I can't believe my Outlander challenge has officially come to a close. Time flies. I am so sorry that I ended up getting two months behind with the Outlander posts, but I have a really good reason. I bought my first house and got a second job a couple of months ago, which in turn made for one crazy summer. Anyway...
Even though I failed at my own challenge, some of you succeeded and deserve to be recognized for your efforts. Whether you read 1, 2, or all of the books in the series, you can enter to win a $10 gift card to The Book Depository or Amazon! Heck, I even have a free entry for anyone who originally signed up in the challenge, because I of all people know that sometimes you have the best intentions but life gets in the way. Not to mention that I never pass up an opportunity to help support my fellow book nerds' bookish buying habits. ;) All you have to do is share the links to your reviews on the books in the rafflecopter below. It can be a link to a blog post, a tweet, a goodreads review, etc. Anything that shows that you read the book counts. Good luck!
Link your reviews to the first book here and head over to discuss what you thought. Link your reviews to the second book here, and here is the link to the third book, the fourth, and the fifth.
How am I doing? Not the best... I am now three books behind! Ahhhh! As my life continues to get busier I keep putting off reading these larger novels. I need to stop doing that. I hope everyone else is doing well with the challenge! Tell me how you are doing below.
Do you want more information about the challenge? Do you want to sign-up? Read this post first.
What is the purpose of this post? To link-up your reviews of the sixth book in the Outlander series (A Breath of Snow and Ashes) that you read for the challenge so that we can read them! Link to wherever you post reviews -- your blog, Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, etc., etc.
I will be posting a review link-up post on the first of every month for the next book in the Outlander series. I think this will be a good way for me to keep organized and motivated to read a book a month. In September there will also be a giveaway for everyone participating in the challenge! So keep a look out for that as well.
When you link up below please make sure to use the direct URL to your individual post/review, not the book's information page or your blog's homepage. You don't have to write a review to participate. You can just tell me in the comments below that you read the book.
Please also use this space as a place to discuss all things to do with the fifth book. Try to avoid big spoilers, but if you do want to talk about them just warn us first. Share how the challenge is going for you. Which book are you reading now? I want to know how you are enjoying the series. Some discussion prompts for A Breath of Snow and Ashes will be posted on this page at the end of July.
Link your reviews to the first book here and head over to discuss what you thought. Link your reviews to the second book here and head over to discuss what you thought, and here is the link to the third book and the fourth.
How am I doing? I am now two books behind! Ahhhh. I enjoyed the first two books a great deal and I think I will like the third one even more. I plan on reading Voyager soon. I swear. I hope everyone else is doing well with the challenge! Tell me how you are doing below.
Do you want more information about the challenge? Do you want to sign-up? Read this post first.
What is the purpose of this post? To link-up your reviews of the fifth book in the Outlander series (Drums of Autumn) that you read for the challenge so that we can read them! Link to wherever you post reviews -- your blog, Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, etc., etc.
I will be posting a review link-up post on the first of every month for the next book in the Outlander series. I think this will be a good way for me to keep organized and motivated to read a book a month. In September there will also be a giveaway for everyone participating in the challenge! So keep a look out for that as well.
When you link up below please make sure to use the direct URL to your individual post/review, not the book's information page or your blog's homepage. You don't have to write a review to participate. You can just tell me in the comments below that you read the book.
Please also use this space as a place to discuss all things to do with the fifth book. Try to avoid big spoilers, but if you do want to talk about them just warn us first. Share how the challenge is going for you. Which book are you reading now? I want to know how you are enjoying the series. Some discussion prompts for The Fiery Cross will be posted on this page at the end of May.
Link your reviews to the first book here and head over to discuss what you thought. Link your reviews to the second book here and head over to discuss what you thought. How am I doing? I admit that I have only read the first book so far. Don't worry, I plan to read the second book, Dragonfly in Amber, super soon. I hope everyone else is doing well with the challenge! Tell me how you are doing below. Do you want more information about the challenge? Do you want to sign-up? Read this post first. What is the purpose of this post? To link-up your reviews of the third book in the Outlander series (Voyager) that you read for the challenge so that we can read them! Link to wherever you post reviews -- your blog, Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, etc., etc. I will be posting a review link-up post on the first of every month for the next book in the Outlander series. I think this will be a good way for me to keep organized and motivated to read a book a month. In September there will also be a giveaway for everyone participating in the challenge! So keep a look out for that as well. When you link up below please make sure to use the direct URL to your individual post/review, not the book's information page or your blog's homepage. You don't have to write a review to participate. You can just tell me in the comments below that you read the book. Please also use this space as a place to discuss all things to do with the third book. Try to avoid big spoilers, but if you do want to talk about them just warn us first. Share how the challenge is going for you. Which book are you reading now? I want to know how you are enjoying the series. Some discussion prompts for Voyager will be posted on this page at the end of April.
Link your reviews to the first book here and head over to discuss what you thought.
Do you want more information about the challenge? Do you want to sign-up? Read this postfirst.
What is the purpose of this post? To link-up your reviews of the second book in the Outlander series (Dragonfly in Amber) that you read for the challenge so that we can read them! Link to wherever you post reviews -- your blog, Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, etc., etc.
I will be posting a review link-up post on the first of every month for the next book in the Outlander series. I think this will be a good way for me to keep organized and motivated to read a book a month. In September there will also be a giveaway for everyone participating in the challenge! So keep a look out for that as well.
When you link up below please make sure to use the direct URL to your individual post/review, not the book's information page or your blog's homepage. You don't have to write a review to participate. You can just tell me in the comments below that you read the book.
Please also use this space as a place to discuss all things to do with the second book. Try to avoid big spoilers, but if you do want to talk about them just warn us first.Share how the challenge is going for you. Which book are you reading now? I want to know how you are enjoying the series. Some discussion prompts for Dragonfly in Amber will be posted on this page at the end of March.
Details HERE|Start Date: 1/1/2015 | End Date: 12/31/2015
My Goal: Rabble-Rouser (6-9 Challenged Books)
I can't believe some of the books that are banned and/or challenged. I think this 2015 challenge will be interesting and it gives me a chance to broaden my reading habits. Here is a list of potential books:
1. The Miseducation of Cameron Post by: Emily M. Danforth
2. Fahrenheit 451 by: Ray Bradbury
3. Blubber by: Judy Blume
4. Lolita by:Vladmir Nabokov
5. And Tango Makes Three by: Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell, Henry Cole
6. The Giving Tree by: Shel Silverstein
7. Fallen Angels by: Walter Dean Myers
8. Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes by: Christ Crutcher
9. Killing Mr. Griffin by: Lois Duncan
Details HERE|Start Date: 1/1/2015 | End Date: 12/31/2015
My Goal: Hitchhiker (10-20 States)
I read a lot of fantasy books and books that don't take place in actual states and therefore I am only doing the hitchhiker level, but I still think this challenge is going to be a lot of fun. I can't wait to pay more attention to the setting of my books and keep track of that.
The Book Riot 2015 Read Harder Challenge Hosted by Book Riot
Details HERE|Start Date: 1/1/2015 | End Date: 12/31/2015
My Goal: To Complete All 24 Tasks
This challenge is fun and unique. If you have yet to check out this one you should. I'm really excited about this!
Details HERE|Start Date: 2/1/2015 | End Date: 9/30/2015
My Goal: To Read All 8 Books in The Outlander Series
This is my first time hosting a challenge and I am super pumped! I really want to take the time to finish this series and now I have more motivation to do just that. I think I'm going to love these books.
Why am I hosting this challenge?
A while ago I read the first book in this series and never got around to reading the rest. Then I watched the television show this past year and realized that I wanted to read this series now more than ever. Therefore, I decided to challenge myself to finally read all eight Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon, and I didn't want to do it alone. I really couldn't find any other challenges out there this specific so I decided to create one. (I know this is kind of like a read-a-long but these books are so big I feel like it is more of a challenge.) **This is my first time hosting a challenge so hang in there.
Who can join?
Anyone and everyone is welcome to join the challenge. It doesn't matter if you have read the books before and just want to re-read them or if this is your first time digging in.
How long does this challenge last?
The challenge runs from Feb. 1, 2015 to Sept. 30, 2015.Why those months? Those months seem to be the least hectic for everyone. Also, I wanted to aim for reading a book a month.
The Reading Schedule (The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon in Order) February - Outlander March - Dragonfly in Ember April - Voyager May - Drums of Autumn June -The Fiery Cross July - A Breathe of Snow and Ashes August - An Echo in the Bone September - Written in My Own Hearts Blood
** If you get behind or ahead in the reading schedule that is totally fine. The goal is just to read all eight books by the end of September.
Bonus Reads
The Exile - A Graphic Novel
Lord John Grey Series
- Lord John and the Private Matter
- Lord John and the Hand of Devils
- Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade
- Scottish Prisoner
Will there be a giveaway?
If at least 10 lovely people sign up for this challenge I will host a giveaway at the end as a reward for all of those who participated, whether you read one or all eight books. There will be a chance for extra entries if you read any of the bonus books on this list.
How do you keep track and share what you have read?
Head on over to the review link up post (COMING SOON!) to share your reviews on the books! If you don't have a blog you can always just post a link to your review on goodreads or simply share in the comments what book you finished reading and what you thought.
How do you join?
Sign up below with the linky anytime! All you have to do is share the link to the blog post, twitter, goodreads shelf, or whatever way you want, stating that you are going to participate in the challenge. Please link back to this page so others can join the challenge as well and see what it is all about. Feel free to use the challenge banner below in your post.
Sign Up Here!!!
Do you have any more questions?
Ask away in the comments below!
I participated in Bout of Books and kicked some major butt! Here are my results. My favorite challenge that I participated in was the recreate a cover challenge. I nailed it.
I only had three review posts this month. Now that is a depressing number.
My review will be posted shortly! I gave it five well earned stars.
What went down behind the blog?
I went to Vegas for the second time in my life. My friend won a trip from a bridal magazine to celebrate her bachelorette party. So our flight and hotel were paid for! I had a blast, won a little bit of money, and was extremely tired when I got home.
I got a new job! Don't worry, I still work at the library. I am now a desk clerk instead of a page. It's a pay raise and so far I am really loving it.
Today I took part in my annual family fantasy football draft. I'm ready for football season! Fall is my favorite time of year not only because of football, but because it means my cardigans, sweaters, boots, and scarves can be taken out of the closet.
My New Obsession
The television show Outlander! I have been hooked since the first episode and I now want to read the rest of the books more than ever! (I have only read the first one.)
September Is Here!
My Bookish and Non-Bookish Goals For September
I am so very far behind in writing reviews and posting them. My goal, get it together.
Read my three ARC's that debut in September.
Catch up on the television show, Vampire Diaries, before it comes back on.
The Book I look Forward to Reading The Most This Month
The Challenge:You must recommend a book based on another book, movie, tv show, etc similar to this: “If you liked _____, you should try _____ because _____.”
If you liked this...
You should try this...
Because a funny and unique zombie novel shouldn't be passed up.
If you liked this...
You should try these...
Because they are all well written, have hot men, a good romance, time travel, and are awesome.
Here are all of the top bookish stories, blog posts, pictures, and videos I found this past week. I put this post up every Sunday so come back again next week for more bookish awesomeness.Click away and enjoy your Sunday!
*This week I'm only featuring movie/television trailers. I couldn't pick and choose which ones I liked best so I figured I would just share all of them.
Book to Movie Trailers
If you haven't read these books yet, you will want to after watching these trailers, for the most part. I do.
Mockingjay - Part 1 ~ YES!
Fifty Shades of Grey ~ I did read the books thanks to peer pressure. There is no way I would watch this movie in theaters.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies ~It looks good.
Wild ~ I love Reese Witherspoon.
This is Where I Leave You ~ This cast is too amazing. It also looks hilarious.
Outlander ~ We finally get a full trailer! It was worth the wait.
The Walking Dead ~ Why do we have to wait until October?
** Did you enjoy this trailer edition of The Bookish Report? Let me know in the comments. Pleas feel free to also share any ideas you may have on how to improve any of my bookish news posts.
I'm back after a very hectic week of moving! I'm really hoping to have a whole bunch of posts for you this week. So let's start with my usual Sunday bookish news post. :)
Here are all of the top bookish stories, blog posts, pictures, and videos I found this past week. I put this post up every Sunday so come back again next week for more bookish awesomeness.
Click away and enjoy your Sunday!
ARTICLES
I always carry a book with me in my purse and I even usually try to keep one in my car for back up. You just never know when you are going to be bored and need something to read. Look over Epic Reads' funny list of places you go where you should really bring a book with you. Get ready all of you Outlander by Diana Gabaldon fans! Starz is turning Outlander into a television series. I don't get Starz but I'm more than willing to figure out a way to watch this one. Read NPR's book news pile up this week. It's pretty sad when a school reading list given to students is full of typos. Sigh. J.K. Rowling has a new book coming out! That's right folks, she was writing under the name Robert Galbraith. The book sounds interesting and it is on netgalley.
BLOG POSTS
Writer of Wrongs introduced a new feature on her blog, Baking the Books. It is a really cute idea and this week she shares a recipe for Butterbeer Cupcakes! Read Jamie's hilarious, interesting, and true post about how her life of being married to a non-reader works out just fine in many ways. Do you ever get nervous that your blog will be deleted?! Well you may want to start thinking about this becoming a problem after reading Parajunkee's post on how Goggle can delete your blog. I'm not overly worried because I download/backup my blog once a month. I do hope to one day move up in the blogger world and get my very own paid for website, but I don't think that will be happening soon. On a happier note, I have a very very small number of posts on my blog that Parajunkee talks about as being a red flag so I think I will be good for now. *fingers crossed* Bookish Treasures has a great reading list for those of you looking for New Adult novels that are unique and stray away from the norm.
Summary: Claire Randall was an army nurse. Once the war
ended she was reunited with her husband. The year was 1945. On their second
honeymoon, she touches an ancient stone that sends her into the past. Now the year
is 1743 and she is in the middle of Scotland where she must try to stay alive
and where she meets the irresistible James Fraser.
Review: I was cruising the internet one day looking for a
good romantic novel. I’m not usually that into romance novels but the mood hit
me. This book kept popping up over and over again in my search results.
Although the plot didn't pull me in at first, I ended up checking the book out
at the library.
This book is a great romantic novel. Don't worry, it is also full of fight scenes, adventures, escapes, and of course, men in kilts. My favorite part of the novel is James and Claire's relationship. I very much enjoy their
relationship and above everything else, I enjoy reading about an adult
relationship. I love young adult novels but this relationship is better, even
though there are secrets and centuries between them, their shyness and honesty
are genuine. James is the perfect fictional character from a book to have a crush on.
Gabaldon did a great job at making the reader truly believe they
are actually in Scotland during the 1700s. She writes so vividly and is amazing
at depicting the physical and emotional drama of the characters. There is only
one downside to the amazingly real descriptions Gabaldon gives us. There are some brutal torture scenes that are somewhat
unnerving to read. It made me hate the evil scum that tortures people beyond my
imagination and sometimes it really rolled my stomach. I suffered through and
although it was hard to read, it really showed the characters in a very personal
light and made you connect with them even more.
This book is a big novel and took me longer than it normally
takes me to read most books, but it wasn't drawn out. I soaked up every
sentence on every page. The worst problem was that it ended and I realized that
there are many more books in the series. At least the ending didn't totally
leave me hanging.
Grab this book next time you are at the library, especially if
you are looking for a good romance novel to sink your teeth into to help you forget
about the real world.
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