End of the Year Book Tag – 2020

Hey guys!

I know, it has been a while since I posted a tag. I have been so focused on posting book reviews this year that I didn’t really invest that much time in thinking to do bookish tags anymore. So, I take the time to finally post a favorite tag of mine that I’ve been doing since the last three years, which is End of the Year Book Tag!

Let’s dive in!

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Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?

No because this year I don’t really receive many books from publishers. Nevertheless, I am still grateful for the opportunity to receive books to receive as there are some great titles published this year.

Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?

This year, I don’t have a transition, I just read books based on my TBR lists and choose them based on the hype around social media and reviews on Goodreads.

However, for the past few years, I did read Harry Potter during the winter season just to get the holiday vibes.

Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?

I am patiently waiting for my Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi and His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie in the mail! I really hope that I’ll receive them by the end of the year.

What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?

I want to finish reading The Tower of Nero by Rick Riordan. I am both excited and sad to read this as it is the end of The Trials of Apollo series.

Have you already started making reading plans for 2021?

I wish to read more fiction because there are so many great fictions that I have not read yet. I feel like I am so left behind in reading fiction so I want to step up my game next year.

I am also setting up my goal to my usual number which is 40. I dare not put higher goals because I’m afraid that I will not reach it.

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So that’s that. If you haven’t done this tag, consider yourself tagged by me!

Happy New Year and may 2021 bring us joy, happiness and health always!

X

Sabrina

Best Reads of 2019

Hey guys!

Happy New Year!

I am going to share with you guys about my favorite reads of 2019. In total I have six books that totally stood out to me.

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Historical Fiction

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Whenever Jojo Moyes puts out another book for us to devour, I never fail to enjoy them. I have always loved her writing since first reading her masterpiece, Me Before You. The book possesses all of the positive adjectives you can ever name, from wonderful, brilliant to remarkable and moving!

Here’s my review on The Giver of Stars. 

Non-Fiction/Autobiography

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

Ever since I stumbled across Emily Doe’s name for the past few years, I became so interested to know about her story. When I knew that she had written a memoir, I just had to get it.

I’ve never read a book that was so powerful yet gut-wrenching at the same time. Chanel Miller proves to us that every story deserves to be told. She is also gifted as a writer because her story is just so perfectly plotted and written. If you are still searching on memoirs to read, pick this one and you will be instantly amazed.

Here’s my review on Know My Name.

Fiction

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

This has got to be my most favorite fiction book published in 2019.

I know this book will be an instant New York Times Bestseller, just because of the engaging story with such importance of the themes discussed in the book.

People will always turn their backs to discuss about hard issues such as race, privilege and class. That’s why Kiley Reid wrote this novel. For people to acknowledge that this issue is currently happening to people especially minorities.

Here’s my review on Such a Fun Age.

Young Adult Historical Fiction

The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf

This book checked all the boxes for me. It explores an area of history that is close to my country, it has great representation of mental health and it is full of cultural representation with great mix of action.

Here’s my review on The Weight of Our Sky. 

Young Adult Contemporary

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

I love love this book so much! I just love the trope of enemies turned to lovers and Tweet Cute is best candidate for that. It is an entertaining rom-com about two teenagers whom families have delis and then one Twitter war leads them to an unexpected faith.

I also enjoy all of the references on pop culture such as memes, GIFs and social media. It’s a story that you would want to read if you are searching for a cute and fluffy read.

Here’s my review on Tweet Cute.

Young Adult Contemporary

How To Make Friends With The Dark by Kathleen Glasgow

Kathleen Glasgow writes a harsh yet realistic exploration of pain and sadness in a voice who tries to find her own self after losing a loved one. The unforgettable story touches my heart to the core.

Here’s my review on How To Make Friends With The Dark.

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Here you go! This is my list of best books of 2019. I am excited to know what books do you enjoyed reading last year.

Thanks for reading.

X

Sabrina

Disappointing Reads of 2019

Hello everyone.

Today I would like to share about my disappointing reads of the year, 2019. The reason why I do this is because I would like to reflect on what I’ve read from the past year and identify books that are great and also books that have the potential, but it doesn’t exceed my expectations.

Here’s my list of disappointing reads of 2019!

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Renegades by Marissa Meyer

Frankly speaking, I had high expectations for this one. Mainly because I truly enjoyed reading The Lunar Chronicles series which is a great story with wonderful and diverse characters. Unfortunately, Renegades didn’t have them all. The writing was mediocre, the story was one hell of a mess and the characters were uncompelling, to say the least.

Here’s my review on Renegades.

Into the Crooked Place by Alexandra Christo

This book is a convoluted mess. I was honestly expecting it to be as good as Six of Crows, but it was far from perfect. The synopsis was selling the idea of a gangster fantasy story, with a bunch of misfits with unfortunate histories. The story was very generic with such an uneventful plot and lack-in-depth cast of characters that I became so uninterested with the character’s well being.

Here’s my review on Into the Crooked Place.

The M Word by Brian Conaghan

I loved Brian Conaghan’s The Weight of a Thousand Feathers.

But I didn’t really enjoy this one. Don’t get me wrong, Brian Conaghan is great writer when it comes to writing about mental health issues. However, the overall writing of the book was so amateurish that it seemed counter productive in telling a heavy story that revolved around mental health issues such as depression etc.

Here’s my review on The M Word.

All Fall Down by Sally Nicholls

To be honest, I wasn’t a fan on the execution of the story and writing at all. I really hoped that the story could be so much better in describing the atmosphere of that time when the Black Death happened. The characters were one-dimensional and boring with no progression till the end. I was so interested in reading about Black Death but this book didn’t deliver well as I expected it to be.

Here’s my review on All Fall Down.

The Ruinous Sweep by Tim Wynne-Jones

The idea of the story was quite good, but the writing was just too confusing. While reading, I had to always refer back to past chapters because the present chapters were always hard to follow. I think the author intended on writing pieces and fragments of the story one by one before revealing the whole story to the reader, but unfortunately it turned out to be all over the place.

Here’s my review on The Ruinous Sweep.

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These are my disappointing reads of the year. They are not necessarily bad books because they have positive attributes as well, but the bad outweighs the good.

My next post will be my best reads of 2019, so stay tuned to my blog!

Thank you and Happy New Year!

X

Sabrina

 

 

 

Ringing in the New Year Book Tag – 2020

Happy New Year guys!

We are now in a new year and decade, so we must have new resolutions that we want to achieve. For me, it is definitely to read more quality books!

I want to thank the original creator of this tag, Bookmark Chronicles.

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Best book/series that you’ve read in 2019?

I have a top #6 favorite books of the year:

• The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
• Know My Name by Chanel Miller
• Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
• The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf
• Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
• How To Make Friends With the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow

Authors that you’ve recently found and would like to read more of in the new year?

Kiley Reid. Her debut novel, Such a Fun Age is such a great book about race, class and privilege. Everyone who reads her book will always have something to bring back home.

Best book turned movie/tv show in 2019?

I wanna say The Sun Is Also A Star because I love the book but I haven’t watched the movie yet.

Midnight Kiss: favorite ship of the year?

This is no surprise to anyone that my book couple of the year is Pepper and Jack from Tweet Cute. I fell in love with their friend turned to lover relationship so much.

What’s on your TBR for 2020?

I have so many, but these my top ones:

• The Girl and the Ghost by Hanna Alkaf
• A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer
• The Ballad of Songsbird and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (!!!)
• Dear Justyce by Nic Stone

How many books do you hope to read in 2020?

Hopefully 50, but if I can’t manage, 40 is a great number as well.

Will you participate in the Goodreads Reading Challenge or any others (PopSugar, Down the TBR Hole, etc.?)

I will always join Goodreads Reading Challenge!

Any New Year’s Resolutions? (Bookish, blogging, vlogging, and otherwise)

• To post more bookish content on Instagram and WordPress
• To get a stable job that I love
• To save and buy a property

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Thank you for reading and have a Happy New Year!

X

Sabrina

End of the Year Book Tag – 2019

Hey guys!

I know, it has been a while since I posted a tag. I have been so focused on posting book reviews this year that I didn’t really invest that much time in thinking to do bookish tags anymore. So, I take the time to finally post a favorite tag of mine that I’ve been doing since the last two years, which is End of the Year Book Tag!

Lets’s dive in!

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Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?

Yes. I have received so many books this year, and honestly I don’t actually have that much time to read them all. I tend to just DNF books that I feel uninterested in reading, but I don’t want to miss the experience and fun from any single book I receive.

This year I DNF Viper’s Daughter by Michelle Paver, because I find the characters and story to be so boring. It doesn’t have the hook to keep me reading.

Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?

This year, I don’t have a transition, I just read books based on my TBR lists and choose them based on the hype around social media and reviews on Goodreads.

However, for the past few years, I did read Harry Potter during the winter season just to get the holiday vibes.

Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?

It is not really a new release, but I am patiently waiting for my Becoming copy by Michelle Obama to arrive! I have been dying to read that since it was first released!

What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?

I want to finish reading these two books called The Threads of Magic by Alison Croggon and Orla and the Serpent’s Curse by C. J. Haslam. I receive these ARCS from Definitely Books yesterday and I am excited to read them.

Have you already started making reading plans for 2020?

I don’t have a perfect plan just yet, but in my mind, I intend to read more fiction specifically adult that is related to my age and interest. I feel that when you age, you grow and your interest changes. You want to read something that you can take home with you. That’s what I intend to do.

I also want to read more motivational books like memoirs so I can learn more on how to improve myself.

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So that’s that. If you haven’t done this tag, consider yourself tagged by me!

Happy New Year and may 2020 bring us joy, happiness and health always!

X

Sabrina

Ringing In The New Year Book 2019 Tag

Happy New Year everyone!

I wasn’t tagged by anyone, but since it is 2019, why not I make a new book tag post! 🙂

RULES:

• Link to the person who tagged you
• Link to the creator of the tag (Bookmark Chronicles)
• Share the tag image
• Answer the questions below
• Tag friends (or not if you don’t feel like it)

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Best book and/or series that you’ve read in 2018?

There were many books that caught my attention. For standalone, Dear Martin by Nic Stone was such a powerful and moving read that I hope more people will read the book. I feel like shoving the book to people who have not read it yet! What are you guys doing in your life?

Alright another one, Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. Oh God this story. I couldn’t stop reading this once I started. The drama, tension and characters were so brilliantly written! I heard there is news about making this book to a TV series. Let’s just hope that the series is great!

For series, I guess The Trials of Apollo was great as well. I miss Percy Jackson and the gang and reading about them brought back memories of reading the PJO series.

Authors that you have recently found that you would like to read more of in the new year.

I would love to read more of Nic Stone’s, Angie Thomas’, Holly Black’s stories, and from a couple more authors.

Most anticipated book turned movie/TV show?

The second book in the series of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, P.S I Still Love You by Jenny Han. I love this first movie and I hope the second is way better!

Name a character that you wouldn’t mind sharing a kiss with at midnight (if there is one)

Cardan from The Cruel Prince would make a good candidate LOL

What’s on your TBR for 2019? (Top 5-10 will suffice if it’s an extremely long list)

My main TBR:

1. Children of Blood and Bone
2. Renegades series
3. The Weight of Our Sky
4. The Wicked King

How many books do you hope to read in 2019?

I target for 40 books this year and I hope I will make it! Last year I read 46 books and I am proud of it 🙂

Will you participate in the Goodreads reading challenge or any others? (Popsugar, Down the TBR Hole, Etc.)

This year I will participate in the Goodreads Reading Challenge and I target 40 books to read by the end of the year!

Any New Year’s resolutions? (Bookish, blogging or vlogging, and otherwise)

1. To read more books
2. To expand horizon – read more genre
3. To do more blogging
4. Get a job

That’s my book tag, guys! Thank you for reading and I’ll see you in another book tag! 🙂

X

Sabrina

Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag

Hi guys! I know I know, it has been a while since I wrote a book tag. I truly miss writing these fun tags as this can be a platform to collect my opinion on some books and to know my progress of the first part of the year!

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1. Best book you’ve read this year?

There are a few that interest me. Dear Martin, Little Fires Everywhere and Broken Beautiful Hearts are my 5 star reads for this year. I cannot choose what is truly the best read, because they are equally good in their own ways!

I truly recommend these to all of you.

2. Best sequel you’ve read in 2018?

I have to say Always and Forever, Lara Jean is a perfect conclusion to the series of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. I can somehow relate to Lara Jean in some ways and that makes the story special for me.

3. New release you haven’t read yet but want to?

Children of Blood and Bone!! Oh my god I don’t know why I haven’t read this!! I need to read this pronto!

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year?

Wildcard, What If Its Us and also City of Ghosts! So excited to read Victoria Schwab’s new middle grade series soon!

5. Biggest disappointment?

From Twinkle, With Love disappoints me. I didn’t enjoy it that much because of the main character and also the bland plot

6. Biggest surprise?

I am surprised that I actually enjoyed reading The Belles! After reading not-so-good reviews on Goodreads, I truly decreased my expectation towards the book and the story turned out to be pretty good 🙂

7. Favorite new-to-you or debut author?

Nic Stone and Celeste Ng! I wish I can write like them!

8. Newest fictional crush?

Owen from Broken Beautiful Hearts. Such a perfect guy ❤

9. Newest favorite character?

Charlie Grant from Save the Date! I think she is living mirror of me. LOL

10. Book that made you cry?

There are no books that made me cry.

11. Book that made you happy?

Always and Forever, Lara Jean made me happy!!

12. Favorite book-to-film adaptation?

Love, Simon is pretty decent for a book-to-movie adaptation. Really looking forward for To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before and also The Hate U Give movie!

13. Favorite post you have done this year?

I cannot choose! I have so many favourites!

14. Most beautiful book you’ve bought this year?

Whichwood by Tahereh Mafi!

15. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

I have to read 5 more books in order for me to complete my Goodreads reading challenge this year! I believe I can do more, I can reach at least 40 books by the end of August, I guess 🙂 I don’t know how you people can read until 200 books per year! :O You guys are a machine!

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That’s it for my tag! Truly enjoyed answering all questions and I look forward to read more books for the second part of the year ❤ ❤ ❤

X

Sabrina

This or That Book Tag!

Hello guys! I saw this post over Abigail’s blog, Abigail’s Books and I feel like why not I do this? Simple and fun book tags like are not meant to be missed! 🙂

QUESTIONS:

1. Reading on the bed or the couch?

   Bed! My body aches so quickly after a few minutes reading on a chair.

2. Male main character or female main character?

   Female main character.

3. Sweet snacks or salty snacks when your reading?

   I prefer drinks than snacks as I don’t want my hands to be dirty!

4. Trilogies or Quartets?

   Trilogies I guess. I don’t like to invest so much in a series, because I hate to spend more money on the same series and furthermore I have so many other books to read as well. Duology or standalone is better!

5. First person point of view or third person point of view?

   POV from first person.

6. Reading at night or in the morning?

   I can read whenever I feel it’s alright! I have more time to read in the morning while going to university 🙂

7. Libraries or bookstores?

   Bookstores! I wish I can live in there someday, sometime ❤

8. Books that make you laugh or cry?

   Books that make me laugh! I dislike tear-jerker books, because it makes me sad terribly. HINT: ALLEGIANT!

9. Black book covers or white book covers?

   Black! I hate white when it comes to book covers. It will get dirty much faster and I have to take extra care of it.

10. Character driven or plot driven?

    I guess both is important. I cannot stand the story if either one is not good enough.

Thank you guys for reading my book tag! See you in another post! 🙂

X

Sabrina

Ringing In The New Year Book Tag

I was tagged by lovely Abigail from Abigail’s Books! Here’s my tag!

RULES:

• Link to the person who tagged you
• Link to the creator of the tag (Bookmark Chronicles)
• Share the tag image
• Answer the questions below
• Tag friends (or not if you don’t feel like it)

Best book and/or series that you’ve read in 2017?

I didn’t read any new series other than Harry Potter but I did read a few standalones last year. I read Wing Jones by Katherine Webber and also Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi. I love both of those stories! Wing Jones is a coming of age and also a moving story. Furthermore is a unique yet whimsical story which offers life related advises and elements.

Authors that you have recently found that you would like to read more of in the new year.

I recently discoved the writings of Tahereh Mafi. I have heard of her for a long time, but I haven’t got the chance of reading books yet. The Shatter Me series receives mixed reviews but for Furthermore, mostly there are positive.

Most anticipated book turned movie/TV show?

I am excited for To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before book to movie adaptation! Cannot wait to see my favourite characters on screen! I am also VERY excited for Crimes of Grindlewald.

Crime of Grindlewald still

Name a character that you wouldn’t mind sharing a kiss with at midnight (if there is one)

AHH if only I could choose more than one 😛 The only character that I can think of now is Hideo Tanaka from Warcross by Marie Lu. He is rich, smart and also dreamy ❤ ❤

What’s on your TBR for 2018? (Top 5-10 will suffice if it’s an extremely long list)

1. Whichwood by Tahereh Mafi.
2. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. (This book is in my TBR for YEARS ALREADY!!)
3. Still Me by Jojo Moyes.
4. Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu.
5. Save the Date by Morgan Matson.

I am most excited for number 5!!

How many books do you hope to read in 2018?

I am rooting for 35 books, but I think I can do more! I have already read 5 books till today. I AM BACK WITH MY READING GAME!

Will you participate in the Goodreads reading challenge or any others? ( Popsugar, Down the TBR Hole, Etc.)

I am participating in Goodreads and targeting to read 35 books!

Any New Year’s resolutions? (Bookish, blogging or vlogging, and otherwise)

1. I wish to read more than 35 books this year.
2. Post more book reviews/talks/tags for my blog.
3. I want to do well in my final year of degree and also internship program.
4. Score good grades in exams.
5. Give back to my family ❤

That’s my book tag, guys! Thank you for reading and I’ll see you in another book tag! 🙂

X

Sabrina

The End of Year Book Tag – 2017

Long time no see!

Thank to my usual suspect, Abigail’s Books for the tag! Let’s get started!

1. Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?

Yes there is. I read Always and Forever, Lara Jean in July but I neglected it because I didn’t have a physical copy back then. I am planning to read it next year after finishing finals.

2. Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?

I don’t really have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year because for the past 3 years, my finals are always in the end of the year so I won’t be reading book much, instead I would read lecture notes

3. Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?

I am waiting for Still Me by Jojo Moyes! At first I was quite hesitant upon hearing the news about the book, but now I am really looking forward into reading the third book of the installment soon! I wonder what Jojo Moyes will offer us for the next book.

4. What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?

Well, if I have time in the world to read, why not?

1. Wonderwomen by Leigh Bardugo
2. Warcross by Marie Lu
3. Whichwood by Tahareh Mafi

5. Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favorite book of the year?

No. I only read 12 books this year and most of them are rereads such as Harry Potter.

6. Have you already started making reading plans for 2018?

Yes! I have actually planned for my reading challenge on Goodreads and I am pretty much excited for it! Cannot wait to share with you guys! It is going to be a wonderful year of reading ❤

Thanks for reading the post guys and I will see you guys in another post!

X

Sabrina