I’ve always had a soft spot for Hallmark’s “Christmas in July,” but I never get around to actually reading a holiday themed book for my own theme. Anyone have any recommendations for a Christmas, or other winter holiday, that would be a fun read through this July heatwave? Preferably, one with a good, engaging audiobook?
Hitting my reading goal of 2026 by rereading Heartstopper, Vol. 5. The finale is coming out this month and I decided to reread the series in preparation. Now I’m really hyped! Also, please disregard my dad’s tools in the background…
My Goodreads reading challenge goal was 52 books in 2026. I read my 51st book tonight--Heartstopper, Vol. 4, a reread--and will be picking up Heartstopper, Vol. 5, another reread, tomorrow. After that, I won't be raising it, but I hope to hit 75 by the end of the year.
Given it's the halfway point of the year, how is everyone else doing on their reading goals for the year?
I said what I said…My long weekend is booked!
Yesterday, someone posted the screenshot of an email announcing Book of the Month doing a test run of allowing a select number of BFFs to add up to 10 books in their box. I wasn't one of those selected...my wallet is relieved. But I'm curious to find out if anyone here did get that test-run perk and what did you think? Also, is anyone curious to see how likely BOTM will actually offer BFFs up to 10 books a month?
How is it already June!? This month did not quite go according to plan, but I’m not mad about it. I started a reread of my favorite graphic novel series and read some amazing books. Although, I ended up in a bit of a slump…But I’m overall happy with the 7 books I read.
Rereads
Heartstopper, Vol. 1 by Alice Oseman: 4 ⭐️
Heartstopper, Vol. 2 by Alice Oseman: 4.5 ⭐️
Heartstopper, Vol. 3 by Alice Oseman: 4 ⭐️
TBR books
The Mad Wife by Meagan Church: 5 ⭐️
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta: 3 ⭐️
Library books
Anxietyland by Gemma Correll: 5 ⭐️
The Marvels by Brian Selznick: no rating/DNF
I got some gorgeous books today!
As of today, I'm 19 books ahead of schedule! I'll definitely hit 52 books before the end of the summer. After that, I won't raise it. That said, I do hope to hit somewhere between 75-90 overall this year.
While I'm not giving out as many 5 stars as I used to, the ones I have rated 5 stars stick out. My favorites are Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz, and The Mad Wife by Meagan Church.
On the other hand, I also haven't hated anything so far this year. Some books did disappointment, though. Mainly, The Princess Bride by William Goldman and Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate. The former is a cozy fantasy I can see why it's so beloved, but it's just not for me. The latter is by an author whose written books I love, but this one was just so boring and completely flopped.
How is everyone else's reading so far this year? What are your reading plans for the rest of 2026?
I’m tied between Gohin and Jack, which is sort of a funny combination, with Legoshi at a close second. Though I am surprised I got more Bill than Juno. We both have an equally big mouth and down bad for Louis.
The last week of June is a bit awkward this year. The 25th or 26th might be too soon for the drop, though they do occasionally post hints on the weekends. So, my prediction is hints start Thursday or Friday of this week, then the drop next week on the 29th or 30th. That’s my hope, at least. What do you think?
Especially highly anticipated fantasy books and gorgeous graphic novels!
I’m about 45 pages in and really hoping the library I work in today gets as few visitors as possible because I’m loving it already. I want to keep reading uninterrupted!
My fingers are crossed for Henry Tudor Must Die, Furious Violet, and/or The Someday Garden. What about you?
The only one I can think of as a possibility is The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren. Maybe The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson, too. Anyone else?
It has been months since I visited my local library. I had the day off because of a doctor’s appointment, so I figured I would take advantage of my free afternoon and find books I hope will put off my budding reading slump. And I made sure to keep it a “reasonable” nine books. 😁
To beat my budding reading slump, I switched around my reading plans for the last two weeks of June. First, reading The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta, a queer young adult novel in verse. Then, finish my reread of the Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman.
Now I can look at this beautiful red deer all I want.
I’ve been fighting the itch to buy books for days now, in order to save money for my dad’s birthday this weekend. But it was too hot to walk around during my lunch break, so I wandered into the used book section and found books I’ve wanted for YEARS. And…here we are.
I’ve been aware of FairyLoot for years, but never subscribed or considered doing so until recently. Mainly because I’m subscribed to three other book boxes: Book of the Month, Aardvark Book Club, and Allurial, which is a newer Romantasy subscription box.
Browsing the FairyLoot site, these are the plans that call to me. Not big on extras, so book only. I do enjoy both young adult and adult fantasy. Epic fantasy is my favorite, and I also love cozy fantasy. I took the quiz FairyLoot offers to help pick a subscription, it recommended the YA/adult/Romantasy box. Initially, I wasn’t sure because of Allurial. But when I thought about my overall reading tastes, it made sense.
What are your opinions? Do you have any of the FairyLoot subscriptions I mentioned? What would you recommend to someone thinking of subscribing?
This thought just occurred to me and I’m wondering if it makes any sense to anyone else. Could there possibly something legally going on behind the scenes with the Ballinger family that Adam can’t discuss, but a documentary on a major streaming service might expose?
She (allegedly, of course) sent him lingerie and inappropriate pictures (you all know what I mean). She’s in the states, he’s across the pond in Ireland, pushing the case into international and/or federal systems. He didn’t report anything, allegedly, until he was over 18. If I remember correctly, he did hint 3 years ago there was something legally in the works, but I don’t remember if he ever elaborated on anything. If he even could.
By no means am I excusing Adam for slamming Josh and the others for wanting to participate in the possible CB documentary. Personally, I think he was triggered by the VidCon situation and not thinking clearly. So, I could be wrong, reading into things too deeply. But is it possible that there is something else behind the scenes happening that could explain why he insists on talking about CB after saying he will stop doing so and got mad at the others for considering participating in the potential documentary?