Top Ten Books I've Read In 2017 So Far

I CAN'T BELIEVE WE'RE HALFWAY THROUGH 2017 *PANICS*

Luckily, I've read some truly delightful books this year already, and I have plans to read so many more in the second half of the year. I've done my best to rank my top ten favorite books that I've read so far this year, but ranking books is hard, okay?

Heartless by Marissa Meyer - This was the first book I read in 2017 and it is still first in my heart. I will forever be in love with the characters and the world and everything that this book is. (MY REVIEW)

Caraval by Stephanie Garber - This is a recent read for me, actually, but it wormed its way into my heart reallllll quick. I read all 400 pages on one sitting because I was hardcore hooked from the very beginning. This was an emotional roller coaster and I never knew who to trust or what was real. It was magnificent.

Once and for All by Sarah Dessen - Sarah Dessen never fails to wow me. (MY REVIEW)

Aftercare Instructions by Bonnie Pipkin - This one took me by surprise! But it was complicated and a angsty and stole my heart.

Noteworthy by Riley Redgate - I can't sing this book's praises enough (see what I did there). Hooray for a cappella and questioning gender roles! (MY REVIEW)

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh - This book left me with a lot of questions, but from the second the romance was introduced I was absolute trash for it. This novel was addicting as heck.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson - This isn't my favorite Matson novel, but it still had so much emotion and lovely characters!

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz - It took me a hot minute to get into the writing style, but once I did I was absolutely hooked. I really enjoyed getting to know Ari and Dante and watching them find themselves.

Geekerella by Ashley Poston - This novel is incredibly cute, fun, and charming. A great summer read, and perfect if you're looking for a book that will make you flat out happy. (MY REVIEW)

The Selection by Kiera Cass - What can I say? This series is trope-y and addicting and I am not ashamed to say I devoured it, okay?

Spring Favorites

Happy June, y'all! Obviously I didn't keep y'all very updated during the spring semester, so I figured I'd do a quick rundown of all my favorite things I stumbled upon over the past few months!

The (original) Selection trilogy by Kiera Cass - Admittedly, I didn't read very many novels during the semester, but I got the box set for my birthday and devoured these! So many people have said that these are basically their guilty pleasure reads, but I don't feel any shame. These were fun and I really enjoyed them!

Fun fact: This past semester I started writing movie reviews for my university's official newspaper (I even won a few awards from competitions). That said, I watched a lot more movies during the semester than usual, because I had to review one every week. These are just a few of my favorites!

Sing Street - At its core, "Sing Street" is a movie about a young boy in 1980's Dublin who starts a band to impress a girl. It's a premise done time and time again—but never like this. This film is an homage to the eighties and to music and to growing up.

The Impossible - "The Impossible" is the kind of movie that is difficult to talk about because I don't want to give anything away—I just want people to experience it! Quite frankly, I thought this movie would be boring. I did not expect the suspense, the honesty, and the emotion. There was not a single second of this movie when I was unengaged. I sincerely believe that anyone who takes the time to watch this movie will be affected by it.

A Dog's Purpose - While it's admittedly strange to go on a journey of self-discovery with a dog, Halstrom manages to make it poignant and insightful. I think it would be quite challenging not to be charmed by this movie—trust me, I tried. If, for whatever reason, you need a good cry, this is probably the film you want to turn to. I experienced a lot of emotions throughout, but I left the theater feeling genuinely joyful and satisfied.

The Magicians - My dudes...this show is dark and magical and fracklin intense! If you like AHS you'll probably love this! Great characters, intriguing setting and worldbuilding. Ugh. I'm obsessed.

Stranger Things - I was a lil late to the party. Everybody has seen this already, I know. And if you haven't--DO IT. I was tentative, but I adored the first season!

Girlboss - I was actually really surprised by this one! I just clicked on it without knowing what it was about and it hooked me in! It was really funny and interesting, and I look forward to seeing where the series goes.

My Polaroid camera - My sister got me this for Christmas, along with a cute little case and other fixins' to go along with it. I really love it! It's always fun to take these adorable photos with my friends. And trust me, polaroid pictures can make literally anyone look heckin flawless.

My mermaid blanket - My sister got me this for my birthday haha! It' so adorable and everyone is always jealous of me when they find out I have one because who wouldn't want to sit on their couch and just be a majestic mermaid?

My family photo - Okay, so my friend photoshopped this picture and framed it for my birthday, and it's one of my favorite presents of all time!! That's me and Tyler Joseph and MY CAT!!! Like, I'm obsessed. I am proudly displaying this on the shelf by my bed right meow.

Top Ten Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under the Tree

(a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish)

Okay, so I 100% cheated on this week's topic, because some of these are series I want to find under my tree but IT'S FINE IT'S MY BLOG I CAN DO WHAT I WANT hahaha.

Vampire Academy (10th Anniversary Edition) by Richelle Mead - My favorite book series in the entire world has a special edition and you can bet your bottom dollar I want it in my hands.

The entire Selection series by Kiera Cass - This is a series I have been wanting to read for a very long time, and I know I'm going to want the entire series at my disposal because apparently this is an addicting series, but I cannot bring myself to buy the complete series.

The rest of A Series of Unfortunate Events (4-13) by Lemony Snicket - I've been majorly enjoying my re-read of this series, and it would be delightfully convenient if Santa left me the rest of the series so I can finish in time for the Netflix series.

Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo - These books are so beautiful and everyone raves about them, so I'd really love to get these under the tree and gaze lovingly at them and then devour the words.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson  - I love Morgan Matson. If you've read my blog at all this year, you probably knew that already. If you're new, you know now: I adore her books, and this is the only one I haven't read yet.

The rest of the Saga series that is available (3-6) by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples - I am so into these graphic novels right now, and I want the rest of them in possession stat!

The rest of the Harry Potter series (2-7; 15th Anniversary Edition) by J.K. Rowling  - I have finally decided to give this series a go again. I read the first book and a half a while ago and wasn't particularly impressed, but I just think it wasn't what I was looking for at the time/expected. Now I think I will be able to appreciate this series for what it is, and I'll be reading book #1 within the next month, so I wouldn't mind the rest of the series falling into my lap (or under my tree).

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (original hardcover) - I have the rest of the series in the original covers, but NOT THE FIRST BOOK. I really want to re-read this series too. But I must have matching covers. I MUST.

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman - I read this as an eARC and I just adore the crap outta it, and I'd love to have a copy for my shelves. Plus, the sequel is coming out soon and I want to be able to re-read this (or at least skim it).

The entire Winner's trilogy by Marie Rutkoski - I have seen so many people say so many good things about this series, and I've heard this has a lot of political intrigue, which I am very into at the moment. Plus, they are truly gorgeous books.

Well, there are the 10 (that's definitely not 10) books I would just love Santa to leave under my tree this fine holiday season. People don't usually give me books as presents, though, so I guarantee I will not be receiving any of these unless I cough out some cash.

What books do you want Santa to bring you? 

Ten Books I'd Buy Right This Second If Someone Handed Me A Fully Loaded Gift Card

LOL you know if I had a fully loaded gift card I would not be stopping at ten books. I would buy out the ENTIRE STORE. But I guess, for the sake of lists, I will limit myself to only ten.

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski - Everybody talks about how amazing this series is! And, let's be honest, in reality I'd buy the entire trilogy,  but I only said the first one so I could have ore books on my list :)

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo - I'd buy this partly because everyone raves about it, but also partly because it is such a BEAUTIFUL BOOK with its gorgeous cover and sprayed edges. I need it on my shelf.

The Wrath & the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh - I'd get this one for pretty much the same reasons I've listed above--it's so pretty and everyone seems to love it and also it just sounds so interesting.

The Selection by Kiera Cass - I've wanted to read this novel since it was first announced! I've always been so intrigued by the premise, and I've heard that, although not written the best, these books are like crack.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson - The only Matson book I haven't read yet!!!!! I need this in my possession ASAP.

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer - I actually read an ARC of Cinder wayyyy back in the day, and I really enjoyed it. I've been dying to re-read it and continue this series for years!

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff - Yes, yes. I know. I am the only person on the face of the earth who has not read this book yet, but ONE DAY I WILL.

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows - This book is supposed to be a ton of fun, and I've never read anything like this, so I'm dying to get my hands on this one.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - With the release of Lady Midnight, I've been wanting to re-read this series SO BADLY but, oh, wait, I can't because the ONLY BOOK IN THE SERIES I DON'T OWN IS THE FIRST ONE. And I want it in the original hardcover, which is surprisingly difficult to find for cheap.

And I Darken by Kiersten White - Wow, so if you haven't heard I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH HOLY CRAP. It's one of my favorite books I've read this year and I need it to be on my shelf.

I've gotta say--I made this list and I am surprised by the lack of contemporary books on it, seeing as that's the only thing I've wanted to read recently. Hmmm. 

Tell me which books you'd buy if you had unlimited funds!!