Month 2 is already over, and I could not be more happy with where I am right now.  I’ve read sooooooo much, have the best blogging friends ever, have gotten my politics/lifestyle blog underway, and am just generally really really happy.

Books Completed…

Before I start, I do want to say that even though I read a lot, I haven’t actually published a lot of reviews.  This is because I had some posts that needed to go out at a certain time, which bumped some backwards and I’ve also just been a bit behind on book reviews.  I promise that next month will have many more reviews!!!  I did finish every book on my for-the-month TBR so that’s exciting! The book covers include links to Goodreads, the name of the book is a link to the review (if I did one), and I included a specialized Amazon link at the end if you want to buy the book and give me a commission for no extra charge to you!9820853

  1. Little Bee– This book was so so so so so good.  I cannot give it enough praise.  It was my first audiobook, and it was the perfect choice.  Read my full review here or buy on Amazon26247008
  2. Truly Madly Guilty– This was my second Liane Moriarty book, and I thought it was really good.  It certainly wasn’t action packed, but I loved the way the details unfolded and kept you hooked the entire time.  Buy on Amazon 16981
  3. Invisible Man– I had to read this book for school, and three months later it is finally completed.  Thank the gods.  I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read it on my own, but the slow classroom pace sort of killed that.  Buy on Amazon 29868610
  4. Scrappy Little Nobody– I adore Anna Kendrick, and I loved the way she put her humor and excitement (and lack thereof) into this book.  It felt very real, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, while laughing the entire time.  Buy on Amazon

Currently Reading…

I’m currently reading a book on my phone, a paperback, and listening to an audiobook, while also waiting on my mom to finish her book so that we can buddy read I’ll Give you the Sun together, which is why it showed up on my Goodreads shelf briefly and then disappeared.fourthmonkey_3d2

  1. The Fourth Monkey– This is a criminal investigation novel, where the detectives are trying to solve the case before it is too late.  I received this book by the author, and although I don’t read much of this genre, I decided to give it a try and am super glad I did, it’s really exciting so far! Buy on Amazon21853621
  2. The Nightingale– OMG I wish I had a physical copy of this book so that I could get through it faster!! The characters are amazing, it’s in my favorite historical time period (WWII), and one of the POV characters is an incredibly strong, independent girl about my age, which makes it THAT MUCH BETTER.  Audiobook is hard for me to read fast though… Buy on Amazon518855
  3. The Constant Princess– Philippa Gregory is my favorite castle/royal life author, or at least I assume she is, since I don’t know if I’ve read any other books about the Boleyn era.  At any rate, I bought this book last Spring at Book Barn, and am just getting around to it now, as I wasn’t in the mood for that style at the time.  I love it! Buy on Amazon

Challenge Progress…

You can find the complete list of challenges, and what I read for each one, HERE

Read Harder Challenge– I’m 5/24 right now, which is above target by precisely 1 book.  Actually, Invisible Man could count for 3, but I’m only going to use it for 2 unless the end of the year comes and I can’t finish the challenge.  I’m so excited because I really didn’t think I was going to be able to do it!

Goodreads– Ahead of the curve with 6/25!! I couldn’t be more happy about that, and I think I might up my goal during the summer if I feel I can.

What’s In a Name– I’m 0/6 so far, aka I’m not doing anything.  I am, however, reading a book for one of the categories, and have another one with a review request that fits, so I’ll be rollinggggg through this challenge soon!

Best of the Blog…

  1. Book Trends That Need to Stop— I really liked the way this Top 5 Wednesday post came out, because I feel like not only did a lot of people agree with it, but it made me think a lot harder, and will help my beta reading down the road!!
  2. How to Pick a URL— This post was written for people before they even start a blog, and so hopefully it was helpful to at least one person.  I got a lot of positive feedback from people who already have a blog, but I guess it’s not helping them too much
  3. Shelfjoy– I wrote a piece on a book shelving website that I really like, and apparently a lot of other people liked it too!  If you’re looking for a more user-friendly, multiple shelves alternative to Goodreads, check it out (EDIT 1/8/22: post deleted because Shelfjoy no longer exists)
  4. Favorite Part of Blogging Collab— Thank you so much to Shania for putting this together!!! It was so fun to do and to read everyone else’s, and so I’m so so glad that I was able to take part.  If you haven’t read it already, I highly recommend you search the tag #FPOBCollab for some great pieces
  5. OTPs for Valentine’s Day— I wanted to do something special for the holiday, and so I put together a list of book characters I adore together (with one surprise crossover).  It made me feel sad that I don’t have that type of connection, but oh well maybe one day 😉

The Generally Good…

  1. I finished last month with 130 followers, and this month I’m up to 170!!! Thank you to the 40 people who took the time to press the follow button, that’s crazy and I feel so honored and shocked.
  2. This month went by SUPER FAST because we had 3 snow days in one week, followed by a 4 day planned weekend, and so basically I’ve barely even been in school and I’m loving it.

The Generally Bad…

  1. I’m struggling to find enough contributors for Our Voices Matter… I want there to be A LOT because that will make everything more interesting.
  2. I’m also a bit behind on blog posts and really everything, probably because I’ve been enjoying my life too much.

And Finally…

That’s all I have for this month, but I want to hear how your month went as well!

What books did you finish this month? Are you on track for your reading challenges? Let me know below!  If you’ve written a monthly wrap-up post, share the link so that I can stalk you!

~ Now Venture out and Change the World ~