Today, I thought it'd be fun to make a short list of some of my more recent reads. I'm a consistent reader, so every now and again I like to round up the standouts. Surprisingly, I've gotten really into young adult (and sometimes adult) fantasy. Taking a break from reality and being able to suspend my disbelief is something I thoroughly enjoy, and I feel silly ever having doubted the genre. Be warned: there won't be as much contemporary or literary fiction on this list like there have been in the past. That being said, let's jump in!

Currently Reading:

Ariadne by Jennifer Saint

I’m only halfway through this book and I’m absolutely loving it. I love Greek Mythology and this book is really doing it for me. It's telling the story of Theseus and the Minotaur but from the perspective of Ariadne, who assisted in the Minotaur's defeat. Ariadne is the daughter of Minos and half-sister of Asterion (later deemed as the Minotaur). The storytelling is beautiful, and I'm taking my time reading this because I don't want it to be over. I'm letting myself be absolutely consumed in ancient Greece. When adding this book to my currently reading list over on Goodreads I noticed that the author has another book, Elektra, set to release next year, and I cannot wait! You can add me as a friend on Goodreads here!

I'd been waiting on this book to cycle through on the "Member Faves" section on Book of the Month Club and I'm so happy that I was finally able to pick it up. I bundled it with Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (pictured below) which I also can't wait to get to. You can try out BOTM with my link here. I'm not sponsored in any way by BOTM, but I do enjoy checking out their monthly picks and choosing one for myself if it piques my interest. Plus, their membership saves you money on brand new hardcovers, with the option to skip a month and not be billed! I've been using BOTM for over a year now and I'm still enjoying it.

Current Library Loans & TBR:

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

This is by far my favorite book I've read lately, I'd even go as far as saying it's one of my favorite books I've read, full stop. I wasn't sure what to expect other than a 12 Dancing Princesses retelling. I don't like to read descriptions if I can avoid it. I stick to sources whose recommendations I trust and let the book surprise me. And this one did just that. The horror elements added to the suspense, and have turned me to looking for more horror reads. If you have any, drop them below!

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Read this book, just do it. It's short and sweet, but the story it tells was great. The novel follows Korede as she's forced to deal again, and again with her sister Ayoola's habit of, well, killing. The story sucked me in and was both succinct and thought-provoking. How much would you sacrifice for somebody you love?

The Caraval Trilogy by Stephanie Garber

Caraval and Legendary have taken me on such a great ride, and I cannot wait for the trilogy's conclusion in Finale (also pictured in the stack above). I picked these up the moment I finished the summer term for school and devoured both of them prior to the start of the fall term. It's stories like this that have turned me onto YA fantasy. The excitement, the twists, the story-building, and magic system are *chef's kiss.* I plan on picking up Finale as soon as I finish with Ariadne.

All the Stars and Teeth by Stephanie Garber

This book is part of a duology that follows Amora Montara, the next in line to rule the Kingdom of Visidia. Things go awry, as they must, and the what ensues was a story that was again filled with great worldbuilding and magic systems. Similar to House of Salt and Sorrows, the atmosphere is as gritty and as briny as the sea. Like Legendary, I plan on finishing off this duology soon with All the Tides of Fate.

* I am not sponsored by Book of the Month Club. I earn one book credit for every person who joins using my link but otherwise receive no compensation.

What are some of your favorite reads this year? Let me know!

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We've recently completed our relocation to the northeast, and I've been more than ready to dive into some new thrift stores. Most of my current wardrobe is really only appropriate for warmer climates and indoor working spaces, with a few sweaters and cardigans that haven't gotten me much further than early autumn. I'll soon be needing attire that is better suited for our new climate. And, as we now live somewhere that experiences all four seasons(!!!) I'll be starting from scratch when it comes to my winter wardrobe. Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck finding some actual winter clothes, but I'm really happy with what I have found so far.

Here are a few things that have been on my autumn thrift list:

• flannel: Hot take, right? But, I actually don't own any flannel at all! Nighttime and early mornings have been chilly, so these are definitely going to be thrown on as I head out the door to take Pugsley & Wednesday on their daily walks, or simply running errands.
• sweaters & cardigans: Specifically, heavyweight pieces made from natural fabrics.
• raincoats & anoraks: Pennsylvania, in general, sees a good amount of annual rainfall, and I've already witnessed plenty of it in the time that we've lived here. Our grass is almost always covered in dew and mushrooms grow rampant.
• hiking & winter boots: these are the only items on this list that I may have to purchase new, but I'm always checking out the shoe section at thrift stores! I don't find thrifted shoes that fit me too often, but those that I have found, I still own.
• winter coat: I've been spending a lot of time at the outerwear section of our Goodwill, but no luck yet.
• dinner plates: I gave most of our dishware to family before we left to mitigate the risk of breaking anything in transit, so we've been using those plastic plates from the college/dorm section of Target in the meantime. Like a winter coat, no luck yet.
• lamps: Our new apartment doesn't have any overhead lighting in the living room or bedroom, so I've been on the lookout for a nice floor lamp and some table lamps.

I love learning about the pieces I come across and will have my phone handy to google things as I find them.

I'm now the proud owner of this gorgeous enamel bookmark.

I think it's about time I update you guys on the goings-on in my life as of late. Soon after my last post, 124 2A (which I received the loveliest feedback on), my life was turned upside down. In a year like 2020, the discomfort and stress that plagued my life were fitting- pandemic aside. 

Last June, I returned to my home in Texas. Andrew finished his summer session and joined me two months later. The entire move was stressful and the uncertainty that followed would prove to be worse. I began a full-time curriculum at my university in the Fall as well as a new job. I was essentially supporting us both, and our two dogs. Oh, so much to catch up on, so let's take a dive into what I've been up to in the last year.

Texas

For someone who was dying to leave their hometown five years ago, I started missing my home state almost immediately. Everything from the big skies to the grocery stores (HEB for life) was dearly missed, and to be completely honest, I never felt quite at home in the southeast. It was beautiful, and we did some pretty fun stuff. But looking back-- even at my own blog posts-- I was falling in love with every city that we visited because, well, they weren't where we lived. When we traveled out of the region I felt as though I could finally breathe. I missed my family, and I missed breathing. 

It wasn't until I moved away that I understood what they meant by "big Texas skies."

Enter: Pugsley & Wednesday

My mom had been telling me about two puppies that she found and was getting ready to take to the animal shelter. I know myself and I know that when I see an animal, I become instantly attached. I put off meeting those nameless puppies, making up excuses about being busy or having too much schoolwork to go and see them.  All I knew about them was that my mom heard shrieks one rainy night and found them in a puddle under a pile of old wooden planks. They were just a few days old. They were a litter of three, but their brother hadn't made it through the thunderstorm. I also knew I'd fall in love and be absolutely torn to shreds when it came time to take them to a shelter. And that's exactly what happened.

Spur of the moment Halloween shoot with my children ♡

University

I can't tell you how long I'd dreamed of the day when I'd be able to complete my degree and start planning the rest of my life. I took a summer course last year, and have been a full-time student ever since. As nerve-wracking as it was, the academics weren't what challenged me the most, it was my job. Although I've had jobs concurrently with my studies, I've never worked 35+ hours per week in addition to a full-time curriculum. There was no shortage of stress and tears at first. I eventually got the hang of it and accepted it as my new normal. I love knowing that when push comes to shove, I can get shit done and then some. I've finished off every semester since with straight As. 

Andrew's New Job

Remember how we'd moved twice in 2020 and how exhausted and emotional and stressful it was? Well, there's a good chance that 2021 has yet another move in store for us yet. Andrew recently landed a job in the Northeast and while we aren't totally sure about where we're going to end up, both of us are expecting to have to relocate in the coming months. I'm still coming to terms with this, but that's a post for another time.

& Everything in Between

As much as the pandemic has dampened my returning home (however short my stay here will end up being), I absolutely love being able to get in the car and drive over to my dad's house whenever I want. I love taking naps on the couch with two puppies snuggling up to me. I love the big sky and the sunsets. I love knowing where everything is. I love the smell of oak trees in the morning and citrus in the afternoon. I'd be lying if I said that I wanted to leave, and the prospect of moving across the country has me clinging to my Texas roots. Hell, I'd even be ok with moving somewhere else in the Southwest (I've been petitioning for Phoenix if we can't stay in TX). I truly don't know what comes next, but I'm going to focus on enjoying my moments here instead of worrying about something that may or may not happen.

My treat after I finished my last final for the semester ♡