What a week, y'all! To say that this past week kicked my butt is an understatement. Work was absolutely bananas, but I still found time to publish a fun new episode of Let's Go to the Library (after multiple attempts I might add) and finish two AH-MAZING books. Plus, I'm still riding high on the big boost Carly's (@thepastelbookshelf) collaboration gave to my Booktube channel: over 700 new subs there in just a week!

Before I jump into the books, I just want to share something that's weighing heavy on me this morning. Last night while at a work event I learned that someone I once worked with (and care about) was diagnosed with cancer. She's near my age with a husband and teenager, just getting started on a promising new career path (thus why we no longer work together), with the world at her fingertips. I'm devastated for her. It has me thinking alot about loss, life, death, and meaning. Live your life, my friends. Every single second of it. Fill it full of things and people and activities you care about, fiercely.

Ok, onto the books! I told you I finished two amazing books this week, and I wasn't lying. I posted a video earlier this week (linked below) predicting both to be 5⭐️ reads, and I wasn't wrong.

Meet Me in the Garden by Nina LaCour is a f'ing masterpiece, y'all. It's not only profoundly beautiful, but it's truly a looking glass right into the heart of Creole culture and The Great Migration. Race relations, colorism, queer vs straight, love vs loss: this book has EVERYTHING, plus so much more. It's written in a stream-of-consciousness style with very poetic prose. It might not be for everyone, but it was for me. (5⭐️s, eyes or audio, get your hands on this one)

The Witches of Cambridge may not be as historically compelling, but, man, did it pack a BIG punch. Full of dark vs light magic, female friendship and betrayal, and the oh-so-beautiful storytelling style Hoffman is known for, this one was absolute perfection. Any true Hoffman lover will absolutely fall hard for Ava, Lauren, Jamie, Lionel, and Jack. Though I wouldn't suggest starting with this book if you are new to Hoffman, I definitely think it a must-read if you've read and enjoyed any of her work before. (5⭐️s, better with your eyes)

I've now moved on to The Pirate Queen, my second most-anticipated read of September new releases, and, boy, it is DELIVERING! I've mostly been listening to this one while running errands and doing chores, but I do plan to pick up my ebook copy just to get a sense for the reading experience vs listening. Many people have shared they preferred reading rather than listening, mostly because of the structure. But I beg to differ. The audiobook is full of all the rich brogue and melodious Irish dialect, and it seems like that might be missing from the printed book. I'm thoroughly engrossed and emphatically optimistic about it! Will I finish by the end of the month? Maybe!

Lastly, I tried listening to The News from Dublin but quickly moved on to The Pirate Queen. Though I didn't listen to much, I got the sense it's more of a cerebral read, something that doesn't always work for me on audio. I will go back to it as part of my current NetGalley project (more on that later).

Sadly, I haven't yet picked up my copy of The Shadow of the Wind since reading the first few pages earlier this month. I promised myself I wouldn't skip another BBFL book club book (skipped June), but I am not sure I can squeeze it in before the end of the month. I still plan to read it, just maybe not right away. I do, however, have plans to start our September read, The Hacienda, right away!

Hoping this week will not be as crazy at work, but not holding my breath. I don't know if I'll get all my September new release content up before September 1, but you can bet on a brand new newsletter in your inbox that morning. If you're not signed up to my email list, be sure and sign up now (double opt-in required)!

ICYMI

• 5⭐️ Book Predictions (that actually came true)

• Let's Go to the Library Ep 2: Books about Teachers

• A complete list of books with Teachers as Main Characters

• A love letter to Lady Tremaine

• His & Hers Nonfiction, but make it about music

Hear it Here First

I'm headed to the library this week in search of my next Let's Go to the Library read. Next episodes prompt is A Book Set in the 1930s, and I plan to have some fun with this one, so stay tuned.

As I said, September new release alerts will be live on Youtube and IG/TT sometime this week, just not sure I can pull it off by Tuesday. First I have to record them. 😜

I have a few extra copies of HIGHLY sought after ARCs to give away this week. Watch Facebook and Instagram for an announcement!

Hoping to record and maybe edit a tell-all YT video about a big shift in my reading that I have been dying to share.

Currently recording a vlog detailing my weekend on lockdown, aka my phone is Brick'd.

Have an amazing week, y'all!

Happy reading ❤️

xoxo

c

Here's where you can submit your video ideas! Feel free to also spit ball/brainstorm in the comments or the dedicated channel on our Discord :)

Info:

✨ Based on my filming schedule there may be months where I feel I am unable to make whatever video wins and will try to do something very similar or choose the runner up idea. You can always nominate that video for a future month. Really hope that doesn't happen though!

🏹 Some ideas include: tier ranking (insert theme here), giving a list of recommendations based on a theme, reacting to a certain book, a reading challenge.

Submit ideas here!

Welcome to the first book club voting session!

Below is your nomination form. You can add multiple entries but just be responsible with that power please ;)

I will be tallying the vote in a few days (I'll give a last call reminder before I close it!)

Submit your books here!