The last 3 days, I have not left my house for more than an hour each day and let me tell you, for the soul of a homebody and booklover – this has been magnificent!
I’ve devoured words, chapters, emails and blog posts. I’ve eaten warm food, drank wholesome cups of coffee and given Peach 🐱 lots of love. I’ve rested, I’ve napped and I’ve not felt guilty for doing this type of self-care. It is absolutely necessary sometimes.
Describe to me your ideal cozy day? I’d love to know 😊
I generally give a book 100 pages to get me in. If an author can give me the hook, have me invested in the characters, have me rooting for the journey/challenge the characters are facing and has me wanting to read, read, read – I will continue with a book. Sadly, I’ve lost that momentum with Carrie Soto is Back.
Only two nights ago I posted on my Instagram (give me a follow @melreviewsherbooks) to say how much I was enjoying this book and I was around the 60 page mark. But now, I’m sitting at 107, about to start a new chapter first thing this morning and I just find myself avoiding it!
I love tennis and the premise of this novel is fantastic. Carrie Soto is coming out of retirement after having 5 years off from a knee surgery, and she is aiming to defend her title of 12 grand slams in women’s singles. She is the greatest tennis player of all time. But the thing is, I don’t really feel connected or frankly like Carrie enough for me to keep reading her story. At the beginning, we’re learning about her Spanish heritage and how her father never made it pro and has invested his life in making Carrie a ‘tennis warrior’. Now at 100 pages, we’re in the thick of her play by play about which match is coming up, who she has to beat next, how she is training and what’s involved on her journey back to glory.
I think me DNFing this novel is a mixture of wanting deeper investment in Carrie, reminiscing on how I felt reading other Taylor Jenkins Reid books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & the Six, and just not feeling the same buzz with Carrie. Also, having so many books to read that I can happily re-home this to a friend who may enjoy it more.
What books have you DNF’d lately?? ❌
Do you ever get to a stage where you feel that if something doesn’t change in your life, you won’t have the space to grow? I like to call this A Burning Desire for Change.
I think I’m at that stage and sometimes it’s hard to understand where it’s come from, where it’s going and what will happen next. It’s a flow. And a somewhat terrifying flow for people (like myself as my friends and family would confirm) who do not like change.
Change is defined as; to alter or modify; an act or process in which something becomes different. Thanks Google.
I think the word that stands out to me the most here, and it could be quite different for you reading this, is process. Change is a process. Change is not linear, nor can it be sudden in some instances or can it be forever. But something about change is that once the idea has sprouted in your mind, body and soul, it can be hard to quiet it down.
Desire is defined as; strongly wishing for or wanting something. … Wanting.
So if we put together – a wanting to alter the process of things, we have A Burning Desire for Change.
My wanting the alter the process of things has come in the form of going back to study. I am currently underway in studying to become a Librarian Assistant. I love bookstores and have a want to be in them long-term. However, there is a burning desire inside of me to experience books and what we can do in the form of books and community combined. And this comes in the form of a library. I guess from the outside looking in, there is starting to be a melding of Social Work values and books.
What an exciting and nerve racking time ahead! But again, change is not linear and nothing in life goes to plan. Sometimes, as humans we just need to take one day at a time. One breathe at a time. One change at a time.
Are you a lover of change? At what stage of life did your Burning Desire for Change come around?
Mel x
Fire round coming up … I’m going to give short statements as to why I DNF’d these books. I can say with absolute clarity and honestly that I will be going back to these books. They are not leaving my shelves. They have just been started, stopped and then removed from my bedside table (immediate book grabbing pile).
Five Bush Weddings by Clare Fletcher
I am now currently onto The Night Travellers by Armando Lucas Correa and it is fantastic! What are you reading this week and how is it travelling?
This blog tag was originally hosted by Midnight Book Girl and it aims to share how you’re spending your Sunday reading 🤓
This morning I’m waking up in bed with Gabrielle Zevin’s latest novel Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow. And wow, I cannot put this down 👀
I started to dabble in Zevin’s writing with one of her earlier novels, The Storied Life of A.J Fikery. Its story had a stand out storyline about a middle aged man who had lost his wife tragically, well before her time. They had discussed the potential of having children but never really came to an agreement of when that would be. Eventually coming to the conclusion that it may just not happen for them. Yet, after her passing, A.J Fikery finds a child left on the doorstep of his bookstore one night. No note. No explanation. She’s just there and she clearly needs a home.
I am experiencing the same empathetic feeling for Sam and Sadie in Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow. They’ve been brought together by challenging trauma’s they’re both going through at a young age and this bond comes through gaming in a hospital. Their connection dwindles as they grow and rocky friendship decisions take place, however they find themselves reconnecting in their early 20’s.
Over the course of their years apart, Sam and Sandie never lost their love of gaming, and now decide to create a blockbuster game. Just imagine, this is set in 1980ish, so gaming is incredibly different to what it is today but you become totally invested in those involved in its process, the ideas behind the game development and how the characters change along the way. This story so far follows a lot of unhealthy influences and what the tasting of fame, fortune and favour can do to a persons perception of their future and happiness. There are soft touches of love and romance but they each have their complexities.
Super excited to have this finished by Tuesday for my book club meeting!
🎧 PODCAST: read, eat, repeat by Alissa Warren & Sally Killaran
☕️ Almond Latte
What are you reading, listening too and drinking this weekend? 🌸
Happy Easter Sunday book lovers 🐰
I thought this little upload could give you a giggle, while also giving you my reading update! This blog tag was originally hosted by Midnight Book Girl and it aims to share how you’re spending your Sunday reading 🤓
I am to share what I’m reading, listening too and drinking 📚🎧☕️
Currently, I am in-between two book! I know – how can I even be doing that AND just to create more chaos … I think I may start a third this afternoon! #whoops
I am still on my re-reading binge which means that as I track right now, I am more than halfway through A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas. To tell you I am adoring this reread is an understatement. I forgot how action backed these books are, as well as how immersive and addictive they are for me. They are bringing me just the right amount of nostalgia.
I am also about 5 chapters into Duck a la’Orange for Breakfast by Karina May, which is a debut romance novel. This has been on my social media radar like crazy and I couldn’t resist the temptation to give it a try. Max is fresh from a break up and is looking to get back into the dating game … but not ideally wanting to commit to someone. She just wants a good time, some company and a person to fill that whole of communication. Que her best friend and roommate signing her up for a dating app. Before the breakup, Max’s ex mother in law gifted her their traditional family French recipe book and Max is now makeing it her mission to regain her independence by working through the cookbook and teaching herself how to cook. And it just happens to be a wonderful coincidence that one of the guys Max matches with online is a chef. This is making for a fun and bubbly read so far! For a debut novel, it’s going pretty well!
Now … onto the book I’m starting this evening… My Literature book club is reading Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin for the month of April, and I can tell you, I am EXCITED! This book has rave reviews and still to this day, I remember the story of Zevin’s novel The Storied Life of AJ Fikery so fondly. That novel almost brought me to tears. I felt such immense connection to the characters and its story flowed at just the right pace to keep you invested with no idea of what was coming next. Therefore, I am intrigued to read, absorb and *hopefully* devour another on her Zevin’s novel. Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow has been topping charts and already being named some people’s favourite read of 2023. We are following Sam, Sadie and Marx on their emotional rollercoasters in creating a gaming empire, falling in and out of love, coping with mental health and healing from trauma. I have no doubt interesting conversations will arise from this novel.
What have you been reading this Easter weekend? Drop a comment below 💬
🎧 Folklore album by Taylor Swift
☕️ Almond Latte
WWW Wednesday is hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words 📚 It is a book tag to broaden the reading community and help connect avid readers!
All you have to do is answer the following three questions:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
CR: ‘Words in Deep Blue’ by Cath Crowley is my current read. I’ve picked this book up as inspiration and current writing research. This dual perspective follows two teens on the brink of just finishing high school and the lead up to where their decisions will take them. Swirl in some romance, a setting in a secondhand bookstore, plus some beautifully raw writing, and you have the masterpiece that is this Aussie YA novel.
RF: I recently finished ‘Heartstrong’ by Ellidy Pullin. Read my full review here 💫
RN: ‘Verity’ by Colleen Hoover is my first ColHo novel and I think it may be the only one suited to me … I’m yet to decide as I’ve only started the first few chapters. This psychological and disturbingly twisted thriller is said to keep you on the edge of your seat and gaping until the final chapter. This year I’m searching for fast paced and intriguing – I think I’ll get those things from this novel. Have you read this? Comment below and tell me your star ratings ⭐️👀
WWW Wednesday is hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words 📚 It is a book tag to broaden the reading community and help connect avid readers!
All you have to do is answer the following three questions:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
CR: ‘Arthur and Teddy are Coming Out’ by Ryan Love is such a touching read. I am really only just at the beginning of this story where Arthur is preparing a dinner with his children to explain his sexuality. He and his wife have just celebrated a significant milestone in their marriage and she is supporting him with this decision to openly be himself now. Arthur’s grandson, Teddy, is about to come into the picture and I gather the idea that he is struggling with career decisions and also accepting himself. I look forward to seeing where this lightly written and fun story goes. Released in March 2023. (I am also semi reading this as research for my own writing as I feel the writing style is quite similar to my own)
RF: ‘The Whispering’ by Veronica Lando was the perfect mixture of ‘The Bluffs’ by Kyle Perry & ‘The Dry’ by Jane Harper – of which I absolutely loved each for their rollercoaster rhythm, past and present perspectives and whimsical/cultural/mysterious nature calling elements. This story follows a recent accident in the local rainforest where a fit, healthy and well-liked community man was found dead in mysterious circumstances. Callum Haffenden, a journalist and previous local, returns to town as his connections lure him back. This is a place that caused him pain, heartbreak and the loss of his leg. Accidents from past and present collide for a very interesting Aussie crime fiction novel. Full review coming soon!
RN: ‘Heartstrong’ by Ellidy Pullin has been on my radar since its release. This woman’s story is empowering, heart-tearing and unlike anybody’s I’ve heard before, which makes it all the more entrancing. Ellidy lost her significant partner in a tragic accident, his name was Alex “Chumpy” Pullin. He was an Olympic Snowboard Cross Medalist, a singer, a father to their dog Rummy and Ellidy’s person. Then one day he didn’t come home and their plans of starting a family and a life together seemed to stop in its tracks. Until Ellidy’s quick thinking family stepped in hours after Chumpy’s passing with a method of allowing Ellidy and Chumpy to still have a baby. I’ve leave you hooked with this as I really believe you should pick up this Aussie biography to learn more about Ellidy, Minnie & Chumpy too. For more of a snippet, check out Ellidy’s instagram, I love Minnie updates on the regular!
WWW Wednesday is hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words 📚 It is a book tag to broaden the reading community and help connect avid readers!
All you have to do is answer the following three questions:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
CR: ‘The Shearer’s Wife’ by Fleur McDonald jumped to the beginning of my reading pile because I had the pleasure of actually MEETING Fleur this past weekend at my local library. To say Fleur is one of the most down to earth, humble and kind authors is an understatement. I’m looking forward to finishing this book tonight.
RF: ‘Daisy Darker’ by Alice Feeney was the perfect spooky Halloween crime fiction read. I actually listened to this book on audio, making it all the more erry and addictive. Review coming this week 🎙👀👻
RN: ‘Tilt’ by Chris Hammer is next on the list … still. He’s getting closer to being read … I swear 🤣
What’s everyone reading at the moment? Are you enjoying it? Comment below 🎙
Hello, my name is Mel and I wanted to create this happy space on the internet for fellow book readers, coffee drinkers and day dreamers 📚☕️☁️
Be patient with me as I navigate the in’s and out’s of running a blog and discovering my voice in book reviewing.
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‘Book Reviews’ will show you what I’ve been reading, my thoughts surrounding books and what I’d recommend 📚
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‘Coffee’ is well … coffee! I’ll be showing you where I’m enjoying a cup and what I’m thinking ☕️💭
‘Gratitude Blog’ will show you what I have been feeling grateful for, as well as tips and tricks to brighten your day 🌸🤗
‘About Me’ is well … just me 👋 🤷🏽♀️
Mel Reviews Her Books 