Hi all! I took a few months hiatus from blogging throughout October, November, and December. But I’m back now and wanted to recap you on some of the reading I did during that time as well as other things that went on in my life. So here’s a recap of October and November 2021.
I’m a children’s librarian, so I read books for kids and for grown-ups. In October, I read 4 picture/early reader books and 3 “big” books, including audiobooks, adult novels, and chapter books for children. My average rating this month was 4.4. In November, I read 19 picture/early reader books and 7 “big” books, including audiobooks, adult novels, and chapter books for children. My average rating this month was 4.5.
October Reads
Dark Archives: A Librarian’s Investigation Into the Science and History of Books Bound in Human Skin by Megan Rosenbloom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such an interesting listen though the narrator’s use of accents kind of took away from things at times. As a public librarian it was so interesting to me how my ethics of librarianship are so different than the author’s as a rare book librarian. Gruesome subject but I learned a lot and it was handled so well.
The Big Bad Wolf in My House by Valérie Fontaine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A much-needed picture book about domestic violence told through a child’s eyes and in the form of a fable. Ends on a hopeful note. Resources for Canada (kid-specific) & US on final page.
Duke I’d Like to F… by Sabrina Darby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Such a fun read! All of the novellas were super steamy and romantic to boot.
The Chasing of Eleanor Vane ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Duke for Hire ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An Education in Pleasure ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Duke Makes Me Feel… ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Dirty Duke ⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Grandfather Flew by Patricia MacLachlan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, an emotional read. Really lovely.
Pumpkin Eye by Denise Fleming
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really love the art in this one. A perfect preschool storyline book. The lines are short but there’s a lot to discuss.
In a Dark, Dark Wood: An Old Tale with a New Twist by David A. Carter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a Halloween classic with a fun spooky pop-up at the end.
All the Feels by Olivia Dade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
While I didn’t love this one as much as Spoiler Alert, it was still such a fun read with memorable MCs. I highly recommend this series. If grumpy/sunshine is a trope you’re into, you’ll love this book. The fanfiction aspect didn’t work for me as much in this one but it was still fun and cute. I also loved the message about empowerment and advocating for yourself.
Look out for my full review on February 9.
November Reads
Becoming Lady Washington by Betty Bolté
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I learned so much about Martha Washington while reading this book! Betty Bolté’s author bio described her work as historical fiction with heart which is so true. She did a wonderful job of personifying this historical figure and I could tell she performed a wealth of research. It did take me some time to read the entirety of this book, just with everything going on in my life. However, whenever I picked it back up, I remember exactly where I had left off. It was incredibly easy to follow.
I felt like the thoughts and beliefs of Patsy Washington were realistic for her time. Nonetheless, I would’ve appreciated more clear delineation that just because she felt she was doing the right thing (for example, enslaving people but treating them “kindly”) didn’t mean she was. As a modern reader I have this nuance but sadly I don’t think all readers do.
Overall this was an enjoyable read. I thank Betty Bolté for giving me a copy in exchange for my honest review. Look out for my full review on https://bitchbookshelf.com in 2022 once I get my blog back underway.
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Look out for my full review on January 16.
The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Omg, what a fun, sexy, empowering read. I’m obsessed with everything about this one. I love that we get two MCs who like to go out and be a little wild and getting their HEA doesn’t stop them from having that fun. ❤️ With a whole lot of dirty talking and a dash of guyliner, Celeste & Kieran are relationship goals.
Look out for my full review on March 2.
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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Look out for my full review on March 9.
Jane, the Fox & Me by Fanny Britt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
cw: bullying & fatphobia
Look out for my full review on March 26.
On the Trapline by David Alexander Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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Watercress by Andrea Wang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stunning art, great story.
I Dream of Popo by Livia Blackburne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Casually crying at work again no big deal.
Wishes by Mượn Thị Văn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Moving.
My First Day by Steve Jenkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Awesome book with cute art and excellent backmatter!
The Capybaras by Alfredo Soderguit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Crying at work again brb
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Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / This Is How I Know by Brittany Luby
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love the art. Really captures the questions and wonder children have for and about the world around them.
Over the Shop by JonArno Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wordless picture book.
Nathan’s Song by Leda Schubert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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The Old Boat by Jarrett Pumphrey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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Break the Good Girl Myth: How to Dismantle Outdated Rules, Unleash Your Power, and Design a More Purposeful Life by Majo Molfino
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Definitely an uplifting read, and I loved that the author adds a touch of new age spirituality to her practice. Some of this I was already unconsciously or consciously doing. There are a lot of plugs for her website which does make sense as she offers meditations there. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author, at 1.2x speed.
Look out for my full review on April 15.
We All Play by Julie Flett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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Magic Candies by Heena Baek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is trippy. Maybe the art isn’t for everyone but I loved it. I laughed. I cried. Would make an awesome read aloud.
My Day with the Panye by Tami Charles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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The Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lovely illustrations, wordless picture book, imaginative and fun.
Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Pena
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Crying at work again. Such a good book.
When My Cousins Come to Town by Angela Shanté
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Cute. It’s true your cousins are often your first best friends.
Anita and the Dragons by Hannah Carmona
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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Night Walk to the Sea: A Story about Rachel Carson, Earth’s Protector by Deborah Wiles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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One Thing Leads to a Lover by Susanna Craig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun & steamy!
Look out for my full review on April 17.
Lore Olympus: Volume One by Rachel Smythe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So, so happy to own this in print. Lore Olympus means so much to me. I know some mythology fans don’t enjoy the divergences Rachel takes but if you can look past those, this is such a lovely work. There’s a ton of joy, and as a victim of SA I have never seen my experience so closely and thoughtfully represented.
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Look out for my full review on April 20 and check out my feature of the webcomic.
A Peek Into My Planner
I’ve been trying to fill out my planner each day to keep myself organized and to use the plethora of planner supplies and stickers I possess. (I use The Happy Planner.) In July 2020, I started a brand new planner, which I hope to use through 2021. Here are my weekly spreads for October and November.
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I’ve been keeping track of my moods to keep an eye on my depression and anxiety. In October, I felt:
- Good – 7 days
- Okay – 6 days
- Productive – 6 days
- Annoyed – 3 days
- Tired – 3 days
- Great – 2 days
- Happy – 2 days
- Relaxed – 1 day
- Sick – 1 day
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In November, I felt:
- Okay – 7 days
- Good – 6 days
- Great – 4 days
- Productive – 3 days
- Tired – 2 days
- Depressed – 1 day
- Emotional – 1 day
- Frustrated – 1 day
- Lazy – 1 day
- Reflective – 1 day
- Relaxed– 1 day
- Sad – 1 day
- Sick – 1 day
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I have been posting almost every day about my witchier interests on TikTok which has been a lot of fun. I’ve also just been posting about my life, NYC, and using various trending sounds. This one got a decent amount of views and was very empowering for me to post.
@daily.manifestationxwhen your r*p1st texts you after 9 years of no contact the week you deactivate on a majorly social media app 🥰 #greenscreen #ForzaHorizon5GO♬ Seventeen Going Under – Edit – Sam Fender
In October, I watched You Season 3, When Harry Met Sally, and rewatched Fleabag Season 1. In November, I watched Ant-Man and the Wasp, Sing!, House of Gucci, and Maid. I rewatched Fleabag Season 2.
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So that’s a wrap! Thanks for putting up with me as I adjusted to moving to Manhattan and took a break from blogging to focus on work, socialization, and getting my life together.
