Finish a Series Readathon & Chicklitathon

Readathons for May 2019:

Both of these readathons take place the entire month of May. I will be participating more during the Finish The Series Readathon but wanted to do the Chicklitathon so I could choose to have more options if I wasn't in the mood for any series books. It would allow me to read stand-a-lones if I chose to. (Both videos will be linked below)

There are no prompts for the Finish The Series Readathon  but there are some for the Chicklitathon ...

Chicklitathon Prompts/Challenges:
1) Read a Sophie Kinsella book 2) Read a book with a pair of heels on the cover (it could be on the spine or on the back of the book as well) 3) Read a chick-lit book with a historical setting 4) Read a book set in Los Angeles or Hollywood 5) Read a romance that has a meaningful (to you) plot (think womens fiction) 6) Read a domestic thriller

There will also be a video linked below about the Sophie Kinsella books.

I don't have many books picked out for either readathon but some ideas.

My video post will also be posted towards the end of this blog or some of my options for books for both. But I will just have to see how I do by the end of the month (Yes, I do videos as well, I just don't share them here often. I share my blog on the videos but I generally try to keep my videos separate from here, sharing every so often as I feel I should/need to. I'm sharing it this time because it's easier than trying to figure out what books I chose and then trying to place the books here)

Announcement video & Creator of the Finish a Series Readathon is Darchelle {books_and_planners} <~Link to her channel

One of the Hosts of the ChickLitathon and one of my favorite booktubers All Things Equilateral <~Link to her Channel

(ChickLitAthon Video)

(ChickLitAThon | A Guide to Sophie Kinsella Books)

As of me posting this, I have yet to watch this one (trying to play catch up on Black Lightning so I am typing this up and watching that). I may try to watch it a bit later. See if I want to order any Kinsella books this week) 

My video for F-A-S-R & Chicklitathon

Hopefully at least one of these readathons interest some of you and you are participating or plan on it. 

Tome Topple & Audiobookathon Wrap Up

So, here are the book(s) I finished for both readathons:

For the Audiobookathon I finished (4/15-4/28/19):
-The Moon & More by Sarah Dessen
-Allegiant by Veronica Roth

For Tome Topple I finished (4/13-4/26/19):
-Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Both took place for two weeks from the middle of April to close to the end of April. I did not do a whole lot of listening or reading by this time because I was burnt out again as I have been participating in a lot of readathons since about the beginning of March. I had participated in the OWLs Magical Readathon as well during April (Wrap Up Linked).

When I finished my final book for the OWLs, I was just not really feeling the reading thing for a day or two. I just took my time on books I did pick up and allowed myself not to read if I chose not to. And Not Feel Guilty about it! They both took place during the same time which was great because the audiobooks helped me get through all of the books I read throughout the month but especially the larger books and the books I probably wouldn't have finished otherwise (i.e. Angel Fire by L.A. Weatherly & Allegiant by Veronica Roth...my thoughts are linked in the titles for both). Allegiant & The Moon & More also fit into my OWLs as well.

I participated in both of these readathons as an extra push to get some more books done and for me not to have an excuse to read a larger book and/or other books I may have pushed to the side otherwise. Plus, I was in a major reading slump before March, that's what made me start doing readathons. The last book I had read and finished was back in November 2018. I wanted to read but I just couldn't get into it until I started doing readathons.

Starting in May though, I will be doing two readathons that are a month long. One I will loosely do and not really focus on unless I just want to read books that fit it & the other, I will still semi-loosely do as to not burn out again but I will mostly be focusing on. Those should be up by the time this goes up or soon after (I tend to start typing up many of my blogs in the midst of reading books and/or when it gets close to time to start the readathons or whatever I am wanting to talk about at that time). I am also doing a reading challenge for a Goodreads group I am in but that doesn't end until June so it'll be a bit before I will put that one up. Maybe closer to time for it to get I will start working on it...Maybe....

But, I have rambled long enough. If you stuck with it this far, thank you! You are much appreciated!

O.W.L.s Magical Readathon Wrap Up

April 1-30. 2019:

(Books are links to my thoughts on the books)

❌1. Ancient Runes~>Retelling: Didn't do, I didn't have a retelling. At least nothing I was ready to reread.
✔2. Astronomy~>Work written by more than one author: The Voicemail of Magnus Bane by Cassandra Clare
✔3. Astronomy~> "Star" in the title: The Star Money by by Jacob & Willhelm Grimm  (No Cover for this one)
✔4. Care of Magical Creatures~>Land animals on the cover: Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman
✔5. Charms~> Ageline: read an adult book: The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
✔6. Defense Against the Dark Arts~>Reducto: Title Starts With an "R": Richie Rich (Harvey Comics)
✔7. Divination~>Set in the Future: Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth
✔8. Herbology~>Plant on the Cover: The Moon & More by Sarah Dessen
✔9. History of Magic~>Published at least 10 years ago: Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen
✔10. Muggle Studies~>Contemporary: Love, Life & the List by Kasie West
✔11. Potions~>Next Ingredients: Sequel: Angel Fire (Angel #2) by L.A. Weatherly
✔12. Transfiguration~>Sprayed edges or red cover: Green Eggs & Ham by Dr. Seuss (No review for this. But of course, I did love it)

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11 out of 12 prompts done isn't bad! Even if some of those books were short books. Some on video being read to me and even a short little story in a book full of other short stories (yes, I kind of pushed it with that one but hey, it Started with Star and was inside a book! lol).

I won't choose a career until I can figure out a way to get the little booklet printed out. Most got done or close to done within the first 15 days making it to where after I finished The Moon and More, I'd only have one more book to finish. Some were 370+ pages to well over 600 pages. Thankfully, I did have audio books for majority of the regular sized books so that made it easier to get through them. I was able to get most finished within 3-4 days each. Had one that was 220+ pages and another that was 120+ pages. The shorter books and stories were under 50 pages or not much over that. So, I made this readathon easy so that I could relax and just enjoy it and the books I listened to.

I didn't want to stress about getting stuff done although there were some times that I wondered if I would because I felt a slump coming but I was able to take a break here and there and go a day or so without reading if I chose too and one time I needed to because I had gotten sick for a couple days with what I thought was allergies but may have been a cold.

This was a lot of fun though.

I saw some videos where she did some "extra credits" last year so I will be looking for those this year and to see if she does it and will also be looking forward to the N.E.W.T.s come this August. Hopefully I will have everything printed out and figured out what career I want to do (printers tend not to like me very much so they break or don't want to connect to my computer so I don't know what will happen between now and then. lol)

When I first heard of this readathon last year, I wanted to do it but was a tad bit confused on what to do (guess I didn't pay attention well enough to the video(s) I watched) and I may have found the videos a bit late (either right before it started or within a week afterwards). So, when I saw that it had come back around this year, I was so excited! I really like Harry Potter & read book 7 this year. Now, I just need to go through the movies. I already watched the first one, started the second. I also need to find the last two (parts 1 & 2 of Year 7) but I've still got a bit before I have to buy them because I need to get through the others.

Did I watch the movies this month?
Yes? No?

As of me posting this, I have NOT watched any Harry Potter movies. No excuses. I just didn't feel like watching movies. But the month isn't over yet! I may decide to watch at least one but no guarantees.

I did watch/listen to a lot of Harry Potter ASMR on YouTube. Perfect time to find them. During the O.W.L.s! 😊🍻

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Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Trilogy: #3
✥Release Date:  October 22, 2013
✥Format:  Hardcover
✥Setting: Chicago, Illinois
✥Page Count: 526
✥Genre(s): YA, Sci-Fi/Divergent, Fiction
✥Date(s) Read: 4/17/19-4/22/19
✥Rating:   Book:  2.5/5       Audio:  4.5/5        Narrator(s): Emma Galvin & Aaron Stanford

My Thoughts:

OWLs: 
Divination-Set in the Future 
Tome Topple: 
-Been on TBR longest (even though I didn't own it until recently, I knew I'd want to get back to it)
-Part of a series(3rd in a trilogy)
Audiobookathon:
-Listen @ least 30 minutes per day
-Previous put down/DNF'd 
Big Book Challenge

Audio:
Thankful for these two. They made it easier for me to finish a book I borderline dreaded reading. Why did I dread it? Well, continue reading below. 

Book:
After Insurgent, I was so frustrated that when I tried to get to this book, I just couldn't do it so I set it to the side, for at least 3 years. I was determined to finish the trilogy though. I refused to get that far in the trilogy not to finish it. Insurgent really worked on my nerves because of all the childishness that was that book. And, there was some spoiler'ish things said about this book but I wasn't quite sure who it applied to but pretty sure I knew/know but I thought I would read, well, listen to it anyway to see if it was a correct assumption.

Was it correct? Did I get spoiled on what I thought it was?

Yes. And that’s what frustrates me most. When people spoil books or movies. Intentionally or not but especially if it’s intentional. Just because most around you have read it, doesn’t mean all have and the least some can do is say they are giving potential spoilers before just putting it out there. The person that gave the spoiler, I don’t remember exactly who it was but they gave something away and that added to why it took so long for me to get to this book. I was ticked! Now, knowing what I knew, I skipped ahead a bit when I got to the last 75 pages or so to see if I was right on what happened  and I was (Hey, I had been spoiled already). It then became finding out the how of it all. I think by this point, I just wanted to finish this trilogy and be done. It doesn’t take much to spoil me on books and ruin it for me. That’s why I don’t read or listen to too many reviews before hand. And not many after either because I like just having my own thoughts on a book not ruined either! 😂 childish,I know! 😆 

For this one though, i am curious to see folks thoughts on why they didn’t like the books. I didn’t hate it... just wasn’t my thing really.



The book drug along. Just, ugh! I am glad I finally finished off the trilogy but I just wasn't fond of this one or the second one. Allegiant wasn't as bad but I still didn't enjoy it as much as I did Divergent. The arrogance of some of the side characters are annoying. She isn't a bad writer, I just think these books weren't for me. Dystopian books I think are just outside my comfort zone but very interesting and good to read. Some things just remind me of things I see in the real world and where we could end up if we aren't careful, especially this trilogy!

The Moon & More by Sarah Dessen

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Stand-Alone: 
✥Release Date: June 4, 2013
✥Format: Hardcover
✥Setting: Colby, NC
✥Page Count: 435
✥Genre(s): YA, Contemporary Romance, Realistic Fiction
✥Date(s) Read: 4/13/19-4/15/19
✥Rating:   Book:  3/5    Audio: 4.5/5   Narrator(s): Allie Gallerani

My Thoughts:
-O.W.L.s Magical Readathon: Herbology-Plant on the Cover
-Big Book Challenge (Goodreads)
-Audiobookathon (Finished it on the first day of the Audiobookathon (yep, I'm counting it!). Although I listened to more than 30 minutes of it today (to get it finished), I won't count it. It will just be part of the Readathon. It doesn't really fit any of the prompts)

Audio:
Not a whole lot to say about her other than I liked her and thankfully, she helped me get through this book. 

Book:
I enjoyed this one. Some characters were beyond annoying but beyond them, I liked the book. Some things that happened were pretty obvious what was going to happen when some characters popped into the book but I preferred those characters over others. I really and truly did not like Emaline's biological father. Good gracious he was a but hole and a half! I'm glad he didn't make too many appearances in the book but when he did I was ready to kick him in the shin! But, maybe that's just my personality speaking. Needing people around who are less pushy and just all around butt hole'ish. I liked Emaline enough. She could be a bit much but no where near as "bad" as some of the people around her. 

I had gotten sick for a couple days so I couldn't do a whole lot of listening to the book for a day or so but once I was able to listen, I was able to do a lot of listening. Her books are books that I have to have an audio book to get through them or otherwise, I wouldn't finish them. I want to get through her books because although many I am iffy with, her writing style can be really good. Sometimes, it's her characters that irk the mess out of me, like this book. I doubt I would have finished it if I were able to read the books on my own because the characters would have made me DNF it.There were more annoying ones than good ones and those seemed to have been the ones that showed up most. Of all the characters, I may have liked her parents (mom and "step" dad), Emaline, Morris and Benji. I kind of liked the best friend. Her sister, Amber, was the worst for me. I won't even get into details as not to spoil anything but she made me want to not only shake her but snatch her up! I am typically not a fighting kind of person but sometimes, some folks you just know they will make you want to fight! She was one of them! 

Ahem...sorry....I digress....

Some redeemed themselves. Some didn't. But the book wasn't a total bust. I liked it & Emaline's growth. As usual with Sarah Dessen books, I have my issues but I still like them well enough to finish them. Not favorites but still good. I haven't had a favorite from her since the first book from her that I read The Truth About Forever. I guess I go into all of her books hoping for that love that I had for this one. I am always hoping to find that family that is in this book. I think Keeping the Moon came close but ended up just fell flat in some parts for me. I have at least one more book that I want to read that I already own (Once & For All) but I know not to go into it expecting much. There's one due to come out soon (The Rest of the Story) & two others I just found that I will look into to see if it peaks my interest (Infinity - which appears to be really short. Reading someones reply to a question, only 32 pages long and the rest of the book is just excerpts to her other books. And How to Deal). 

There is at least one other book she has (Dreamland) that I am not sure about because if I am remembering some things correctly, it is about a topic I am not quite sure I can handle. When I read, I try to stay somewhat out of reality. Maybe one day, I can pick it up when I think I am ready for it and I can immediately go to a happier topic. Whether that be another book or even a t.v. show. I guess that's my anxiety taking over when I really don't want to read about certain topics I grew up seeing and/or been through myself or knew someone who has. But, other than the 4 mentioned that are already out,  that I am at least semi interested in, I have pretty much caught up on her books. Two of which, I read this month. 

Went too far left again I guess.

With all that said, this book does get a strong 3 out of me. More for the characters I did like over the ones I didn't and the fact that she can tackle some tough topics sometimes and make the unlikable characters, truly unlikable. Sometimes though, when I read contemporary, I like the mushy stuff. Maybe because I am not that mushy person in 'real life'. lol...I used to be one that wasn't into the straight out romance stuff. I liked paranormal, urban drama with romance (the Nikki Turner's), etc. But I am finally able to get more into the contemporary romance but most of the time, I do need the audio books to finish them but heck, that seems to be with most books these days. It's so much easier to listen to books while you're still living your life.

Angel Fire (Angel #2) by L.A. Weatherly (Spoiler'ish)

About This Book: 
Goodreads Summary
✥Trilogy: #2
✥Release Date: January 24, 2012
✥Format: Hardcover
✥Setting: Mexico City, Mexico
✥Page Count: 638
✥Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy/Paranormal, Romance 
✥Date(s) Read: 4/8-4/11/19
✥Rating:   Book:  3/5    Audio:  4.5/5     Narrator(s): Cassandra Campbell

My Thoughts:
May be a tad bit spoiler'ish. Depending on what you call spoiler. Read with Caution. 

O.W.Ls Magical Readathon: 
-Potions-Next Ingredient: Sequel

Other Challenges:
-Big Book Challenge
-Seasonal Challenge: Spring 2019: The A in Passover

Audio:
I liked her a lot. She made the book so much more bearable. Otherwise, I would have given up on it again. I just wanted to get to the third book and see if I would like it better. 

Book:

This book had a lot of second book syndrome for me. Some repetitive parts. A lot of Twilight'esque parts, just with angels and angel killers (AKs). Way too much Edward & Jacob type banter with a lot more jealousy. Some parts were boring maybe even some parts could have been left out. I feel like this is another that was just filler. I am still actually looking forward to book three in hopes that it is a lot better than this one. I guess a lot of series and trilogies can be like this. That first or second book syndrome but get better as time goes on. Maybe they're just major set ups for the next in the trilogy/series/duology. 

Some of the characters were annoying but there were some likable moments with them as well (Seb, Willow & Alex are still high on my "I really like them" list. I wanted to shake them sometimes but overall, they were good people). Book was pretty predictable for the most part. It's not an extremely strong 3 stars but I just don't really feel it deserves anything less. For the things I loved about the characters and the great parts of the book, keeps it at a three out of five. With all it's imperfections, it definitely wasn't the worst book in the world. 

I remember loving the first book so much. It's disappointing that it took so much for me to get through this. As I said under audio, it made it easier for me to get through. Especially the extremely boring and annoying parts. I initially started this book in February of 2012 then again in December 2012 never really being able to get into it either time. Thankfully, I was able to get the audio book this time. I'll be going for Angel Fever's audio book as well. 

Here's to hoping things get better in the last book in the series! 🍻🥂

The Christmas Box (#1) by Richard Paul Evans

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Trilogy: #1
✥Release Date: November 2, 1995
✥Format: Hardcover
✥Setting: U.S.A.
✥Page Count: 125
✥Genre(s): Holiday, Christmas, Fiction
✥Date(s) Read: Finished: 4/8/19
✥Rating:  4.75/5

My Thoughts:

O.W.L.s Magical Readathon: 
Charms-Ageline: Read an adult book

Reread.

I can honestly say I remembered nothing about the book, even questioned if I actually read it a couple times. Once I started it, the doubt left. I didn't remember details of the story but I do remember enjoying it when I did read it. Then and now. I loved it but I am going back and forth on whether I will consider it a favorite or not. I love the characters, especially Mary. This is a coming of age story for everyone in the book I think, but especially the narrator. This is a sweet, beautifully sad story. I am just finding out while looking up the information for this book, that it is a trilogy. What I assume is more companion than anything. If I decide to read the second book, I guess I will figure it out then. 

Booklist Readathon Wrap Up

Challenges: ✔ 1. Read a 5 star predition: Love, Life & the List by Kasie Westx

❌2. Read a book Sarah or Lindsey has recommended (links below): Didn't do because I didn't have an interest in any recommendations (The one book I did see, I read years ago (Where the Heart Is) and didn't fit into another Readathon I'm doing. Although I love the book)

✔ 3. Read a book by a new-to-you author: Richie Rich: The Poor Little Rich Boy

✔ 4. Read a book that starts with "S" or "L": Love, Life & the List by Kasie West

✔ 5. Read a book that is on your "list": Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen

(Titles are linked to my thoughts on the books)

I enjoyed this readathon. I had a bit of a rough start but I think it ended pretty decent. Especially seeing that I was able to add another one of Kasie West's books to a favorite (you'll just have to read my thoughts on it to find out what the first is). 😊

Richie Rich: Poor Little Rich Kid (Harvey Comics)

This was a cute little comic with several different stories in it. I remember these when I was younger but even then, I wasn't much on reading comics, or anything else really. If I remember correctly,there was a cartoon and eventually a movie. I'm pretty sure I watched the movie...more than likely, with at least my older son. I have a fragile edition so I will need to keep it in plastic with others. 

This little comic actually has me missing my childhood and that doesn't happen much. Nostalgia for happier times yes but rarely do I miss my childhood. 🙂

Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Stand-Alone: 
✥Release Date: September 1, 1999
✥Format: Paperback
✥Setting: Colby, NC
✥Page Count: 228
✥Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Fiction
✥Date(s) Read: 4/5/19-4/6/19
✥Rating:   Book: 3.5/5   Audio:  5/5    Narrator(s): Stina Nielson

My Thoughts:

Readathons:
1. Booklist Readathon: Read a book that is on your "lists"
2. O.W.L.s Magical Readathon-Published at least 10 years ago (1999)

Audio:
I think this is the second audio book I have listened to with Stina Nielson. It may have even been a Sarah Dessen book. One of these days, I may have to try to remember to look it up. I guess I can jot a note to do it later. I do enjoy listening to her read the book. 

Book:

I enjoyed the book There were some parts that I wish I could have shaken some of the characters. Some things were a bit much. Guilt trips because someone may think something or someone may or may not be their thing. Instead of just maybe asking have they ever even though about giving it a chance. Some things were just too easily thrown together, all of a sudden. Worked out too easily. I guess if their stories continued, you'd see the continued struggles. The story over all was really good but because of how some things just played out and came together too easily, that took the rating down for me a little bit. The growth in the book was really good. Realistic struggles that many deal with at their ages and even older folks deal with. Some behaviors could come off as controlling though, even though you knew they meant well. Some were just blunt and almost scary. lol...

I'd started typing it out as I was listening to the book but I found myself just flopping all over the place so, I had to start over! Which is why, I don't really have a whole lot to say. 

Love, Life & the List by Kasie West

About This Book:
Goodreads Summary
✥Stand-Alone: 
✥Release Date: 12/26/17
✥Format: Hardcover
✥Setting: Not Sure
✥Page Count: 374
✥Genre(s): YA, Romance, Contemporary
✥Date(s) Read: 4/1/19-4/4/19
✥Rating:   Book:  5/5   Audio: 5/5    Narrator(s): Caitlin Kelly

My Thoughts:

-Booklist Readathon:
* A 5 star prediction: 
* Book that starts with an 'S' or 'L'

-OWLs Magical Readathon:
* Muggle Studies~>Contemporary

-Favorite of 2019

Audio:
Well, I don't know what else to say beyond me liking her. Her voice was appropriate for the main character (teenager). 

Book:
Kasie West is an auto buy author for me. First book I ever read by her was The Fill-In Boyfriend. I loved it! And picked up every book I could since then. I have one more to purchase (Listen To Your Heart) and hoping to get it soon (paperback comes out in may. Might go for that one).

Now, how did I feel about this one? 

From the first chapter, I was giggling and wanting to laugh out loud but I was in a public place and my shyness tends to stop me from that! 😂

I loved Abby & Cooper. I loved how Abby tried to deal with her mother's anxiety. I know it had to be hard on her. As a mom, with anxiety, I know it can be a bit much for my sons. My anxieties were a bit different from hers but I got some of it. You get nervous about some things that may drive others nuts (i.e.-I can be a bit of a worrier) or just don't think much about. 

I, in all honesty, thought the list part would be a bit annoying but I actually enjoyed that part of it too. I enjoyed them going through the list. 

There was one character though, that I honestly wanted to smack! I really try not to say I want to smack folks, generally, I try to say I want to "shake some sense into them" but this one...Nope! Smack! 😂 Anyone who has read the book already, you might get it and know who it is. Those who haven't but want to, once you do, you will get it! Maybe even early on. I wanted to "shake her" when she first showed up but I had hoped I was wrong even though a large part of me knew better. 

Then it came. For the first time ever I think. I don't cry with books. This one, I did!  Memories. Mistakes I've made as a parent. Mistakes mine made, even if not identical to what happened here, just knowing how sometimes feeling you've been rejected, left out, or whatever negative feeling we can have because of others mistakes. Friends mistakes. Even mistakes you have made as a friend. So, um, yeah, my allergies cut up quite a bit during those parts of the book. My eyes just kept watering. A bit of a pain but thankfully, it cleared up quickly. 

I really did enjoyed this book. The fact it can pull out emotions from me and really jerk that chain for me, made it even "better"! This book, for different reasons, put this in the number one spot with one other Kasie West book: Fill-In Boyfriend! A bit of cheese, but I still loved it in all it's cheesiness!