Jingle All the Way Book Tag (Year 2)

This is a Christmas book tag I created last year and so I figured I'd bring it on back for round two.

JINGLE BELLS

A fun, light-hearted book/series 

Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

Okay, so this novel isn't ENTIRELY sunshine and unicorns, but it's really heckin' fun and cute.

I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUSE

A book/series with a scandalous romance

The Saga series by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

This entire graphic novel series basically hinges on their scandalous relationship and their even more scandalous child! Now Everybody and their frickin chinchilla is hunting them down and all we can do is hope that their love (and their lives) can stand the trillion trials and tribulations they undergo. 

I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

A book/series you are determined to re-read

Shatter Me series by Tahareh Mafi

I've been wanting to re-read this series for a while now, and with the new book (!!!!!!!!!!!!) coming out, I absolutely HAVE to re-read it. 

SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING TO TOWN 

Your most anticipated release of 2018

Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

This was incredibly difficult because there are so many books coming out in 2018 that I need in my life (more than usual, it seems--maybe because I've read more new releases this year so I gotta get the sequels in my hands stat), but I picked Obsidio mostly because I finished Gemina like a week ago and it was incredible. I need to know what happppppppens. 

SILENT NIGHT

A beautiful book/series that everyone knows

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

This book is obviously beautiful to look at, but the writing is beautiful and the characters are beautiful and I'm in love with this book. Feel free to check out my review from earlier this year!

WINTER WONDERLAND

A book/series with great worldbuilding

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

This is the first book I read in 2017 and it remains one of my absolute favorites (Take a gander at my lil review if you want to read all my nonsensical gushing). One of the reasons it was so utterly captivating and magical is because the world that Marissa Meyer gives us is quirky and, yeah, based on Lewis Carroll's world, but also completely her own. 

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

An underhyped book/series that is so great you want to tell everyone about it

What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum

I wasn't really sure what I was getting into with this novel, but I fell in love with it. It's a romance but it's more than a romance. And it has autism rep. It broke my heart and sewed it back together. I cannot understand why more people aren't talking about this novel (but you can totally read my review if you wanna know more about it).

I SAW THREE SHIPS

Favorite trilogy

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

All right, well, fuck me because I have read very few trilogies in their entirety. This was tough because Delirium is one of my all-time favorite novels, but I'm not as fond as the rest of the books in the series. I mean, they're not horrible or anything, but they are by no means on the same level as the trilogy's first installment.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

A book/series with an underdog protagonist who rises up

Noteworthy by Riley Redgate

When I think about this trope, I don't usually think about contemporary novels, but in a way, most contemporary books fit this description. Noteworthy has excellent character development, and I really loved to see how Jordan, the protagonist, started from the bottom and rose to a whole new level of happiness and talent and awareness. (My review for anyone interested.)

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

A book/series that helped you get through troubling times

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Okay, this is the only answer I'm keeping the same as last year, because this will always be my answer to a question like this. I could write an entire post about this. In fact, I have! Check out the guest post I did over at Book Nerds Across America if you're curious how deeply significant this book is in my life.

And that's all for the Jingle All the Way book tag! I'm not going to tag specific people, but I encourage you to do this if you think it sounds fun!!! 

Life's A Beach Book Tag (Original)

Hi everyone! I purchased my plane tickets to Florida tonight.I'm going the last 3 weeks of July and I am beyond excited. Sarasota, where I grew up and where I'll be going, is home to the #1 beach in the country, in case anyone was wondering, and as a means of celebration I created a book tag commemorating the beach experience.

1) THE SAND 

A BOOK THAT STUCK WITH YOU LONG AFTER YOU FINISHED READING

Okay, well this one is a bit more of a recent read, but I already know that this book has had a lasting impact on me. The story, the characters, and the themes explored all refuse to leave me. 

2) THE SUN

A BOOK THAT BURNED YOU

When I originally thought of this question, I was intending it to apply to books I thought would be great but disappointed me, but when I really began thinking about the books that burned me, I realized it's deeper than that. This is for the book that ripped my heart out. That tainted me with a happy ending and then jerked it out of my hands. Yeah, that's Heartless. 

3) THE WAVES

A BOOK THAT CALMS YOU DOWN AFTER A LONG DAY

Yeah, My Lady Jane is a fun one. It was sweet and exciting and engrossing. This could take my mind off of anything. 

4) THE BATHING SUIT

A BOOK WITH A PRETTY, SUMMER-Y COVER

I've not read this one, but I want to. Badly. This cover reeks of summer vibes and also I'm obsessed with pretty lights, so there's that. 

5) THE BIRDS

A BOOK THAT IS EVERYWHERE

When Dimple Met Rishi is another one I haven't read but desperately want to! I feel like I've seen this one all over the book community and I just really need to get my hands on it. 

6) THE FUN MEMORIES

A BOOK YOU CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN TO

I absolutely adore this series, and I can't wait to re-read it and crack open the final installment in the trilogy. I just know that reading this series again will make my heart so happy!! 

That's it! Short & sweet--but really makes me miss the beach! 

I don't really have anyone specific to tag, but I encourage you all to participate and then link down below!! 

Jingle All the Way Book Tag (Original)

IT IS THE WEEK OF CHRISTMAS. I REPEAT: IT IS NOW THE WEEK OF CHRISTMAS. 

In case anyone was wondering, Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday in the entire world. It is my favorite time of year and I just feel so good and happy around Christmas time. To honor my love of Christmas, I'll be having fun, Christmas-themed posts for ya all week, and I've never been more excited for anything ever. 

For today's post, I've created a book tag, and it revolves around Christmas music! I know there are similar book tags floating around the internet, but I wanted to create my own because I adore Christmas music very mucho. Okay, here we go!! I've really tried not to give the most cliche answers imaginable and I was marginally successful! 

JINGLE BELLS

A fun, light-hearted book/series 

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

This novel is always the very first thing that pops in my head when I think "light-hearted and fun." The characters are so cute and quirky and the story just gives ya good feels all around.

I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUSE

A book/series with a scandalous romance

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

Now, I want to be clear that I, by no means whatsoever, think that their relationship is scandalous. However, the people in the book do because of the time period and social customs. So basically, these two characters come from very different backgrounds. Teach has money and power. Anne, on the other hand, is a servant. She has no real home or fortune. Also (and this actually is scandalous to me) Teach is betrothed to another woman. So basically, everybody in their world would be stunned by their relationship but I just think it's really cute and sweet. (Here's my review, in case you were wondering)

I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

A book/series you are determined to re-read

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

If I'm being completely honest, I have so so so many things I want to re-read, and I feel like this is such a contrived answer, but I definitely think this series is calling my name the most at the moment (but City of Bones is the only book in the series I don't own--Hooray!!!). I never completed the final book in the series, so I want to do that and then re-read The Infernal Devices and maybe I'll have that all done by the time the third Dark Artifices releases and I can just binge the whole series. 

SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING TO TOWN 

Your most anticipated release of 2017

Once and For All by Sarah Dessen

Just so we're all clear, I most likely won't stop talking about this book until it is in my hands in June 2017. As I mentioned in a previous post (like, yesterday) I 100% cried when this book was announced. Happy tears, of course. Sarah Dessen has been sleighing (*ba dum tsss*) me for YEARS and I just know she's not about to stop now.

SILENT NIGHT

A beautiful book/series that everyone knows

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Okay, this question can certainly be interpreted in many ways (beautiful cover, beautiful writing, beautiful story, etc.) but I chose to go with beautiful writing. And while not EVERYONE may know about this book, I'd say it's fairly well-known. This book has the most stunning writing I've ever come across in a novel, I'd say. For more insights into my thoughts you can check out the 61 (Non-Spoilery) Thoughts I Had While Re-Reading Delirium.

WINTER WONDERLAND

A book/series with great worldbuilding

And I Darken by Kiersten White

Hahahaha we all know I love this book because I don't shut up about it (here is my review if you want to know just how much I love it and why). One reason it is so fantastic is that Kiersten White literally puts you in the Ottoman Empire. Like, here I am knowing basically nothing about history (and even less about the history specific to this book) but I felt like I was living there. White's writing is so lush and detailed.

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

An underhyped book/series that is so great you want to tell everyone about it

Beyond the Red by Ava Jae

This book was a very pleasant surprise and it helped me get out of a reading slump. It is very exciting and well written, not to mention the ALIENS and SOCIAL ISSUES and SLOW-BURN ROMANCE. I really wish more people would read this gem. (My review)

I SAW THREE SHIPS

Favorite trilogy

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

So, fun thing I've realized doing this tag: I've not completed a ton of trilogies. I've started several, I've added several to my TBR, but I've only read a handful of trilogies in their entirety. The ones I have finished were all excellent, which is why I've completed them, I'm sure, but Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me trilogy is one that continues to stick in my head and heart after several years. The beautiful writing and steamy romance have won me over for life, probably.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

A book/series with an underdog protagonist who rises up

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I was trying to come up with a less obvious answer, but the truth is that Katniss Everdeen is the very definition of the underdog who rises up. She rises up in the arena, and she rises up in the rebellion. She is the girl on fire, after all.

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

A book/series that helped you get through troubling times

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

I could write an entire post about this. In fact, I have! Check out the guest post I did over at Book Nerds Across America if you're curious how deeply significant this book is in my life.

Well, there you have it, friends. That's the Jingle All the Way Book Tag! Now to tag people!!

I challenge the following people to do this tag before the year is up!

Kat @ Perks of Being a Book Nerd
Anna @ Adventures with a Book Nerd
Angel Erin @ Angel Erin's Book Obsession
Alyxandria @ The Book's Buzz
Briana @ Pages Unbound

and of course I'd love for anyone else interested to participate as well! Make sure to comment with a link to your post so I can check it out! 

Twenty One Pilots Book Tag

Hello hello! As you may or may not know, I am in love with the band Twenty One Pilots. I was watching a booktube video last night that was a Taylor Swift book tag (I don't remember whose video it was--sorry!), and it inspired me to combine my love of books and TOP by making a book tag!

The Pantaloon - A book set in a different time period

"You have learned 

way too soon;

 you should never trust the pantaloon."

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

This book takes place during Blackbeard's teen years, so the late 1600's. It's a really fantastic imagining of what caused the infamous Blackbeard to be so dang swashbuckly. 

Addict With A Pen - A series you wish had more books

"I'm only at it again as an addict with a pen."

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

This was such an easy pick for me, because Vampire Academy is my favorite series of all time, and I don't think there could ever be too many books in this series. I know that there is a spin-off, but it's not the same. I want to read about Rose and Dimitri and Christian Ozera. I think that there could be a whole other series about what it's like for Rose to be the Queen's guardian. 

Ride - A book that took you a long time to finish

"I'm falling, so I'm taking my time on my ride."

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

I just finished this book recently, and it took me over 2 weeks to read. I kept putting it aside for days at a time, and oftentimes when I would pick it up, I'd only read a few pages before putting it back down. I ultimately enjoyed it, but it was a slow go for me. 

House of Gold - A book with gold on the cover

"She asked me, 'Son, when I grow old,

Will you buy me a house of gold?

And when your father turns to stone,

Will you take care of me?'

I will make you queen of everything you see,

I'll put you on the map,

I'll cure you of disease."

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This is a little off topic, but I didn't realize how much I love pairing this song with this book until I was prowling my Goodreads shelves for a book with gold on the cover. While this song sounds like it would be happy, it's actually about wishing for a good life, wishing you could have what you want, but being smart enough to realize that's not how life works. I just realized how fitting it is.

Tear In My Heart - A book that has a really great romance

"She's the tear in my heart, I'm alive,

She's the tear in my heart, I'm on fire,

She's the tear in my heart, Take me higher,

Than I've ever been."

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Y'all, I adore this book with every fiber of my being. I loved watching Echo and Noah's relationship grow from dislike to a deep, life-altering love. Their chemistry just burns through the pages, and they help each other grow and face their demons. 

Ode To Sleep - A book that you stayed up all night reading

"I'll stay awake,

'Cause the dark's not taking prisoners tonight."

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

This book started off kinda slow, but I became so sucked into the characters and the writing that I couldn't put it down! 

Fake You Out - A book with an ending you didn't see coming

"And I'll fall down

And I'll break down

And I'll fake you out

All I wanna"

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

This is still one of my favorite books ever, and I think that has a lot to do with the ending. I never could have seen that coming,and it turned me into an emotional wreck when I finished the novel. 

Not Today - A book you keep putting off reading

"Heard you say, 'not today,'

Tore the curtains down, windows open now, make a sound,

Heard your voice, 'there's no choice,'

Tore the curtains down, windows open now, make a noise."

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

So I bought this book and got really excited about reading it. I started reading it a few days ago and was pretty into it, but for some reason I just keep putting off reading any more of it, and I don't even know why. 

So there it is! The Twenty One Pilots book tag! I know when you make a book tag, you're supposed to tag people, but I'm not sure how many of you lovely people listen to TOP. So, I tag all of you. If you want to do this tag, please do! And leave the link down in the comments so I can check it out.