I actually really enjoyed it. I didn't love it but I did end up at least liking it. I will be posting a review on it tomorrow so keep an eye out for that! Tomorrow I'm going to try to get my page count up even higher so wish me luck!

How's your reading going? Have you read these books? Let me know!

Bout of Books Update | Day 1

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Day 1

Currently reading: 

- The Diviners by Libba Bray

Books completed: 

- The Archived by Victoria Schwab

Pages read since last update: 591

Total pages read: 591

Thoughts: I'm pretty happy with my start of Bout of Books. Though I had hoped to be a bit farther along there were more obstacles than anticipated yesterday. So, all that means is I'm going to step up my game today. It took me a while to begin The Diviners because I honestly could not get into the book until about 100 pages in. I still don't know how I feel about the book overall. Time will only tell. :)

How's your reading going? Have you read these books? Let me know!

Bout of Books Book Review 1 | The Archived by Victoria Schwab

Well guys, I finished my first book during the Bout of Books 10.0! Take a quick peak of my review of the novel below!

The Archived by Victoria Schwab

"Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what she once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often—violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn’t just dangerous—it’s a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da’s death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption"

REVIEW:

There is so much for me to say about this book, and trust me I will go further into detail in the future (aka when i'm not doing a read-a-thon). But, oh my goodness guys this book was so good. I had been so excited to read this book after hearing a lot of raving reviews on booktube. The premise of this book is so interesting and compelling. You are constantly wanting to know more about the world and how it works. I never found myself feeling bored with the exposition of the world or the background of the story. I think  that's a key aspect of a good book. If you can explain everything about this new world to me and have my entertained the entire way though you've already began to win me over. Furthermore, the characters in this novel were so fantastic. Mackenzie, the protagonist, is such a grounded and realistic character that you immediately relate to her. She's inquisitive, intelligent, strong, but she's also got flaws which force her out of the realm of being a perfectly packaged character to a seemingly real teenage girl. I even found myself being drawn in by secondary characters who did not have an overwhelming presence throughout the novel. The dialogue and interactions in this book were so solid and well paced that it all felt very natural. Schwab has a clear knowledge of the human condition and human interaction which can be lacking in some books. Overall, this book was a great book and I would definitely recommend it to fans of YA lit.

Goodreads Score: 5/5

Have you guys read this book? If so what were your thoughts?

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Bout of Books 10.0 Goals

Hey guys! So, as I stated in my previous post I am participating in Bout of Books 10.0 this week. It will be my first time participating in B.O.B. and I am super excited. If you guys don't know what Bout of Books is all about check out their page.

"The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog.        - From the Bout of Books team"

I have made a TBR list for it and an overall goal of 7 books. I believe I can do more than that but for my first time I want to make sure that my goal is realistic and practical in regards to my schedule. I am also planning on being involved in the chats as wells as participating in at least some of the challenges. My list is pretty eclectic but I chose half from my TBR jar and the other half were books I've just really been dying to read. Should make for an interesting week of reading.

TBR: 
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Life of Pi by Yann Martel
- Bossypants by Tina Fey
- The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
- The Archived by Victoria Schwab
- The Diviners by Libba Bray
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

 Are you guys participating in the read-a-thon? If so what's on your TBR list?

You can find me on twitter or instagram:
Twitter: @Sherlockk
Instagram: @Sherlockk_

Bout of Books 10.0

    That's right guys, I'm participating in the next Bout of Books read-a-thon. What is this you ask? Here's a blurb to explain:

"The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team  

    So, I will spend all of my free time in the next week to trying to read as many of the books on my TBR list as possible. My overall goal is 10 books but I haven't determined the actual list yet. So stay tuned for a post about that. Let me know if you're participating and what you goals are.


xx,
J

About the Book Nook

So, here's the gist of this project.

I'm taking a summer off from school to try to determine if the book industry is something that's a viable career choice for me. I am currently 1/3 of the way through a graduate degree in a completely different career path. Literature is and has always been a huge part of my life. This summer is about making it an even larger part of my life, by turning it into my career.

This blog is going to follow me in this plan as well as document my reading and reviews along the way. Join me for my journey because who knows where it will end up going.

Yours truly,
J