Quarterly Books Link Up

Can you believe we’re already three months into the year?! I barely believed it myself when I emailed Janssen about the link up! Anyways, it’s time for the quarterly link up. If you’ve written about any books lately, please feel free to link up your post and then take a look at what some bloggers are reading to help build your reading list.

Cress by Marissa Meyer (Kindle)

Still enjoying the series. How long will I have to wait for the 4th book?

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae (Audio)

The first half of this book was kind of difficult to get to, but I enjoyed the second half.

The Royal We by Heather Cocks (Kindle)

I actually did a full review of this book AND I’m giving away five copies of it. TLDR: I liked it.

Funny Girl by Nick Hornby (Kindle)
Nick Hornby is an excellent storyteller, but a little part of me wondered if this book went on for a little too long. I really enjoyed the main characters and the overall plot, but it could have stood to be cut down a little.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Audio)

This was actually a re-read for me because I really wanted to listen to it and I enjoyed it just as much this time around.

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion (Kindle)

I’ll Have What She’s Having by Rebecca Harrington (Audio)

This was entertaining, but I’m not sure if it would be on my list of books to recommend.

The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie  Hall  (Kindle)

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (Kindle)

The sequel to Cinder and still just as enjoyable.

 I Was Here by Gayle Forman (Kindle)

I found parts of this book intriguing, but overall, I don’t think it was for me.

The Magician’s Lie by Greer Macallister (Kindle)

I spent the majority of this book feeling like I’ve read it or watched something similar before. I enjoyed the magician part of it, but there were a few parts of this book that were difficult to read. 

Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin (Kindle)

I actually did a full review of Better than Before here – check it out!

Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay (Audio)

Interesting read. I agreed with a lot of her opinions and it was engaging to listen to those that I wasn’t sure about.

The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson (Kindle)

The main point of this book was really interesting and thought prevoking, but after a while it got a little repetitive. I would say read the first few chapters and you’re good to go.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (Kindle)

It lived up to Gone Girl in the can’t put it down sense, but the female leads frustrated me. And the male leads really annoyed me. Basically, read it for the plot, tolerate the characters.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (Kindle)

Fairly predictable, but adorable. Definitely read it.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven (Kindle)

My reaction to this book can be summed up by this: I’m so glad I’m not a teenager anymore.This book was compared to Eleanor and Park, but if you have to choose between the two, go with Eleanor and Park.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (Kindle)

For some reason, I feel like I keep picking up World War Two novels, so this goes right along with that. However, this is less about the fighting and more about how two children were affected by it. Though I was hesitant to pick up another WW2 book, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It’s not a light read, but it’s engaging.

Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood (Audio)

Margaret Atwood and short stories. It was wonderful. Don’t wait to read.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer (Kindle)

I’m not sure why I was avoiding this series originally but, fairy tales + dystopic novel? Right up my alley. The first one didn’t disappoint and I went to order the second right after.

Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton (Kindle)

Um, my review of this is kind of long, so I would suggest checking out my goodreads review. TLDR: it tried too hard to be the next Divergent.

The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters (Kindle)

This was my second try at this book and it was really interesting but I felt like my interest in the girls went in and out towards the end. Their going crazy made me go kind of crazy.

Mr. Kiss and Tell by Rob Thomas (Audio)

This was great, and just like a new episode of Veronica Mars….but Kristen Bell didn’t read this one, so that was disappointing.

Inherit Midnight by Kate Kae Myers (Kindle)

To say I plowed through this book would be an understatement. While yes, it is a YA novel, it reminded me a lot of the Westing Game and the protagonist was endearing enough that you had no choice but to keep reading. This novel revolves around Avery, a boarding school escapee, who’s family has been sent on roundabout competition to decide who will receive the mother’s inheritance. The story will intrigue any reader that loves solving puzzles or needs a reminder that their family isn’t as bad as they think it is.

The Blondes by Emily Schultz (Kindle)

I actually did a full review of this book, read it here. (It was great and very Station Eleven – esque. 

 Food by Jim Gaffigan (Audio)

I was already a fan of Jim Gaffigan, so listening to him talk about food for a few hours was pretty hilarious. 

Save the Date by Jen Doll (Kindle)

Reading this right as I’m starting to go into wedding season was probably not the best idea, but her stories were pretty entertaining. 

A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki (Kindle)

I loved this book! It was another novel where stopping my reading to get off the metro was pretty painful. This book may have some triggers in it for a few people, but the overall blending of the two stories and having them relate was beautiful.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (Kindle)

Woodson’s writing is beautiful. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get into her writing style, but I did so quickly and just wanted to keep reading by the end.

Love Is the Drug by Alaya Dawn Johnson (Kindle)

It took place in DC and was about a potentially deadline virus, so I figured it had to be a fun read. It was interesting, but kind of winding in its plot. I’m impressed that I was able to finish it, but there are better things out there that you can read.

Link up below!