July Wrap-Up and August TBR

Sorry for the delayed wrap up!  It’s been a crazy month. 

What have I been up to?

In the beginning of the month, I was on vacation.  I had a great time, and got to read many amazing books.  So, during that time I didn’t post almost at all. 

July just felt crazy.  I didn’t post as much this month because there were a lot of weekends when I was away and some day trips. 

To be honest, I really slacked off in July.  I kind of hit a reading/blogging slump and it was TERRIBLE.   Reading slumps are bad enough, but I hit a patch where I wasn’t blogging much either.  Which I hated.  I’m back now, however. 

I am going to try to make sure that doesn’t happen again, especially as I start school at the end of the month.  Writing and scheduling posts ahead is crucial. 

And so I also kind of decided to cut back a little.  I’m pretty sure I’m dropping Waiting on Wednesday.  I may start doing it again eventually, but for now I’m stopping.  Also, I dropped the weekly wrap-ups.  I liked them, but it was kind of a lot to do every week.  From now on, I’m just going to be doing the monthly wrap ups. Since the school year is starting up soon, I think this will really help to simplify things.  I feel like these changes will help me to be able to focus my energy on more reviews, discussions, and tags.  Which are what I really love to do. 

*note* just to let you guys know, I’ve been linking the covers to Goodreads in my reviews, so that’s why there’s no button anymore.  

What books did I read?

I read 10 books this month.  It really isn’t too bad, since more than half of them were read within the first week of July and I was kind of slumping the rest of the month. 

Legend by Marie Lu // 4 stars  //  I really liked Legend!  It was different than I thought it would be, but definitely in a good way!

Prodigy by Marie Lu // 4 stars //  More awesomeness.  Also, I LOVE DAY. 

Champion by Marie Lu // 4 stars // Great conclusion!  THAT ENDING THOUGH.

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins // 4 stars // Cute and kick butt all at the same time.  Fantasy mixed with contemporary all in a southern setting makes for awesomeness.

Confess by Coleen Hoover // 4.5 stars // Another great book by Colleen Hoover.  Definitely recommend this!

Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour // 5 stars // THE CUTENESS.  MORGAN MATSON IS THE QUEEN OF YA CONTEMPORARY.

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson // 5 stars // GUYS.  I FINALLY READ BRANDON SANDERSON.  WHERE HAS THIS SERIES BEEN ALL MY LIFE.  If you couldn’t tell, I adored it.  Those 700 pages just flew by ;)  But seriously.  I’m in love.  If you like fantasy, read this book now please.  Review coming soon.

Alive by Scott Sigler // 3.5 stars //  Alive kept me guessing at every turn.  I will be continuing on because I NEED to know what’s going to happen next.

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson // 4 stars // More graphic nolvels!  This one was super cute and action packed.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline // 5 stars // Another book that I’ve heard nothing but FANTASTIC things about.  Reading this book was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I fell in love with it and I can’t wait to read Armada.  I can’t emphasize enough how great this is…so just go read it please.  Review coming soon

I have reviews up for *almost* all of these books.  So, click on the links to go to the reviews to get more of my thoughts on all of these lovely books.  

What else did I post about?

What other posts did I write except for the above reviews?  Well…

I did Waiting on Wednesday #12 and #13.  (which will be my last for a while)

I reviewed Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas, which I read at the end of June.  Heir of Fire was the best ever and it’s the most fun I’ve ever had writing a review. (also the longest, which is kind of fitting considering the size of the book)

I was nominated for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers award.  I always have the best time doing these and answering the questions, so thanks so much Anjie!  (I also nominated some people, so go check it out)

I discussed “Do books get "lost" in your TBR?”  This was super fun and I absolutely love doing discussions.  (although sometimes I’m bad at replying…I’m working on it guys, I promise.  Thanks so much for your wonderful comments! I appreciate it immensely.)

I did the “Find Me” book tag, in which I attempted to take pictures of books and actually make it look good.  How did that turn out?  See for yourself.  (Spoiler: not good.)

August TBR

Am I even still trying to do TBR’s?  Apparently, I am.  Though I’m not sure why I bother. 

But, first an update on my July TBR!  I had set aside 7 books that I wanted to read on vacation and I ended up reading 5.  That’s pretty good.  The only thing is that I changed my TBR pile like 5 times before I actually packed them.  So, the TBR in my June Wrap up isn’t really what I packed.  Oops.

Still, though, in terms of a TBR, I’d say that was a success.  

This month I NEED to read A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.  I’ve had at least five people tell me just this week how much I need to read it.  And I agree.  IT WILL HAPPEN.  HOLD ME TO IT, GUYS. 

Ideally, I’d like to read Cress by Marissa Meyer, too.  But we’ll see.  I don’t want to be too over ambitious here.    

And that’s all for this wrap up!  Leave me a link to your wrap up, so I can check out what you were up to this month!  Here’s to a great month of reading in August! 

Olivia