Tag: book blogger

Top Bookish Lists

Ain’t No HollerBACKLIST

by worldswithinpagesblog5 Comments on Ain’t No HollerBACKLIST
Ain’t No HollerBACKLIST

“Why should [new releases] get to stomp around like a giant, while the rest of us try not to get smushed under his big feet? What’s so great about [new releases]? Hm? [backlist books are] just as cute as [new releases]. [Backlist books are] just as smart as [new releases]. (starts talking quickly) People totally like [backlist] just as much as they like [new releases]. And when did it become okay for one person to be the boss of everybody, huh? Because that’s not what [bookstagram] is about. We should totally just STAB [new releases]!” – Gretchen Weiners, Mean Girls

Can you tell I am feeling goofy today?

Anyway… let’s talk about some of my favorite backlist titles, friends. 😉

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

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Love the idea of a cranky but lovable bookstore owner with a story that will warm your heart? This book is a sip of hot chocolate on a cold day.

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

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Fantasy at its finest and most unique, this book is the first in a beloved fantasy series that is a huge favorite among bookworms everywhere!

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

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The fact that Reese Witherspoon is starring in an upcoming adaptation of this book MAY have something to do with the fact that it is at the top of my mind for this list! Family drama that transcends the idea of the “perfect American family” and kicks your heartstrings is in store for you in this read, so buckle up!

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

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If you are a fan of historical fiction (or even if you aren’t), you NEED to read this book. As a lot of historical fiction novels do, this book takes place during WW2, but the characters (two sisters who are polar opposites) and their coming together and falling apart kept me hooked and wanting to keep exploring.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

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With so much constant hype surrounding the TV show, it’s hard to believe that the books the show is based on first hit shelves almost 30 years ago (the first book, Outlander, was published in 1991). Heed this warning, though: If you easily fall in love with hot Scottish gentleman, you WILL become obsessed with Jamie Fraser.

Whiskey & Ribbons by Leesa Cross-Smith

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This book is overlooked FAR too much despite is beautiful prose and heartwarming premise. I highly recommend this book to those who love books about love, but are also not afraid to cry a little (lot) while they read.

The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon

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If you’re looking for a story that will unsettle you and creep you the hell out, I highly recommend you give this book a try.

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

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The Bill Hodges trilogy’s gripping and stomach-hurt inducing genesis is one of my favorite books I have ever read. This book isn’t King’s typical “straight up scary horror” type of novel, but it will give you the creeps. Also, if you have been loving the new show The Outsider on HBO, this series is the “prequel” to the novel that The Outsider is based on! You’ll even recognize some familiar characters from the show in this series. If you like thrillers/mysteries/books that make you cringe, pick this book as your next read!

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

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Easily one of my favorite romance novels of all time, this book brings the best of the best when it comes to “teen love gone awry to second chance at love as adults.” I LOVE stories that have “second chance romance” vibes to them so much. Something about the idea of the power of love defying the odds is so cozy and inspiring to me. Love love love this book!

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

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If you ask me what my favorite book of all time is, I may just end up telling you it’s this one. I credit this book for helping me to fall deeply in love with high fantasy, and for that, I will be forever grateful. Yes, it is longggggg, but TRUST me when I tell you that the journey is so so so SO worth it.

 

As an avid backlist reader, I know there are other favorites I am missing, but I hope that these add just a few more titles to your TBR (which I am SO sure you needed lol…).

What are your favorite backlist titles? Do you try to prioritize reading backlist books or do you mostly stick to new releases?

Top Bookish Lists

My Favorite ASMR Rooms for Reading Time

by worldswithinpagesblog10 Comments on My Favorite ASMR Rooms for Reading Time
My Favorite ASMR Rooms for Reading Time

Hello, friends!

If you follow me on instagram (@worldswithinpages), you may have seen me raving endlessly over the last two weeks about ASMR rooms and the fact that they have GREATLY improved my reading life. I know so many people on Bookstagram love to have them on in the background while they read, but many people have been messaging me asking me what an ASMR room is, where they can find them, and if I have any favorites. Ask, and ye shall receive!

Let’s start with the basics:

What is an ASMR Room?

If you don’t know what ASMR is, you maybe haven’t spent your life on Youtube over the last couple of years like me. ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) is “a feeling of well-being combined with a tingling sensation in the scalp and down the back of the neck, as experienced by some people in response to a specific gentle stimulus, often a particular sound.” (dictionary.com) I normally don’t have a super crazy reaction to ASMR triggers, but I do find a lot of sounds MEANT to be ASMR triggers very soothing and satisfying (i.e a quill scratching on paper, rain, someone turning pages, etc.).

ASMR rooms capitalize on the “well-being” and cozy feelings associated with standard ASMR videos with the added bonus of having a visual aesthetic that makes you feel like you’re in the room with the sounds you’re hearing. For those who are unfamiliar with this concept, this will make more sense once you dive into the links below!

Where Can I Find ASMR Rooms?

YouTube is my main source for ASMR Rooms. I am sure that there are a few other places you can find them, but I find that YouTube has a great range of ASMR room videos across all sorts of genres and themes!

book open on a bed with a laptop open next to it.
Photo by Daria Shevtsova on Pexels.com

Why I Like ASMR Rooms

One of my favorite things about ASMR rooms is that they allow my brain the background noise it needs to be able to focus on reading versus allowing my brain to “make up noise,” think about other things, or just plain wander. As life keeps getting busier and busier, focusing on reading and my books has been more and more difficult. When I do have the energy to read, I want to make sure I am as focused as possible and really allowing myself and my mind to sink into the story.

My favorite way to enjoy ASMR rooms is in a big cozy chair with blankets, a hot cup of tea, a few lit candles, my book open on my lap, and my TV playing the ASMR room very softly in the background. The videos are also varying lengths of time, so if you wanted to make it a goal to read for 20, 30, 60 mins (etc.), you could use the video as a great “timer” to make sure you’re getting that reading time in!

My Favorite ASMR Rooms

Now for the good stuff! I wanted to compile a few different lists for people across different genres and levels of tolerance to background noise and movement while reading. There are some people (like me) who really don’t like to have a lot of movement happening on the screen or have music playing too loudly over ambient noise. I will note in the description next to the link a “warning” if there is a lot of that happening in the video so, if you think you won’t like that, you can avoid it. If there is no note next to the description, you can assume it doesn’t have those things.

 

Favorite Harry Potter ASMR Rooms:

Harry Potter inspired Ambience – Christmas at 12 Grimmauld PL – Holiday Instrumental Music 1 Hour (Unintelligible talking in the background, minor movement on screen, and soft music)

Waking up in Shell Cottage – Harry Potter Inspired Ambience – Bill & Fleur’s seaside home

Harry Potter Inspired ASMR – Hufflepuff Common Room – Hogwarts Ambience – 1 hour HD Cinemagraphs (very slight, but not distracting, movement on screen)

Beautiful day on Hogwarts Grounds – Great Lake Daytime Ambience – Harry Potter Inspired Soundscape (very slight, but not distracting, movement on screen, unintelligible talking in the background)

Harry Potter Inspired ASMR – Valentine’s at Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop – Hogsmeade Ambience (unintelligible talking in the background, slight movement on screen)

Harry Potter Inspired Ambience – Hut on the Rock – 2 Hours Ocean Thunder Storm and Fireplace sounds (movement on screen)

Harry Potter Inspired ASMR – Hogwarts Express train – Ambience and Animation HD 1 hour

Hagrid’s Hut REMAKE – Harry Potter Inspired ASMR – Cozy fireplace, Thunderstorm, Fang and Dragon! (movement on screen)

 

Favorite Lord of the Rings ASMR Rooms:

Gandalf’s Fireworks [ASMR] Lord of the Rings â‹„ Hobbit Ambience The Shire New Year’s Celebration (unintelligible talking in the background, slight movement on screen)

House in The Shire [ASMR] â—Ž Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit â—Ž Fantasy Ambience / Nature sounds (very slight movement on screen)

Rivendell ☽ Night [ASMR] Hobbit & LOTR Ambience â—Ž 2 Scenes Waterfalls Moonlight -Nature Sounds (slight movement on screen)

Fantasy Magical Forest House (ASMR) Nature sounds/Cozy Cabin • The Hobbit/LOTR Ambience (some light music and movement, but not distracting) 

Favorite Games of Thrones ASMR Rooms:

Game of Thrones Inspired ASMR – Cersei’s Chamber – King’s Landing Red Keep 1 hour Ambience (slight movement)

Game Of Thrones Inspired ASMR – Castle Black Ambient Sound White Noise and Animation – wind & fire (very loud wind)

Game of Thrones Music & Ambience | Godswood of Winterfell – Beautiful Relaxing Music and Snowfall (this one is 100% music-based, but only instrumental)

 

Favorite Disney ASMR Rooms:

ASMR – Rapunzel’s Tower (Tangled ambience/soundscape)

ASMR – The Little Mermaid’s Underwater Castle (Atlantica soundscape) – For sleep/meditation (music, but not distracting)

Disney’s Haunted Mansion Yule Log Christmas Fireplace 4K (very very faint background music)

ASMR – Elsa’s Ice Palace (“Frozen” by Disney ambience/soundscape)

 

Favorite Random ASMR Rooms:

Avatar Ambience – Pandora at Night (Bioluminescence, Forest Sounds and Occasional Rain) (movement on screen, but not distracting)

Sherlock Inspired Ambience – 221B Baker St. ASMR | Violin, Fire, London White Noise (some music, instrumental only)

Wood Cabin Ambience | Heavy Snowstorm and Crackling Fireplace Sounds

VAMPIRE’S READING ROOM AMBIENCE: Rain Sounds, Fireplace Sounds, Writing Sounds | ASMR (slight movement on screen)

Graveyard | Ambience | 2 hours (great for if you’re reading a spooky scary book!)

HD Christmas Tree Log Cabin Screensaver Scene – fire crackling sound – Cosy living room Snow falling

The Chronicles of Narnia [ASMR] The Wardrobe Magical Ambience â‹„ Snow and Howling Wind â‹„ Soft music (as it says, soft music)

Coffee Shop Ambience Cozy Rainy Day [ASMR Study & Relax] keyboard typing + Light Rain + people (some screen movement, but it’s not distracting)

 

 

I will plan on making this an ongoing list where I update it if I find something new, but I figure these should keep you busy for quite a bit lol!

I would really love to know if you end up liking and of these as well, so please comment or message me on instagram @worldswithinpages.

Until next time, happy reading! 🙂

Book Reviews

Review: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

by worldswithinpagesblog1 Comment on Review: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Review: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

After almost a decade after the release of The Night Circus, The Starless Sea, released in early November of this year, was an incredibly highly-anticipated new novel from Erin Morgenstern.

All over Instagram, Goodreads, and anywhere books are talked about, The Starless Sea has been getting rave reviews from people who have been relentless evangelicals for this novel. Because of this hype, I wanted to offer my thoughts in a more in-depth, but spoiler free, review from my perspective.

What I Liked About the Novel:

Overall, I enjoyed my time reading The Starless Sea. It’s incredibly reminiscent of the dreamlike atmosphere Morgenstern created in The Night Circus and kept me guessing, entertained, and captivated by its whimsy.

One thing that I kept comparing this story to, which is not a negative thing, is Alice and Wonderland. The idea that someone falls down a “rabbit hole” of sorts and experiences otherworldly things that they have to figure out along the way is not a “new idea,” but Morgenstern’s execution of this trope was unique. While the setup was familiar, nothing else about the story was. I really loved the setting of this novel which was so book-focused and centered on literature. Despite the high level of adventure, there was comfort and a sense of “home” that made you desperate to visit the underground library/world in which it takes place.

In addition to the overall richness of the story, I was constantly highlighting quotes throughout the entire novel. There were so many hard-hitting (in a good way) nuggets of beautiful prose that resonated with me so fully. Here are a few of my favorites:

“”You’re not wearing shoes.” “I hate shoes.” “Hate is a strong emotion for footwear,” Zachary observes. “Most of my emotions are strong,” Dorian responds.”

“We’re here to wander through other people’s stories, searching for our own. To seeking,” Dorian says, tilting the bottle toward Zachary.”

“No, each one’s different. They have similar elements, though. All stories do, no matter what form they take. Something was, and then something changed. Change is what a story is, after all.”

 

What Did Not Work for Me About the Novel:

The characters in this book are, in my opinion, definitely not the main focus of this story. You hear their stories, follow their perspectives, but the world building of the story and the “once upon a time” setup leaves little room for “who are these characters” and “what motivates them.” While this is something that a lot of readers don’t mind, I find that, especially with fantasy novels, I need to have more character development to be able to really connect with the fantastic themes. Even character physical descriptions would have been nice just to be able to picture them in your mind. Some authors leave out descriptions on purpose so the reader can form them in their minds, so maybe that was a purposeful omission, but I would have liked even small hints.

While I enjoyed the interwoven stories from the magical books featured within the worlds of this story, I felt distracted by the fact that I was required to remember themes, characters, and storylines I was told hundreds of pages ago to be able to connect them to things that were currently happening in the main plot. If you did not remember the importance or finer details of those side stories, you would miss them and quickly become lost. Because I read the book so slowly over a few weeks, I think I shot myself in the foot in this regard. I should have taken notes or added bookmarks with markers of those side stories so I could revisit them when the context popped up later on, but I didn’t and found myself having to flip back and forth for reminders. This hurt my understanding especially when characters in the “now plot” ended up being one or two different characters with one or two different connections in the “side story plots.”

The last thing I felt could have been better executed in this book were the romantic themes. Because this is intended to be a spoiler-free review, I won’t mention whose romance arc I wasn’t convinced of, but for those who have read it, as a hint, it is the romance of those who travel into a wardrobe together (amidst Narnia jokes) and attend a ball. I really wish there would have been a more natural progression of the romance between them so we could see it flower and feel more connected to their love as an observer.

 

Overall Thoughts:

As I mentioned, I did enjoy this story. I do think I could have been a better reader of this book and I feel my slow reading and lack of attentiveness may have contributed to my enjoying it maybe a bit less than others.

For those who like star ratings, I give this novel a  3.5/5 stars with a caveat that “it’s not you… it’s me, The Starless Sea.”

 

 

 

Top Bookish Lists

My Absolute Favorite Bookish Things

by worldswithinpagesblog3 Comments on My Absolute Favorite Bookish Things
My Absolute Favorite Bookish Things

The thing about being a hardcore bookworm is that, somewhere in the midst of constant Google searches and talking for hours to your bookish friends, you find a plethora of bookish resources and tools that help you be the #bookwormgoals of your dreams!

Thankfully, my 2+ years book blogging has meant that I have had ample time to discover the best of the best bookish resources. From apps, to podcasts, to email newsletters, I am constantly surrounded by bookish content, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I wanted to share with you some of my very favorite resources for finding new books, new recommendations, or just enjoying some bookish content. Once you take a look at my favorite picks, let me know if you have any recommendations I should add to my list!

The Best Book Podcasts You Should Listen To

All the Books by Book Riot
All The Books
LISTEN HERE>

If you are looking for a podcast to listen to that will keep you in the know of new book releases happening each week, All the Books should be your go to. Liberty Hardy (aka who I want to be when I grow up) is one of the hosts of this stellar podcast and I always trust her commentary and reviews on books of all genres. I also particularly love Liberty’s All the Backlist episodes where she talks about her favorite backlist titles, usually following a particular theme. It also helps that she opens each episode with “I’m little in the middle, but I’ve got much backlist.” I never fail to smile at that one.

He Read She Read Podcast
HRSR
LISTEN HERE>

I may be a liiiiittle biased here in listing the He Read She Read podcast, I will admit that upfront. This podcast is SOOO much fun and is hosted by a sweet friend of mine, Chelsey, and her husband Curtis. What I love about this podcast is that Chelsey and Curtis bring their relationship, and marriage as a whole, into the forefront of a lot of their discussions. As someone who is also married to a bookworm, I love listening to Chelsey and Curtis chat about books and using what they’re talking about as conversation starters for me and my husband. I also love that my reading tastes are a good blend of both Chelsey’s AND Curtis’ picks. Chelsey, if you’re reading this, I love your love for historical romance and fantasy, meaning you probably would accept my love of Outlander with open arms! Curtis, if you’re reading this, I see your love for Patrick Rothfuss and I would gladly buy you a drink at the Eolian if I could!

What Should I Read Next?

LISTEN HERE>

I think I would be messing up BIG time if I didn’t mention “What Should I Read Next?” in this list. Anne Bogel is a literary legend/superstar and many book bloggers look to her as the pioneer of bookish content online. What I like about Anne’s podcast is that she frequently introduces topics that are outside of the norm of what we tend to see on other podcasts. You can tell that Anne works really hard on creating content that will entice people to listen and think about their bookish lives in a whole new way. I also really enjoy that Anne features TONS of different special guests on her show. It’s always refreshing to hear so many different perspectives!

The Stacks Podcast

LISTEN HERE>

The Stacks Podcast’s “About” page on their website describes why I love this podcast better than I probably could on my own: “Listening to The Stacks is like a smart, bookish brunch with the literary pals you’ve been waiting for.” This podcast completely transports me into intelligent book chat that always leaves me feeling full of questions and self reflection. Traci, the podcast host, is, in my opinion, one of the most well-spoken, well read, and intentional podcasters in the game. What I appreciate about Traci, in addition to the aforementioned, is her fierce dedication to reading, promoting, and discussing diverse literature and having conversations that don’t shy away from addressing societal bullshit like racism, sexism, and homophobia. My favorite recent episode of Traci’s is her episode featuring another dear friend of mine, Allison from @allisonreadsdc. Make sure you check it out!

 

The Best Book Newsletters You Should Subscribe To

Book Riot

BOOK RIOT

Book Riot is the BOSS of the newsletter world. What I love about Book Riot newsletters is that, no matter what genre you are into or what kind of content you are looking for, Book Riot has a newsletter for you. I personally enjoy their Science Fiction and Fantasy newsletter!

Check out the newsletter picks here>

Girls Night In

Girls Night In

While this newsletter isn’t ONLY about books, it’s deeply centered on the idea that reading great books can be an integral part of your self care routine. If you are looking for a female-focused, empowering weekly newsletter that asks you to take a step back and take care of yourself, this newsletter might be a good fit for your inbox!

Check out the newsletter here>

Literary Hub

Literary Hub

The Literary Hub is one of THE most conclusive book blogs and newsletters I have ever seen. Truly. If you are looking for an article about books OR are not even really sure what you are looking for, Literary Hub has it. Reviews, comparison posts, author interviews, staff picks, listicles as far as the eye can see, and etc etc etc etc. Trust me. you will find what you never knew you needed!

Check out the newsletter here> 

 

The Best Bookish Merchandise Stores You Should Buy From

Melvis Makes

Melvis Makes

There are a LOT of book sleeve makers out there nowadays, but I stand by the fact that Melanie of Melvis Makes sews THE most high quality book sleeves (or, Book Buddy as she calls them) I have ever purchased in my life. I also love that she adds unique elements to her sleeves including front pockets, snaps, and, more recently, a strap so you can wear your book sleeve like a cute little purse! My most recent Book Buddy purchase from Melanie was this PHENOMENALLY cute Wizard of Oz booksleeve!

Check out the shop here>

Ink & Wonder Woodmarks

ink-and-wonder.jpg

There is something SO cool about the idea of a wooden bookmark (aka “woodmark”) to keep your spot in your current read. Ink & Wonder Designs has SUCH cool options to choose from including designs based on some bookstagram faves! I love their Game of Thrones woodmarks SO much. Crap… now I feel like I need to go look and see what’s new lol. They also sell a few different other types of products, so feel free to take a peek!

Check out the shop here>

Out of Print

Out of Print.JPG

I am sure that about 90% of you have already heard of Out of Print, but hey, I can’t not mention them here. I LOVE Out of Print and have quite a few different products from them. I am not really sure what they make their sweaters out of, but it’s the SOFTEST fuzziest coziest material EVER. Love. Big love.

Check out the shop here>

Frostbeard Studio

Frost Beard

Have you ever wanted to take a big freaking whiff of what your favorite book might smell like? Or even the very IDEA of a bookish concept such as “Sherlock’s Study” or “Beach & Books”? Then Frostbeard Studio may have what you are looking for! This is also a great idea for anyone who is looking for a holiday gift idea for their favorite bookworm.

Check out the shop here>
Well, those are a few of my favorite (bookish) things! I hope I listed something new to you that maybe you’ll get just as excited about as I have been. Like I said above, if you have any recommendations that I should add to my list, please let me know and I will check it out! 🙂

Happy reading, bookworms!!

 

*Note: All company logos are the property of the accompanied website/podcast/etc. owner which I found on their respective websites. Please do not distribute these images in any way without crediting the owner.*

Book Reviews

Review: Butterfly in Frost by Sylvia Day

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Review: Butterfly in Frost by Sylvia Day

*Thank you to Amazon Publishing for sponsoring this post and providing me with a free copy of Butterfly in Frost!*

It’s a cozy and dreary day here in Michigan which means you are not likely to find me leaving my bed anytime soon (and that’s just how I want it to be). Luckily, books are great company for days like this! 

I recently read Butterfly in Frost by Sylvia Day which was kindly provided to me by Amazon Publishing. Hardcore romance novel fans probably recognize the author’s name and know her from her Crossfire series. This book, while not a sequel to that series, does contain a few familiar characters you might recognize!

Butterfly in Frost follows a woman named Teagan Ransom who moves across the country as a result of her extreme distress following a very public divorce. When she moves home, she discovers that a very hunky neighbor named Garrett Frost has moved in, setting her soul on fire in a way she never thought she would feel again. They are immediately attracted to one another in a way that seems abnormal for them, but neither have any plans to fight their feelings.

There is one thing I don’t think anyone can deny: Slyvia Day writes EXTREMELY steamy and sexy scenes between characters. Sexual tension can be incredibly difficult to capture on paper, but Sylvia doesn’t shy away from creating scenes that make you blush. At just under 190 pages long, this novella was a quick read and at some points even FUNNY. Given that I read it in just a few hours,  this book could easily be one you could bring with you for a day at the beach or on a short flight.

What I liked about this book the most was the twist ending. I don’t think I have ever read a book that had a similar ending to it, especially in a romance novel, so I think the creativity behind the twist was something that was well thought out. I MAY have yelled “WAIT?? WHAT?” when I discovered what had happened. I don’t want to give too much away, but all I will say is, if you are looking for a book that will throw you through a loop at the end, you have found what you’re looking for in this book. I also enjoyed the friendship Teagan shared with her friend Roxy. Roxy is extremely supportive of Teagan and her happiness and frequently pushes her to do what’s best for her to be happy (in this case, meaning moving on from her troubles of the past and being with Garrett). I think a lot of times, female friendships are extremely overlooked and underrated because everything in the book is normally about the female romance, but I love to see ladies supporting ladies when they’re going through a rough time… or just there to have fun! 🙂

If you love books that contain:

  • Insta-lust and fast feelings
  • Quickly-paced plots
  • Light and fluffy fun
  • Alpha-male love interests
  • Women who are “starting over” after a rough time
  • Sexual tension
  • Hot and steamy scenes
  • Twist endings
  • Female friendships
  • Wealthy “rich and famous” lifestyles

… then this book may grab your interest!

 

Thank you again to Amazon Publishing for sending Butterfly in Frost my way and for sponsoring this post! I really appreciate the opportunity to read it!

If you guys want to check this book out, you can purchase it via my link at: www.amazon.com/ButterflyInFrost-3

 

 

 

 

Top Bookish Lists, What Should You Read Next?

Exciting Reading for October!

by worldswithinpagesblog6 Comments on Exciting Reading for October!
Exciting Reading for October!

Hey friends!

This may be a bit premature, but I’m getting extremely excited for October. Despite the fact that it’s only August, I’m already incredibly excited to pick out spooky horror reads and deeply sink into the excitement of Halloween and crispy leaves.

If you follow me on Instagram (@worldswithinpages), you’ll maybe know that I’ve decided to use October as an excuse to host a month-long readalong of various horror novels. I always keep readalongs super laid back, so I’m really excited to introduce this new format! I’ll be using the hashtag #WorldsWithinSpooktober to track both my and posts and the posts of those who would like yo join in with me.

I’m going to choose 4 books and everyone will be welcome to pick however many they’d like to read along with me. I’m still deciding on how to set up discussion posts, but I’m hoping that by hosting this readalong, people will be more open to experiencing the horror genre. It’s so underrated, in my opinion, and I hope more people can fall in love with it.

Curious which books I might pick? Like I said, I am going to choose four, but here are a few on my list at the moment which I will narrow down in September:

  1. Dracula by Bram Stoker
  2. Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
  3. Macbeth by Jo Nesbø
  4. Ghost Story by Peter Straub
  5. The Good House by Tananarive Due
  6. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
  7. The Passage by Justin Cronin
  8. Fledgling by Octavia Butler
  9. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
  10. Bag of Bones by Stephen King

See any you’ve read and loved? Any you’re dying for me to include? Let me know, and let’s get SPOOKY! 👻

Top Bookish Lists

5 Horror Recommendations for “Wimps”

by worldswithinpagesblog2 Comments on 5 Horror Recommendations for “Wimps”
5 Horror Recommendations for “Wimps”

*Sits down to type this post in my Haunted Mansion shirt from Disney World*

Hello, foolish mortals, and welcome to one of the THE most requested post/list I get from people on the reg over on Bookstagram (shameless plug, go follow me on insta @worldswithinpages).

 

Over the last few months on bookstagram, it seems like I have developed a bit of a reputation. That reputation has been based on my newly found love of Stephen King as well as the endless number of books I have picked up in the last few months that fall under a genre that is often avoided at all costs: horror.

Let me put this out there, I used to think I would hate horror novels! I thought I would get way too scared and would have nightmares and spend hours at night peering around at the shadows in my room, just waiting for a murdery ghost to try and kill me. BUT… I have since learned that, not only can I handle horror novels way better than I thought I would (better than scary movies, for sure), but I LOVE them and I can’t seem to get enough!!

So, the question you all came here to have answered, if you are a wimp and normally hate scary things, where should you start if you’re feeling just a little brave and want to dip your toe into the “horror” genre? I have five suggestions for you, but first, a big fat disclaimer:

*Horror novels, including the ones I am about to mention, often have very graphic scenes varying from general blood and gore to psychologically disturbing content. I will tag TW’s down below along with the titles, but please be warned that I do not recommend the horror genre for those who are unable to process disturbing themes safely.*

Here we go…

Bird Box by Josh Malerman

Image result for bird box by josh malerman

Bird Box was actually the very first horror book I read that made me realize “hey, I actually like this stuff!” If you’re into atmospheric stories that contain an air of supernatural mystery, this book is for you!Bird Box follows a woman named Malorie and her two children (called Boy and Girl) as they struggle to navigate life in a post-apocalyptic world where ~something~ is lurking. Seeing this ~something~ causes extremely gruesome acts of violence against others, and/or against yourself, which means closed eyes and blindfolds are mandatory at all times. This is the life that Malorie has been forced to raise her children in since the moment they were born, and one that she has suffered to survive while everyone else around her is dead. If there is ANY good news in this situation, or even a glimmer of hope, Malorie has become aware of a location where she and her children can maybe find safety and protection from the “monster.” The only problem? She isn’t positive where it’s located and, obviously, she will have to be blindfolded the entire way.Side note: The book is 400x better than the movie, so if you have seen the movie and were “meh” on it, don’t hesitate to give this one a go!

 

*TW for gore, suicide, and intense descriptions of disturbing things*

 

The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon

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The Winter People would be a PERFECT introductory read to the horror newbie. While there are *~spooky~* things that are happening, it is the atmosphere of the setting that McMahon builds that really gives you the creeps. If you’re into books that suspend your satisfaction until the very end, this is a GREAT choice for you.

Description via Amazon (because it’s hard to describe on my own lols):

“West Hall, Vermont, has always been a town of strange disappearances and old legends. The most mysterious is that of Sara Harrison Shea, who, in 1908, was found dead in the field behind her house just months after the tragic death of her daughter.

Now, in present day, nineteen-year-old Ruthie lives in Sara’s farmhouse with her mother, Alice, and her younger sister. Alice has always insisted that they live off the grid, a decision that has weighty consequences when Ruthie wakes up one morning to find that Alice has vanished. In her search for clues, she is startled to find a copy of Sara Harrison Shea’s diary hidden beneath the floorboards of her mother’s bedroom. As Ruthie gets sucked into the historical mystery, she discovers that she’s not the only person looking for someone that they’ve lost. But she may be the only one who can stop history from repeating itself.”

*TW for very mild gore and violence*

 

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

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It’s fairly likely that you have heard of this book, or the show that was inspired by it that had everyone sleeping with the light on during the winter months after it aired on Netflix. The funny thing is, this book is NOWHERE near as scary as the show. Not even close. Does it give you all the ghosty goodness that a haunted house story should? Of course! But don’t use the show as a barometer of how badly this book will scare you because the book and the movie are like your eyebrows should be: Sisters, but not twins.

In case you’re not up to speed on what this book is about, it’s basically your formulaic haunted house story. A group of people are invited to stay at a mansion with a mysterious past and haunting ensues. What makes this book slightly more disturbing than most is that it combines external ghosty hauntings with internal mental hauntings (I don’t know what else to call it, okay? You’ll see…). This book would also be a good choice if you are trying to read more classics this year, but you don’t want to get bogged down by “ye olden tyme” syntax.

Carrie by Stephen King
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Despite the fact that Stephen King is known for his unstoppable and uniquely disturbing prowess in horror, a few of his books sit very comfortably on the “mild side” when it comes to really getting under your skin. Carrie is one of those books. As King’s first novel, Carrie serves as a pinky toe dip into the cold pool of horror novels for his readers AND his own artistry.

This book, in true King fashion, reveals creepy themes in multiple layers. It’s like an onion of fear (or an ogre). You’ll get unsettling flashbacks of teenage high school bullying, telekinetic violence, extreme religion-based manipulation and abuse, and disturbing scenes that bring you into the moment and inside the mind of Carrie as she deals with some pretty rough things.

  *TW for very mild gore and violence*

 

The Grip of It by Jac Jemc

If you want to dive into more of a spooky haunted house setting that’s just slightly more brave than The Haunting of Hill House, The Grip of It by Jac Jemc will deliver. The cover art alone is a bit unsettling, and sets the tone for the entire novel.

A young married couple, Julie and James, decide to leave the “big city” behind and settle into a house in a secluded wood that will allow them to focus on mending their tumultuous relationship and have a fresh start toward a new life. Little do they know, the house they move into has other plans, which makes sense, as it becomes very clear that it has a true mind of its own. Rooms disappear, disturbing smells and stains drift in and out of focus, bruises appear overnight on Julie’s body, and their off putting next door neighbor is just the icing on the creepy cake. When the pieces of the puzzle start to come together for what happened in the house that caused such unrest within, Julie and James, and their sanity, begin to unravel. What really happened in this house? Are the random labyrinth of rooms that appear and then decay really there or just a hallucination? Who is the next door neighbor and why does he keep watching their every move?

 

 

Hopefully this list gives you a good place to start on your spooky horror journey! As someone who has been getting deeper and deeper into the horror genre, I will definitely be offering up more recommendations and reviews in the future, so be sure to keep an eye out for that post if you’re interested!

In the meantime, be sure to follow me on instagram at @worldswithinpages to keep up with what I am reading and all my random adventures! 🙂

Ta ta for now!

 

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Why I Am Ditching the TBR Pile Concept This Month

by worldswithinpagesblog5 Comments on Why I Am Ditching the TBR Pile Concept This Month
Why I Am Ditching the TBR Pile Concept This Month

Hello fellow readers and friends, how are you?! I wanted to do a quick chatty post since it has been a little bit since I last talked to you guys about what I am reading and what I am up to.

You may have noticed that I didn’t post a TBR pile this month on my bookstagram (@worldswithinpages) or here on my blog and there’s a reason for that. These past few weeks have been super weird for me when it comes to reading. I am not in a reading SLUMP per se, but I am definitely going through a weird spot in my reading habits. Let me explain…

Before April, if you would have asked me to read a thriller novel, I would have told you I was not interested. Thriller/mystery used to be my LEAST favorite genre for various reasons and I would avoid them at all costs. However, during April, I completely abandoned that notion and I read almost nothing BUT thrillers back-to-back. I have NO idea what happened, it just did.

It all started when I read The Girls in the Garden by Lisa Jewell. I picked it up randomly and after realizing that it had been on my shelf for quite some time and had not yet been read. I figured, after hearing some amazing reviews for it, that it would be a good bet. It was! I really enjoyed it and I am glad that my whims lead me to want to read it. However, it started a snowball effect of ONLY wanting to read thrillers. I didn’t want to read regular fiction, I didn’t want to read anything YA, and I didn’t want to read fantasy (my long-standing favorite genre). For some reason, all my brain wants right now is thrillers, thrillers, thrillers. Since then, I have read a total of 4 thriller/mystery/horror-type books… and I don’t see myself slowing down or changing course.

I started to fight this feeling for a little while when it first started creeping in, but I realized a few things. The first and most important thing I realized was that I read for fun! I don’t get paid to read and I don’t read for anyone else’s benefit but my own. Why pressure myself to read anything other than EXACTLY what I want to read, when I want to read it? The second thing I realized was that I have been blocked out SO many books by being exclusionary to the thriller genre. I am YEARS behind on reading what thriller fans have been loving and I have so much to catch up on! I will never run out of books to read now haha!

Another reason why I am not setting up a TBR pile this month is because I ALWAYS deviate from it. Every single time I set up a stack of 10+ books, I read maybe 3 from that pile. That’s always okay by me, but then I feel like there’s a feeling of guilt that I put on myself for not acheiving some sort of goal. I also have this weird thing that happens where, as soon as I say I am going to read a book by x date, I don’t want to read it anymore because it feels like a homework assignment (gross). Sitting and thinking about this more makes me wonder if I should never go back to a TBR pile again… time will tell!

Because of my weird reading mood I am currently in, I will not be setting up a TBR pile this month. I am going to read exactly what I want to read, when I want to read it. If that means that I divert away from thrillers to read something else, that’s fine by me! I think my brain is trying to teach me that I need to get back to reading what I love and not what I feel obligated to read and I am going to ride that wave as long as I can! Like I said, I read because I love books and I can’t wait to read more of the books that remind me of that!

I will say that I do have two hopefuls for this month that I would like to read: The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood and Final Girls by Riley Sagar. I have heard INCREDIBLE things about both books and I am excited to dive into both of them!

I know this was a bit of a rambly post, but I am still trying to figure out what the heck is happening to my reading mood and feelings lately. I have no explanation for it, so I am just taking it book by book haha!

How do you feel about TBRs? Are you good at adhering to them or do you always deviate like I do?

 

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Fantasy in February

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Fantasy in February

Hellooo and happy February, my loves! January was a doozy for a lot of us, so I am sure that many of you are breathing sighs of relief that it is FINALLY February.

If you follow me on Instagram (@worldswithinpages), you may already know that I am doing something pretty fun in the month of February. After looking at my bookshelves full of the books that I can’t WAIT to get to, I realized that many of the books I had been excited to read but hadn’t made time for yet were in the fantasy genre. That is why I made the exciting decision to ONLY read fantasy/sci-fi books during the month of February. Because it is my favorite genre to read, I have a feeling this may become my best reading month of the year!

When picking out which books I wanted to read, I took into account the ones that had been sitting on my shelves the longest and the new releases that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on. What I came up with was a list of hopefuls as long as my arm and an excitement to read that I hadn’t felt in such a long time. Wanna know which books I chose? Keep reading!

  1. The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
    This book was released on Tuesday, January 30th and you bet your bottom dollar I went out to buy it that same weekend. I ended up finishing it already because I just couldn’t wait any longer to dive in (review to come).The book follows the story of a girl named Alice whose grandmother is a famous fairytale author who lives in a secluded mansion named “The Hazel Wood.” The problem is that Alice has never read any of her grandmother’s stories and getting her hands on a copy of the novel is impossible (literally). However, strange things start to happen and her Mom disappears mysteriously, leaving her behind with only one message: “Stay away from The Hazel Wood.” Alice begins to suspect that her grandmother’s fairy tale stories may be MORE than just stories after all. With the help of her classmate Ellery Finch (who has read her grandmother’s book but had it stolen from him years ago), Alice must find a place she has never been to rescue her mother from danger. But all is not what it seems…
  2. Scythe by Neal Schusterman
    Scythe by Neal Schusterman is one of the novels that has been waiting patiently on my shelves the longest. I actually bought it last year out of excitement that the author of Challenger Deep (one of my favorite reads centered on mental illness) had released a new novel. But now, with the release of the second book in the series (Thunderhead), it is finally time for me to pick up the book and give it a go! I am also doing a buddy read for this novel, so being able to experience it with a friend will be very exciting!Scythe centers on two teenagers, Citra and Rowan, who are chosen to act as apprentices under a scythe. During their apprenticeship, the teens will be instructed on how to take people’s lives without endangering their own. Scythes are necessary for the world they live in, as humanity has learned to conquer disease, hunger, and war meaning that they have also conquered death. But Citra and Rowan do not want to fit into this role that society has set aside for them (can’t really say I blame them…). What will be the cost of a perfect world? Is it so perfect after all?
  3. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
    So, the sad thing about this book is that I was really looking forward to it. It had been calling my name since March of 2017 and I was finally ready to take the plunge and see what the fuss was about. Truthfully? I didn’t like it. I read about 50 pages in earlier this week and realized that Laini Taylor’s writing style may just not be for me. It’s very lyrical and poetic and was definitely not the feeling that I expect to get from YA fantasy. I am really sad that this didn’t turn out better for me this month, but I am hoping to maybe revisit it sometime in the future when I have more patience for it.Strange the Dreamer is about a young boy named Lazlo Strange who is an orphan and junior librarian with big dreams of discovering the secrets buried within the mystical lost city of Weep. He longs to discover why it was cut off from the rest of the world long ago, but knows that he can’t do it alone. When a band of legendary warriors lead by a hero called the “Godslayer” crosses paths with Lazlo, he seizes the opportunity to travel with them to find the answers he’s been looking for.
  4. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
    The Grishaverse world is one that I have been waiting to dive into for so long! I purchased the box set last summer and even though I have read most of the first book, I am ready to pick it up again and finish strong with the entire trilogy.Shadow and Bone is the first book in the Shadow and Bone trilogy and centers on a young girl named Alina Starkov. Alina is a soldier in an army that travels across a section of her country called The Shadow Fold. The Shadow Fold is full of monsters and dark magic and threatens the lives of the soldiers with every step. One day, when her regiment is attacked, Alina unleashes magic within herself that she never knew she had. This discovery leads to her life changing drastically, as she is sent to train with the Grisha, a group of military elite who have magical abilities like hers. But do Alina’s powers hold more than just simple abilities?
  5. The Diviners by Libba Bray
    The Diviners is an older release, but one of my newer discoveries for books I want to read. I originally started listening to this book on audiobook and didn’t enjoy the narrator’s portrayal of the characters and really didn’t want to finish the book because of that. However, after seeing one of my favorite Booktubers rave about the book and how much she liked it, I decided to give it another chance and read it in my own voice in hopes that I will like it a bit better that way.The Diviners takes place in 1926 and follows the journey of Evangeline (Evie) O’Neill from her boring hometown to the thriving streets of New York City. While there, Evangeline is forced to live with her uncle Will who is a little bit eccentric, specifically, he has an obsession with the occult and knows how to spot sneaky paranormal activity and objects. The catch? Evie has a secret ability that she is desperate to keep from him, powers that she would rather he not know about. But when a local citizen winds up dead with a suspicious symbol branded into her skin, Evie knows that her secret abilities may be the only chance the city has at catching the killer.
  6. Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones
    To be honest, this is the book on my TBR that I know the least about. I am just going to put it out there that I was attracted to the cover last year and that’s why I got it and DO NOT JUDGE ME OKAY? But I do know that the sequel was just released on the day that I am writing this post, so that’s as good a reason as any to try out the first book this month, right?!Wintersong originally snagged my attention with the Amazon description that claims that it is “an enchanting coming-of-age story for fans of Labyrinth and Beauty and the Beast.” As a lover of both of those, I am HERE for this. Here is the rest of the description from Amazon:

    “The last night of the year. Now the days of winter begin and the Goblin King rides abroad, searching for his bride…All her life, Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, dangerous Goblin King. They’ve enraptured her mind, her spirit, and inspired her musical compositions. Now eighteen and helping to run her family’s inn, Liesl can’t help but feel that her musical dreams and childhood fantasies are slipping away.
    But when her own sister is taken by the Goblin King, Liesl has no choice but to journey to the Underground to save her. Drawn to the strange, captivating world she finds―and the mysterious man who rules it―she soon faces an impossible decision. And with time and the old laws working against her, Liesl must discover who she truly is before her fate is sealed.”

  7. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
    As one of the BIGGEST Disney fans on the planet, I am hoping to read more of the books behind the movies this year. First stop? Peter Pan! While Peter Pan isn’t my favorite Disney story (and, let’s be honest, it’s PRETTY problematic), I do enjoy the ideals it embodies of adventure and childhood being a state of mind. I can’t wait to read it!
  8. Cinder by Marissa Meyer 
    Another series that has been patiently waiting for me to read it is the Lunar Chronicles series! Cinder is the first book in this series that seems to have the hearts of so many YA fantasy readers and I can’t wait to see if this modern spin on some of my favorite Disney stories warms my heart as much as they seem to warm others’.Here is the Amazon description for Cinder:
    “Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.”

In addition to the incredible fantasy reads I have lined up, I also have a handful of non-fantasy books I will be reading for pre-planned buddy reads and review request for publishers. I will also be reading:

I am also currently rereading A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab because what is a month of fantasy without a reread of one of my favorite fantasy series of all time?! I will carry on with the reread of the rest of the series in March as a fun way to celebrate my birthday!

I am so excited about the number of friends I have on instagram who are participating in #FantasyinFebruary! I am looking forward to seeing the incredible recommendations that everyone has to offer and I can’t wait to dive into the books on my list.

Thank you so much for reading and if you have an instagram account, feel free to follow along with me this month!

Lots of hugs,

-Alisa

Book Reviews

Braving the Wilderness: The Book That Healed Me

by worldswithinpagesblog2 Comments on Braving the Wilderness: The Book That Healed Me
Braving the Wilderness: The Book That Healed Me

In September of 2016, I had the absolute honor of seeing Brené Brown speak at a conference. While I had heard of Brené before and had many bookworms telling me how much her books meant to them, it never really stuck to me that she was someone who was on a “need-to-read-basis.”

When I saw Brené speak that day in September, my mind drastically changed. Not just my mind, but something deeper within me. Something that clicked itself into place in the fiber of my being and changed the way I viewed people I interacted with forever. Because of this drastic change, I made the not-so-difficult decision to research and find every single book Brené has written and acquire the ones that spoke to me.

Braving the Wilderness, Brené’s newest novel, was one she made references to throughout multiple points in her presentation. When I heard the basic message behind the novel, I knew I had to buy it. This month, I finally sat down and read it, deciding that I was READY for it. You can’t just pick up life-changing novels on a whim, your heart and soul must decide the timeline for you. Ironically, this was the pick for Reese Witherspoon’s book club this month, so really, how could I have timed that any better?

While many of the points Brené makes in the book hit me to my core, forcing literal tears from my eyes and drowning me in “aha!” moments, there was one theme in Braving the Wilderness that stood out among the rest: Compassion for our fellow human beings.

At a time where political polarization is running rampant in our country, spreading us further apart morally and in some cases physically, this book challenged me to think of why. Why is this phenomenon happening? It’s not hard to conclude that it’s happening because differences in opinion leading to a “them versus us” mentality are sown into the fabric of our nation. But what is the cost of all of this discourse? What is the end result? At the end of the day, the end result is a lack of compassion and complete dehumanization.

I will be the first to admit that I am someone who will stand by their beliefs and cast stones at individuals who disagree with me. Under the guise of social justice, I have dehumanized people in my mind. I have funneled an enormous amount of hatred toward Trump supporters. I have belittled people online for their opposing beliefs. I have sought opportunities to argue with people when I know it will just anger them. I have called people names. I have accused them of things they “must be” without truly knowing who they are and what lies at the center of their reasons for acting and saying the things they do. I have done that. And I am tired of carrying around hate if it costs me my compassion and kindness.

I want to make something clear: I am not sorry for fighting against injustices and I do not regret standing up for my beliefs and speaking out against hatred. I believe in myself and my stance on the topics I’m passionate about and I will never falter on them. However, most of my outward actions which put my morals into practice went against my own code of ethics. I need to be better at staying true to who I am regardless of how I feel at the “heat of the moment.” I need to be better so that I can be more effective with my message and so that others can hear what I have to say.

My most important trait I possess is my ability to put kindness into action. That doesn’t mean that I will let people walk all over me. If I feel disrespected, I’ll bite back. BUT… above all, what’s most important to me is that I maintain a level of compassion that speaks volumes to what I stand for regardless of how others treat me.

In the past few months, life circumstances have forced me to take a look at myself and evaluate WHO I want to be and WHAT I want to do about it. Reading Braving the Wilderness was a breath of much needed fresh air, pointing me toward my True North. I was feeling so lost in the “Wilderness”, wondering what my next step would be. But as long as I keep stepping toward kindness and compassion, I know that I will always be on the path I’m meant to travel. Whatever is on that path will challenge me every single day, but the reward will be great.

Thank you, Brené, for getting me through an incredibly hard time in my life. Your voice while I was listening to you narrate your audiobook healed my soul. I felt like you were listening to ME rather than vice versa and I can’t tell you how much that means to me to be heard. Standing in the wilderness won’t be fun and I am standing here alone. But I’m here, I’m present, I showed up, and I’m ready for the adventure.

5/5 stars for this book.