Books

November 2022 // To Be Read

- Bunny 5 Comments

Hi Friends,
Today is my November TBR post! For the month of November I decided that I would mostly mood read. However, I have a lot of Christmas books that I would like to get to, so I thought that I would share those with you. Also, I will be taking part in the Gilmore Girls readathon, but I am going to be doing a separate TBR post for the readathon.


“A teen girl gets the perfect second try at a first kiss in this hilarious, romp-filled young adult romantic comedy perfect for fans of Jenna Evans Welch and Hallmark Christmas movies.”


“Who’s naughty and nice at Riverwood Mall? In this hilarious YA holiday rom-com, two rivals get together to save their families’ livelihoods, and Christmas, too!”


“A pitch-perfect holiday rom com about two oil-and-water reality-star country singers who must fake a relationship in order to win the opportunity of a lifetime, perfect for fans of Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game and Christina Lauren’s In a Holidaze.”

‘Reading Rabbits’ Book Club Book

“Twelve clues. Twelve keys. Twelve days of Christmas. But how many will die before Twelfth Night? Agatha Christie meets Clue in this delightful, tense manor house murder mystery.”

Those are just some of the holiday books that I would like to get to in the month of November. Let me know in the comments the books on your TBR for the month. Please don’t forget to follow the blog to get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

End Of The Year // Book Tag

- Bunny Leave a comment

In this video, I talk about the books that I need to finish before the end of the year as well as the books that I am still waiting to be released.

QUESTIONS
1. Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?
2. Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?
3. Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?
4. What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?
5. Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favourite book of the year?
6. Have you already started making reading plans for next year?

Bookstagram: books.with.bunny
Twitter: bookswithbunny

The Fall Bucket List // Book Tag

- Bunny 4 Comments

Hi Friends,
September 22nd is the first official day of fall, which signifies the end of summer. Thus, I wanted to do a fall inspired book tag! And, ‘The Fall Bucket List’ tag seemed like the perfect one. The tag was created by Read By Tiffany, so go check out her posts as well! Also, you are supposed to tag seven people, but I decided to tag only three bloggers.


For me that is ‘Pumpkinheads’ by Rainbow Rowell, because it is a fun and lighthearted fall graphic novel. The book takes place on Halloween in a pumpkin patch. What is more fluffy and fall than that plot?


‘Séance Tea Party‘ by Reimena Yee has been on so many peoples fall book recommendations list, which has made me want to see what the hype is all about. I will be doing a whole post on my Fall TBR, and this will 100% be on the list.


I don’t ever talk about this, because I read it probably 10 year ago, but that is ‘Heist Society’ by Ally Carter. If you like the movie ‘Catch That Kid’, then you will enjoy this book. This is the first book in a trilogy, and the friend group in it is really fun.


‘Kiki’s Delivery Service‘ by Eiko Kadono is a very heartwarming and coming-of-age story about a tween witch. This wasn’t a five star read, but it is a cute story and perfect for the fall time.
Related: Kiki’s Delivery Service // Book Review


Lara Jean in the ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ trilogy! However, she is more of a baker, but I think that still counts. These books are perfect for all, and I love that she bakes, because who doesn’t love a story that mentions baked goods?


Obviously, ‘Long Live the Pumpkin Queen‘ by Shea Ernshaw is my answer for this question. This book wasn’t amazing, but it did live up to my expectations. It was a good retelling of sorts, and I would recommend it to others that enjoyed ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’.
Related: Long Live the Pumpkin Queen // Book Review

I hope that you liked this post, because I really have a good time doing tags. I have tagged a few people below, but I tag anyone reading this post to do it as well. And, don’t forget to hit that follow button before you leave.

I Tag
Books and Sensibility
Writing Rose Read
Enchanted Elfie

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Reading Wrap-Up // August 2022

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Below is my August wrap-up! I show all the books that I read in the month of August and my ratings for them. August was a great reading month, since I was able to read 13 books. My ratings were all over the place and I had my first 1 star read of the year. In the comments, let me know if you are excited to see my reviews for each of these books. And, feel free to follow not only my blog but my booktok (@bookswithbunny) and bookstagram (@books.with.bunny).

Rereading Books // Bunny Babbles

- Bunny Leave a comment


Hi Friends,
Recently, I was considering rereading a book that I read a few years ago. Well, I wondered to myself if rereads should count towards people’s reading goals for the year. I am the type of reader that actually enjoys rereading books. Yet there are some exceptions to my rereading. I wouldn’t necessarily read a thriller over again, since it’s less impactful the second time around. But, I love rereading YA contemporaries!

Every year, I reread ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens and ‘The Afterlife of Holly Chase’ by Cynthia Hand. But, I think it is pretty normal to reread holiday books, since people rewatch their favorite holiday films every year.

There are some books that I do want to read again, because I can’t fully remember them. And, I always try to reread a series if it’s been over a year since I read the previous books. I am someone that does count rereads towards my yearly reading goal, because whether I’ve already read it or not, I’m still technically reading. A reading goal is for all the books you read that year, right? It isn’t just for new books read in a year.

In the comments, I would love to know where you stand on rereading, if they should count towards your yearly reading goal. Please follow my book blog, so that I know you like these types of posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Related Post: The Afterlife of Holly Chase Book Review

Friday Reads #11

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
I haven’t done a Friday reads post in a while, so I thought it would be fun to share my weekend reading plans. This weekend the Summer Mixtape Readathon is set to end, which I have been participating in. And, I only have one book left to read for the readathon. Now that’s enough chitchat let’s talk books.


“Nightmare Before Christmas fans rejoice! Long Live the Pumpkin Queen picks up where the beloved film left off, with Sally in her new role as the Queen of Halloween Town. This delightful return to The Nightmare Before Christmas universe is sure to appeal to fans old and new.”


“From the star of MTV’s The Hills and The Hills: New Beginnings, a candid and insightful reflection on aughts tabloid fame, the powerlessness and loss of self in toxic situations, and the life-changing power of even our smallest choices.”


“The instant #1 New York Times bestseller! Stephanie Garber’s limitless imagination takes flight once more in the colorful, mesmerizing, and immersive sequel to the bestselling breakout debut Caraval. A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.”

Although, these are the books I’m planning to read this weekend I am not sure if I will read them all. Especially since I’ve become a mood reader. Honestly, I might just end up reading whatever I’m in the mood for at that moment. In the comments, tell me what you will be reading this weekend. Please support my book blog by giving it a quick follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

14 Ways To Die // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

Synopsis
A decade ago, Jess lost her mother to the Magpie Man, an infamous serial killer who is still at large and planning to kill again. Now, She’s going to use her new platform as the star of a YouTube reality series to catch him. That is, if he doesn’t catch her first.
Synopsis from Amazon

My Rating

 

My Thoughts
I had been seeing this book in stores for months, and decided to pick it up. I went into it fairly blind, but the cover and title were very intriguing. It was interesting to see that the plot centers around a serial killer and unsolved murders. The book follows Jess, a teenage girl, determined to find the Magpie Man, who is the serial killer responsible for her mother’s death.

To draw the Magpie Man out of hiding, Jess enters a YouTube reality competition where she documents her search for her mother’s killer. Honestly, I t think that the whole reality competition aspect was unnecessary. You didn’t learn much about the other contestants, and the story could have had the same outcome without the reality show element. The author could have simply made Jess start her own YouTube channel about the murders, instead of adding cameramen and show runners.

It was understandable that Jess wanted to bring her mom’s killer to justice, but she was too reckless about it. She was literally asking for a serial killer to come get her. She didn’t even have a plan as to what she’d do if she found the killer. You should always have a plan. However, she gets points for being bold, since I don’t know if I could be as brave as Jess is in the book.

Yet, I didn’t feel like we got to know Jess, or any of the other characters, much. All we really learn is that Jess spent her whole life wanting to avenge her mother’s death, which I found to be very unhealthy. However, her determination was understandable for the story. You could see that she has a lot of unresolved issues, and hasn’t fully come to terms with the loss of her mother.

Keep in mind that the book is very plot driven, which is the case with a lot of thrillers. Still, I want strong character development in addition to a solid mystery. For me, a successful book is made up of an engaging plot, and a forged connection with the characters. This book was lacking on the character front.

There is a romance that forms between Jess and someone, which progresses gradually. The love interest cared for Jess, and wanted her to stay safe. But they also understood that she had to see her plan out until the end. He didn’t understand her pain, but wanted to be there for her nonetheless.

We lie to sad people because we think it will make them feel better. But sad people see through lies. You can only trick happy people with bullshit.”

There weren’t many suspects, so it was hard to see where the story was going. When the killer was finally revealed, you started to put all the pieces together. The author did a good job of dropping bread crumbs throughout the book without making the serial killer’s identity too obvious.The book depicts that everyone has a story to tell, and some people’s stories might be more tragic than others. Also, a murder is never truly perfect. There is always some evidence left behind. Yet, the police overlooked certain things for years. More and more, a lot of books have been brave enough to call out the police and the justice system.

Overall, I was a fan of the writing style and the short chapters. The book went by fast, but still got the story across. The plot twist at the end was good, but I was hoping for more. I think that fans of ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’ would thoroughly enjoy this book. Speaking of the “Good Girl’s” trilogy, I do have reviews up for all three of those books, if you want to know my thoughts on them.

In the comments, let me know if you have read anything by this author. I would love to know more about their other books. If you like bookish content, then be sure to follow my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

To Be Read // August 2022 (ft. Summer Mix-Tape Readathon)

- Bunny 8 Comments

Hi Friends,
It is TBR time once again! Unfortunately, my reading hasn’t been the best this month so I am hoping that August might reignite my passion for reading. I will be doing the Summer Mix-Tape readathon that is taking place from 1st – 14th August. If you want to find out more about the readathon and all the co-hosts, you can watch Lianne (literarydiversions) announcement video.

Before I get into my TBR for the readathon, I want to mention my ‘The Reading Rabbits’ book club pick for August. I have a book club that you can join through the Novellic app. This month we will be reading ‘Hidden Pictures’ by Jason Rekulak, which is slightly out of my comfort zone, since it is an adult thriller. However, I have heard some pretty good things about this book, and it sounds intriguing.

“From Jason Rekulak, Edgar-nominated author of The Impossible Fortress, comes a wildly inventive spin on the classic horror story in Hidden Pictures, a supernatural thriller about a woman working as a nanny for a young boy with strange and disturbing secrets.”

Now on to the readathon prompts!
Here Comes the Sun – read a book with nature on the cover

I decided to go with ‘Lost in the Never Woods’ by Aiden Thomas, because it does have some trees on the cover. That counts as nature, right? This is a middle grade ‘Peter Pan’ retelling, which hasn’t been talked about a lot, so I am curious to see if it is any good.

“When children go missing in the small coastal town of Astoria, people look to Wendy for answers. It’s been five years since Wendy and her two brothers went missing the woods, but when the town’s children start to disappear, the questions surrounding her brothers’ mysterious circumstances are brought back into light.”

Blame It On The Weatherman – read an unseasonal read
I instantly knew that I was going to go for a spooky read when I saw this prompt, and I recently borrowed ‘The Witchery’ by S. Isabelle on Libby. I know nothing about this book, except that it is a YA witchy story, which is all I need to know about it.

“A bewitching debut by S. Isabelle, perfect for fans of Maggie Stiefvater, Zoraida Córdova, and Leigh Bardugo! THE HAUNTING SEASON IS HERE AND THE WOLVES ARE AWAKE.”

Cake By The Ocean – read a book involving food/read a spicy book

I have been wanting to read Elizabeth Acevedo’s book ‘With the Fire on High’ for the longest time. Food is a big focus in the book making it the perfect choice for this prompt. Let’s hope I actually end up reading it this month.

“From the New York Times bestselling author of the National Book Award-winning title The Poet X comes a dazzling novel in prose about a girl with talent, pride, and a drive to feed the soul that keeps her fire burning bright.”

We’re Going To Ibiza – read a book set in another country

Recently, I learned about ‘Hot British Boyfriend’ by Kristy Boyce, and it sounds like a fun YA contemporary. Since August is the last official month of summer, not that the weather will reflect that, I want to read a few more lighthearted YA contemporary reads.

“Ellie embarks on a whirlwind romance, one that takes her on adventures to some of England’s most beautiful places, she still needs to figure out if this is actually the answer to all her problems…and whether the perfect boyfriend is actually the perfect boy for her.”

Mixtape – pick a book based on your favourite summer bop/free choice

First off, my husband seriously hates the phase bop and tells me all the time that I am never going to make bop happen. Anyways, a song that always comes to mind when I think of the summer is ‘Island in the Sun’ by Weezer. Mainly because it was featured in ‘Aquamarine’, one of my favorite summer movies. I decided that a book set on the beach or an island at summer would work perfectly for this prompt. So, I am going with ‘The Girl From The Sea’ by Molly Ostertag, since it is set on a small island.

“In what will prove to be the most important summer of her life so far, Anna learns about love, herself, and the magic that an ordinary summer can bring.”

Those are all the books that I have set to read in August. For the rest of the month I will just be mood reading, which is always fun. In the comments leave me some book recommendations. And, hit that follow button so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,

Bunny

Summertime Madness | Book Tag

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I am back with another book tag! This time I am doing the ‘Summertime Madness Book TAG’ which was created by JakeEatsLife (formerly JakeEatsBooks) on YouTube.

Show a book with a summery cover! i.e. Sun, Beach etc.
I haven’t read this book, but I am hoping to read it before summer ends. The plot gives me hope that it will be a fun summer contemporary with a magical twist. I have high hopes for this book, since I really enjoyed the authors YA thriller’Horrid‘.

Pick one fictional place that would be the perfect destination for your Summer. Vacation!
I wasn’t the biggest fan of this trilogy, but the world was very cool. Yet, I am not sure it counts as a fictional world, since it is simple a dystopian version of the world we live in today. Still the sci-fi elements add to society seems awesome.

You’re about to go on a flight to your Summer Vacation. But you want to read a book that lasts for the whole flight so what novel do you choose?
YA thrillers are always fun and fast reads. This is one that has been on my TBR for quite some time, and it has great reviews. It is 330 pages, which makes me think it is a good flight pick.

You have a case of Summertime Sadness–what happy book do you pick up to shine a smile on your face?
I have probably mentioned this book a ton, but I predict it will be a 5 star read. The premise sound so heartwarming, and YA contemporaries usually make me smile.

 

You’re sitting at the beach all alone…which fictional character would be your beach babe?
Does beach babe mean guy or girl? Well, I am going to say guy but just platonic guy friend. For me, I will go with Cooper from Kasie West’s
‘Love, Life and The List”. He was a good friend to Abby, and seemed like a fun person to hang out with. However, he’s a teenager, so us hanging out might be a bit weird.

To match your ice cream you want an icy cool sidekick! Which fictional sidekick do you pick?
Ravi Singh from the ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’ books is an amazing sidekick. He is supportive and funny. And, he’s down to help solve mysteries, which I can get behind.

 

Share the Summertime Happiness! Who do you TAG?
I am going to tag some of my favorite book bloggers! I would love to see Ceri from ‘Read And Review It‘ do this tag, and Mackenzie over at ‘Lit Lemon Books‘.

If you want to leave your answers to the questions in the comments please do so. I love seeing the books that readers associate with each season in this case summer. Remember not to leave before hitting that follow button, because you won’t want to miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

It’s Kind Of A Funny Story // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

Synopsis
“Ned Vizzini, who himself spent time in a psychiatric hospital, has created a remarkably moving tale about the sometimes unexpected road to happiness.”

This book gives a realistic look at mental illness. The main character, Craig, is relatable and still trying to figure out his mental state. Although he is a teenager, I think even adults can relate to his thoughts and feelings. Dealing with mental illness can be complex and the author does a great job of showcasing that. Like Craig, sometimes we feel fine due to medication, but once we stop taking that medication, we crash.

The book’s main plot centers on Craig being committed to the hospital’s adult psych ward. There, we are introduced to all sorts of characters, who are struggling with different mental health issues. It truly shows that everyone is facing their own battle. And mental Illnesses doesn’t look the same for everyone. On the outside, Craig seemed like an average teenager. But inside, he was crumbling. Some people are tied together with a smile.

There were many funny moments, which is nice to have in a book that deals with such a heavy topic. It was good to see Craig bonding with other patients. He learned a lot about their lives and struggles. But, there was also the notion that what happens in inpatient, should stay in inpatient.

There are many messages through the book. One being that you can’t truly understand mental health issues, even if you deal with them yourself. No two mental illnesses look the same. There will be people who think they have you figured out, but they don’t, and this was the case for Craig.

“I didn’t want to wake up. I was having a much better time asleep. And that’s really sad. It was almost like a reverse nightmare, like when you wake up from a nightmare you’re so relieved. I woke up into a nightmare.”

You never need to explain yourself to others, and that was something Craig struggled with in the story. His friends were toxic, and don’t even get me started on Nina, his crush. Craig had a lot of personal development in the book, and learned that it is better to be friendless than to be friends with all the wrong people.

One of my favorite things about this book was that it mentions “finding your anchor”. It is so important for us to find something that fills us with joy. That one things that tethers us to life. It shouldn’t be a person, but something that we enjoy. And the book made a point to talk about how we all should look for some type of anchor.

As you can tell, the book hits on some heavy topics. Obviously, mental health is the main focus in the book but there is talk about self harm, somewhat slut shaming, and the underlying mention of sexual abuse. If these are subjects you are sensitive to, please be aware before you pick this book up.

Overall, this is one of my favorite books. I connect with it, and love the view that all we can do is try to manage our lives. And to live the best life for ourselves. Please like and share this post, and follow my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny