Yearly Archives: 2017

lists

5 Books & What They Taught Me About Writing

6 Comments

Since most readers tend to also be writers (or people who aspire to write a book someday), I think we all know that wonderful, indescribable feeling of finishing a book that makes you think: Wow. I wish I could write something like that. For me, those are my favorite kind of books. Every reader has different tastes. I find historical fiction the most powerful genre and the genre that most encapsulates the essence of storytelling (wow, dramatic/poetic enough there, Emily? 😉 ), so every book on this list is historical.

#1: THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett


Confession: I saw the movie before I read the book. (How very unbookworm of me, right?) I read The Help in January and I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved it! Besides the fact that the main character is quirky and bookish and a writer (every character under that description is a kindred spirit to me), this book is a perfect example of how heavy emotion should meet comedy. A Joss Whedon quotes goes: “Make it dark. Make it grim. Make it tough. But then, for the love of God, tell a joke.” Kathryn Stockett wrote a story that makes you really feel everything. Real life is never one sole feeling or mood, so why should a story be? Even where there is tragedy, there is always some humor. For fiction to be as authentic as possible, it’s important to relay that in stories.

Can we take a moment to appreciate that type writer and those glasses? (Side note: have any of you seen “La La Land” yet? I adore Emma Stone.)

#2: A CORNER OF THE UNIVERSE by Ann M. Martin

A Corner of the Universe broke my heart. I’d like to start out by saying that no Newbery Honor book has ever failed me before. If a book I ever wrote received such an award I would DIE on the spot. That’s it. You would never see or hear from me again. Bye-bye, Emily, you have written something marvelously beautiful for the world and NEWBERY HONOR gave you a shiny book medal for it and now you’re dead from the excitement.

So. Keeping that in mind, you can only imagine my undisputed love for this book. I think that having written a middle grade book that deals with mental disorders/illness is SO impressive. It deserves a million and one awards. Writing any genre that approaches those topics well is impressive, don’t get me wrong, BUT approaching them from the perspective of a child is even more so. A Corner of the Universe reminded me that characters with mental disorders should never become their disorder. (It also further reminded me how INCREDIBLE Ann M. Martin is, and if the only one of her books you’ve read is from The Babysitter’s Club, you’re missing out.)

#3: INTERRUPTED: LIFE BEYOND WORDS by Rachel Coker

When I first read Interrupted, I was in that awkward in-between age, where most middle grade books weren’t satisfying me, but finding an appropriate young adult book was a challenge. (Thankfully, this was the birth of for the bookish, so I could find other readers with the same struggle. That worked! 🙂 ) Anyway, I found myself in the Christian Family Bookstore (which is now CLOSING DOWN, how sad!) staring at an array of books with such titles as My Amish Boyfriend. I was beyond frustrated because nothing looked appealing anymore. Miraculously, I picked up Interrupted, and thank goodness for that.

What most amazes me about Rachel’s books is her ability to so seamlessly work in elements of the Christian faith in a book for young adults. And none of it comes off as cheesy, preachy, forced, or boring! I don’t know about you, but I am forever doubting myself when I try to merge my fiction with my faith (I’ve been giving it a lot of thought this week especially, having read Jonathan’s post about it), and Interrupted does just that so beautifully.

#4: SALT TO THE SEA by Ruta Sepetys

Salt to the Sea follows four teenagers of different backgrounds, pasts, cultures, and personalities. Ruta Sepetys is a superb historical fiction writer, but what wowed me about Salt to the Sea is how each individual was so different. You could read one or two sentences from each chapter and know right off the bat which character was talking – even if you hadn’t read their names at the top of the page. Their voices were distinctive. When I’m writing, I often slip into a pattern of every character being too similar. Salt to the Sea gives such succinct voices and dialogue to each character. I love that!

#5: CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein

I know I’ve mentioned this numerous times on the blog, but Code Name Verity is one book that is METICULOUSLY RESEARCHED! Honestly, I’ve never read such a detailed historical fiction book before. This book felt accurate right down to the brand of socks a character might wear in the 1940s. (That was an example; I don’t recall any brand name socks being named, of course. But if there was, it was specific to the era!) Reading Code Name feels like you’re reading an autobiography rather than fiction, and I think that’s the ultimate goal in telling any story.

Which genre/book most inspires you to write? What have certain ones taught you about writing?

Emily

P.S. I’m so proud of the bookish photography in this post! Do me a favorite and pin it or tweet it or share it?? 🙂 (no shame self promo, oops.)

rambles

Happy Third Birthday, Dear Blog!

24 Comments

Hi, bookworms! This is coming to you a day late because while I had this post all typed up and nicely edited, I forgot. to. post it. (Major face-palming moment, but better late than never, right?) 🙂

I can’t believe for the bookish has been a passion of mine for three whole years. I can’t think of anything besides reading itself that I’ve done for three years in a row. (Even with piano, I’ve quit lessons only to pick them back up every few years.) Occasionally I’ve gone a few months without checking in, but I’m so proud of my little corner of the internet. 318 posts later, I’ve built up a wonderful following, made so many friends, grown as a reader and writer, and read 136 books. (At least. I didn’t keep track of every book I read in 2014, but I did review most of them.)

I was bookish. I am bookish. If you look up “Emily” in the dictionary, bookish will be right next to my name. I am destined to be bookish for the rest of my long, bookish life.

– my first blog post, april 3 2014. 

(unfortunately I couldn’t get my hands on a cupcake in time for this post, but a birthday candle will do. *no books were burned in the making of this photo.)

I’ve been MIA the past few months because I haven’t read many books… as in, at all. (Four since January! I know!) Unless you’d like me to post a review of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass or The Old Man and the Sea (school-required reading, which isn’t always dull, but not always my cup of tea), I haven’t had very much in the way of content for the blog. Blessedly, the school year is wrapping up, which means summer vacation is in sight! (And with it the biggest itch for stacks and stacks of good books. Leave recommendations below, please!)

Since I knew my “blogaversary” was coming up, I’ve been browsing through all of my old posts. I love that I’ve had For the Bookish to document all of my reading adventures and tastes. Through blogging, I’ve met so many readers all over the world, and because of them I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and found amazing books I never would have glanced at otherwise.

I’ve also learned that the phrase “birds of a feather flock together” is oh-so-true! I’ve found that if I and another girl four states or countries away share a favorite book, then we also share favorite TV shows or styles or we’re both home schooled or Christian or have the same personality type, etc. – it only confirms again how literature unites people everywhere, forever.

My Favorite Blog Posts Over The Years

2014:

– “happy birthday to me! // updates & more” (detailing my thirteenth birthday and also the day I began what was to be one of my FAVORITE books ever, to this day – Code Name Verity)

– “interview with author heather vogel frederick!” (I remember being over the moon excited about this one. Heather has been a beloved author of mine for going on six years, and this interview, which she mentioned on her own blog in 2014, introduced me to my pen pal Brooke!)

– “why books?” (throwback to my very short, four paragraph posts here. I’ve written posts of several variations on this same topic, but this was the first time I talked about why I love reading.)

– “cats are good company” (I wouldn’t necessarily publish anything like this now… but this post is one that gives me a good laugh. An entire post dedicated to why cats are important to readers and books? And half a paragraph all about a “conversation” you had with your cat, Emily? Face palm. Needless to say, this received no comments… ha!)

2015:

– “my bookshelf tour!” (Compare to my “2017 Bookshelf Tour.” Obviously book blogging has taught me a lot about the proper organization and aesthetics of bookshelves. I would also venture to say I’ve improved in my iPhone book photography/filter skills. 😉 )

– “IT’S FOR THE BOOKISH’S BIRTHDAY!!! + MY FIRST GIVEAWAY” (You can hear the excitement straight through the title! I also love reading through the comments – a lot of you who followed me then are still around today. Trisha, Grace, Olivia, Izel, Abbey (then Audrey), and of course Brooke – you guys are the best.)

– “my year in books: 2015 recap” (I’m so glad I wrote this post! I didn’t do anything like it for 2016, and now I really wish I had. I covered the funniest, most romantic, most anticipated, favorite books, etc. I read in 2015, and it’s perfect to look back on.)

– “meeting kiera cass (!!!!!!!)” (The Selection series isn’t my biggest book obsession anymore, but in 2014/2015, you can bet your bottom dollar if you said one word about it, I’d jump at the opportunity to discuss it. I still think meeting Kiera was SO COOL. The event was very large, and I even remember the girls I talked to all night about other books while we waited for Kiera.)

2016:

– “25 Bookish Facts About Me” (I loved writing this, because what bookworm doesn’t like talking about all their bookish quirks? It was also fun to see what you guys shared in common with me, bookworm-wise, in the comments.)

– “my favorite (rainy-day specific!) bookish movies” (Of course finishing a thick book is more satisfying than TV, but I’ll take any fictional world. In this post, I list four bookish movies – be it a book adaptation or movie about an author – perfect for rainy days. They’re my go-to’s.)

– “Meeting Morgan Matson!” (Book signings are the MOST FUN. Of the two I’ve been to, I get giddy and nervous meeting the authors, as if they were celebrities. But of course, in my book – pun intended, oops – they are! Morgan Matson writes the best sweet, bittersweet, and downright depressing summer romances. In fact, I can’t wait to reread one this summer. Meeting her was a blast!)

– “The Dream Factory Workshop: My Recap” (Another highlight of my bookish year, I spent a weekend at the home of my writing coach and favorite author Rachel Coker with four other storytellers. We learned so much about the art of storytelling, from Rachel, each other, and our several adventures. I can’t talk about it enough — it seems like a dream.) 

The past three years have been full of writing and reading adventures. (Not to mention my blog has inevitably documented my phases, book and non-book obsessions, and various haircuts throughout my middle and high school years so far – who knows what’s in store the next three years!) 😉

If you’ve followed my blog or commented or sent me an email at any given time, THANK YOU! My family can even vouch for the fact that whenever I get a sweet message, I talk about it to them because it makes my day. I hope to put up more posts soon, and talk to you guys below. 🙂

Love,

Emily

Uncategorized

Currently…

20 Comments

It’s been four months since I last did a “currently” post, so I thought the time had come to let you guys all know what I’m up to outside of reading again. 🙂

LISTENING TO

  • “Every It” // Caitlin Mahoney
  • “Don’t Be Shy” // Cat Stevens
  • “There She Goes” // The La’s
  • “Cheek to Cheek” // Ella Fitzgerald (Fred Astaire’s original version is fine, but Ella does it best.)
  • The 2005 Pride & Prejudice soundtrack (“Dawn” is my favorite. Wait, scratch that. Every song in this movie is my favorite. Just get me some tea and some Mr. Darcy and I could cry listening to it.)

WISHING FOR

  • My dad’s sweatshirt. I keep stealing it, and then he gets annoyed with me… but it’s SO SOFT. Now I have to go and buy a $30 sweatshirt just like my dad’s, and who has the money for that? That would buy three brand-new books!

EATING

  • Pizza. I honestly spent a good chunk of my Christmas money on two or three boxes of pizza. My cravings are just too strong to seperate us. I have no regrets in life.

(I’ve been dying for an excuse to use this GIF ^ and I did it. I finally got to use it and now my life is complete.)

  • Lots and lots of chai tea. I’m not much of a tea person, but chai is so addicting. (Oh coffee dear, you know you’re still #1.)

WEARING

  • Puffy jackets in thirty degree weather one week, short sleeves literally three days later. It’s as if Georgia has these intense teenage girl mood swings and she’s like “you know guys, I’m HAPPY let’s make it SNOW” and then she gets ticked off the next day and makes it seventy degrees and rainy. Someone get Georgia some chocolate and make her happy again.

WATCHING

    • Timeless: a time travelling trio (a soldier, pilot, and historian) set off after a terrorist attempting to destroy America. aka an emotional plot twisting roller coaster featuring epic historical costumes.

  • This Is Us: awwww, too much cuteness. Though right now I’m mad at every character accept Toby and Jack. They can do no wrong.

  • Gilmore Girls: let’s be real though, when am I not. (Currently skipping all episodes that don’t include Milo Ventimiglia – who currently plays Jack on This Is Us – because again, he can do no wrong. No matter what show he’s on.)

 

ON MY TO-DO LIST

  • Quit scrolling through apps and pick up a book again.
  • Delete cat photos to make storage space on my phone. (My cat is just way too photogenic. LOok at tHIS pReCIouSneS. I have a problem, I know.)

If anyone is wondering, his name is Thomas O’Malley (“O’Malley” for short), after the heroine of the Disney movie The Aristocats. He likes water (if the sink/shower is running or the toilet lid is up, he will be soaked) and pipe cleaners and cuddles. 

WRITING

          “I flew six flights up, until breathlessly, I pushed myself through the door of Apartment 21B. The glass doors that led to our balcony at the end of the living room proved quite a view: raindrops running down the glass, the tiny balcony covered in potted plants and ivy, cars crawling in traffic below, our beautiful city skyline, and a grown man hunched in a black windbreaker on a thin iron bar. It was as if I were looking at a painting or photograph, colors bleeding in the rain.” 

– snippet from an admittedly melodramatic but exciting scene in my WIP that I had a blast writing.

ANTICIPATING 

  • This new skirt I ordered from thredup.com (which is an online thrift store that I spend way too much time browsing.)

  • Going to Disney World next month (!!!!!!!!!!!!)
  • A new episode of Timeless on January 16. (The withdrawals are getting to be too much.)

That’s all the time I have for today (seriously – it’s 6 PM and I haven’t finished my science lesson… hehehe. *dies*) But before I go, the winner of the Salt to the Sea giveaway is… Jonathan! He’s great, and any one person who gets as excited over a Ruta Sepetys book as he does deserves a blog follow, so go check him out. (And then go get your hands on a copy of Salt to the Sea if you haven’t read it yet. That would be the obvious next life choice.)

So long for now (until I’ve finished reading my *sigh*ence lesson…)

Emily

 

lists, Uncategorized

4 Books You Should Be Reading This Winter

4 Comments

Georgia just got its first snow of the season. I’m laying in bed, under three blankets and cozy socks on, tea with milk and honey on my nightstand, Spotify playing in the background, candle burning nearby… *contented sigh* Honestly, does life get any better? No. No it does not. Except maybe if I was finishing the novel I’m pulling my hair out over, which I’m NOT going to mention because it’s driving me crazy. Then life MIGHT be better.

That being said, if you’re curled up by the fire with tea or coffee or hot chocolate or whatever floats your boat, still lacking something in life this year (and you already have Jesus ’cause he makes everything better, even more than chocolate I must admit)… then allow me to make your life better. I don’t know what you’re doing with your life and it’s not my place to judge, but if you haven’t read any of these four books, I’m totally judging you.

#4: ABSOLUTELY TRULY BY HEATHER VOGEL FREDERICK

Absolutely Truly, in one word, it the “coziest” middle grade wintry book. Just look at that gorgeous cover. (Please take a moment to appreciate my mad iPhone photography skills. And the fact that, even having moved six months ago, wherever I live, my neighbors still probably know me as “that girl who takes pictures of books in her backyard.” That awkward moment when I made eye contact with a guy next door was WORTH IT. Now excuse my introverted self as she hurries back indoors.)

A tiny town named “Pumpkin Falls,” an endearing character named “Truly,” a rag-tag team of friends, a small bookstore with first edition books and a mystery surrounding it – what more could one contemporary middle grade need?! As an added bonus, anyone who knows me or has followed FTB for a while knows how much I adore Heather Vogel Frederick, and when the sequel to Absolutely comes out on January 30 (!!) I’ll be the first to snatch it up.

#3: ALWAYS EMILY BY MICHAELA MACCOLL

I read Always Emily last January. I’m always interested in the concept of writing fictional stories surrounding a main character who actually existed. It’s one thing to write about a fictional character who briefly runs into real people, but an entire book about Emily Bronte? Impressive! Michaela MacColl pulled off every detail beautifully. The mystery in the book kept me hooked – can you think of a better plot perfect for holding your breath, cozied up under blankets while it snows outside, than a murder mystery? There’s also something about nineteenth-century historical fiction that makes me think of winter. Besides, a main character with a name like “Emily” is bound to be phenomenal.

#2: BALLET SHOES BY NOEL STREATFIELD

Is it the tender classic children’s story voice, or the graceful ballerinas, or the way my copy of the book smells vaguely of peppermint that makes me correlate Ballet Shoes with winter? I sat here thinking and thinking about why this one needed a place on this specific list, but I still can’t place my finger on it! Ballet Shoes is the first in the Shoes books, and the rest of the books are on my TBR for 2017 – maybe even this winter, because I would love to revisit Pauline, Petrova, and Posy again. Whatever the exact reason Shoes makes me think of winter, its cover does pop in the snow.

#1: BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY BY RUTA SEPETYS 

(When it snows in Georgia, you take your slim opportunity to take pictures of books in the snow and run with it.) Here’s a heads-up: Between Shades of Gray is bound to rip your innocently beating heart out and proceed to stomp all over the poor pitiful bodily organ with its vicious boots. Meet Lina, a fifteen-year-old Jewish girl in 1941 shipped off to a frozen wasteland described as “the coldest reaches” of Siberia. Through her art and gift of storytelling, she sets out to make sure her family’s story is not forgotten. If the setting alone isn’t enough to give you goosebumps, Ruta Sepetys (whom I rave about all. the. time. on For the Bookish) is amazing with words. The book is, as my March 2016 review puts it, “raw, realistic, and memorable.” Also: perfect for the winter months.

What are your favorite books to read during winter? Are you a cold weather person? DO YOU GET SNOW WHERE YOU LIVE? (The real question is whether you’re so done with snow, or get giddy over the first sign of flurries. Then I could probably guess what region of the country you live in. 😀 )

Emily

P.S. So far in 2017, I’m doing good with my Wednesday/Saturday blogging schedule. I’ll be back Wednesday with another rant, and the winner of the Salt to the Sea giveaway! Don’t forget to enter. 😉

Uncategorized

2017 Bookshelf Tour

10 Comments

It’s crazy to me that For the Bookish has been around long enough for me to have a 2014, 2015, 2016, and now 2017 bookshelf tour! Feel free to visit my previous bookshelf tours I’ve linked, but do ignore the cringe-worthy photography and books aligned in uneven heights. (Whyyy, Emily. No. Match the height of those books, girl.) I would like to take this moment to point out that my bookshelf gets prettier and prettier every year. Much like its owner, right? (Plot twist: I’m actually my bookshelf. I’m snow white, am frequently holding books, half the time am a disaster, and always stay in my room… but we get prettier with age.)

Describe your shelf and where you got it from. I have a Billy bookcase from Ikea. I have just enough books (a little over 300) on the shelf for it to be tight to even fit one more book, but not enough to fill an entire second bookshelf. Maybe a second shorter bookshelf would do?

Voila! My bookshelf, in mint condition after I hauled out a duster and reorganized the shelves. (which takes waayyyy longer than you might think. honestly, where do bookworms find the time?)

How do your organize your books? By genre, and then height. The issue with this setup is that if I own two books by the same author, but one is taller than the other, I’m forced to seperate them. Separating an author’s books does bug me, but a too-tall book sticking out in the middle of a shelf is worse.

The top shelf: dystopian/high fantasy/fairy tale retellings.

What is the thickest/biggest book on your shelf? Jane Austen: Four Classic Novels. For obvious reasons, because it has four Jane Austen novels inside. The book that is in fact only one book and still the longest is Winter by Marissa Meyer, at a whopping 827 (Bible-thin) pages.

The classic shelf. That card stock leaning in front has an Abraham Lincoln quote on it: “My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read.”

What is the thinnest book on your shelf? Still probably Clifford’s Graduation Day, but if we’re going by novels/chapter books here, it would be Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.

Is there a book you have received as a birthday gift? Many! The most recent would be the BEE-YOU-TIFUL tenth anniversary edition of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, given to me by my grandma. The bonus content is amazing, and THAT COVER. Pinch me.

Is there a book from a friend on your shelf? Challenger Deep from Brooke and Izel, the dearest online friends one could have (this one was a Christmas gift, too.) A friend of mine in the fifth grade also gave me a signed copy of Pies & Prejudice by Heather Vogel Frederick, which (understandably) is my favorite in the Mother/Daughter Book Club series. Oh, and Fairest by Marissa Meyer was given to me by a friend.

Most expensive book? That’s hard to say. I rarely pay more than $20 for a book, and most of the hardbacks are close to that price. (Though I buy most of my books used or on Amazon, which is a goldmine for cheaper books.) I try not to complain about pricey books though, because I understand the blood, sweat, and tears that writers put into writing novels. Authors definitely aren’t paid enough, and it’s important to buy new to support the authors you love. Books are worth every penny.

The last book you read on the shelf? Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman. The tears! The horror! The joy! The PLOT TWISTS!

The historical fiction shelf, made up of 90% WWII books. How cute is that hand painted sign? I bought it in a little art shop in Puerto Rico.

Do you have more than one copy of a book? I’m a book hoarder, so that’s a definite yes. Hold onto your hats, folks. Ahem. I have two copies of Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys, Charlotte’s Web by EB White, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen, Emma by Jane Austen, Persuasion by Jane Austen, Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen, three copies of The Giver by Lois Lowry, and three copies of Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. I wish I had more duplicates, honestly, because different editions of books are so fun to compare.

Do you have a complete series? Of course! They are as follows: The Main Street series by Ann M. Martin, The Hagenheim series by Melanie Dickerson, The Selection series by Kiera Cass, The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry, The Family Tree series by Ann M. Martin, and The Ascendance Trilogy by Jennifer A. Nielsen. (The latter three  all in hardback, I might add.)

This is a miscellaneous shelf. I have some Christian fiction on the left, and the rest are middle grade books – The Babysitter’s Club, Wendy Mass books, The Mysterious Benedict Society, and a Series of Unfortunate Events book up top.

What is the newest edition to your shelf? Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin. That ending though. I’m dying for the next book. (Quite literally dying… if I lived in the middle ages. Colds are the worst, but at least they give a valid excuse for laying in bed all day.)

What is the most recently published book on your shelf? I don’t know these things. I haven’t bought a recently published book (as in, released within a week or month or purchase) in a while. Maybe Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard? It was published in February 2016.

The oldest book on your shelf? Publishing-wise, the Bible. Copy-wise, an ancient copy of Macbeth my great-grandmother owned, dated 1927 in the front. (Her parents probably owned it before her, because she was only a few years old in 1927. That’s several generations of owners, how neat!)

A book you won? An advanced reader’s copy of Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes. I won it back in the summer through an Epic Reads giveaway.

This is the bottom shelf and the messiest. I stick bibles, devotionals, guides, biographies, general nonfiction, and the occasional library book down here.

A book you’d never let out of your sight? My signed copy of Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. Or any signed book, really.

Most beat-up book? Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards. I’ve owned it for seven or eight years, and the entire book is falling apart. The spine has been taped and bandaged up multiple read-throughs.

Most pristine book? Certainly my new signed copy of Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys! It’s signed and my new shiny baby book. NO TOUCHING.

A book from your childhood? An abridged version of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. It was the first classic I ever read and got me hooked on them, so I owe a lot to the March girls!

A book that doesn’t belong to you? My friend’s copy of While You Were Gone by Amy K. Nichols. I used this same answer for last year’s bookshelf tour, but I promise I haven’t borrowed a book for a whole year. 😉 My friend re-lent it to me recently. As soon as I’ve finished with some school-required reading, I’m diving right in!

A book with a special/different cover? (ex. leather bound, soft, fuzzy, etc.) I’m in looooove with this copy of Pride & Prejudice. It’s not hardcover, but not quite paperback either. But it’s not leather! It’s bendy but tough and ahhhhh it’s just perfect. Why aren’t all book covers made like this?

A book that is your favorite color? Main Street #1: Welcome to Camden Falls by Ann M. Martin. Pink is everything.

A book that’s been on your shelf the longest and you still haven’t read it? The longest a book has been on my shelf without my reading it is four years… oops. That would (still) be Dancing Through The Snow by Jean Little.

Any signed books? The Selection and The Heir by Kiera Cass, The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson, Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, Pies & Prejudice by Heather Vogel Frederick, Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord, Cinder by Marissa Meyer, Dead Fred, Flying Lunchboxes & The Goodluck Circle by Frank McKinney, Countryside by J.T. Cope IV, Second Chance Summer, Since You’ve Been Gone, and The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson, Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys.

Those are all the questions for now! I’ll be back with them again in 2018. These questions are under the “bookshelf tag.” Since no one tagged me for them, I won’t be tagging any other bloggers, but feel free to use them on your blog.

Have you read any of the books you spotted on my shelf, or any mentioned in my answers? How many books do you own? And how do you organize your bookshelf? 

Emily