2 Brilliant, Legal Ways To Read For Free

I just want to preface this by saying this post is not sponsored in any way, shape, or form. I just wanted to share two websites that I have completely fallen in love with that a lot of book lovers out there might not know about!

1) Riveted
(That's a link--click to sign up completely for freeee!)

The team at Simon Teen has created this website full of YA bookish content, completely free to sign up. It's blog-like and features videos and exclusive information about released and upcoming YA books, as well as hosts giveaways. You can learn about books you've never heard of or books you have heard of. Whatever totes your goat.

But of course, what you clicked on this post for is the FREE BOOKS. Every month, Riveted offers a small selection of books you can read for free!

This month:

As you can see, they have full books available, and extended excerpts available for some new releases. Thanks to Riveted, I've had the chance to read some books that I really adored, such as Morgan Matson's Since You've Been Gone (which helped me discover Morgan Matson, who is now one of my ultimate favorite authors), Jenna Evan Welch's Love and Gelato, and, recently, Margaret Rogerson's An Enchantment of Ravens.

I try to remember to check Riveted every month to see what titles they have available! I am so thankful for this website and Simon Teen!

2) Scribd

I learned about Scribd recently, thanks to a tweet from someone in the community, and it had me COMPLETELY SHOOK. Maybe I'm the last person to hear about this website, but it really changed the game for me.

Okay, disclaimer: Technically, Scribd is a monthly subscription service HOWEVER, you can begin a two-month free trial that you can cancel at any point! And upon signing up, you get your own link so that if someone signs up using your link, you get another free month! That said, I beg beg beg you, if you choose to try out Scribd (which, again, you can cancel your free trial at any point), please use MY LINK.

Now, let's get to the more info part of this.

Scribd has an entire database of ebooks and audiobooks and other stuff, like sheet music. And it's REALLY good stuff!

That's a screenshot from my account so it's all YA titles, but they have every genre! As you can see, they have new releases available as well as backlist titles.

Scribd has been incredible for me because I'm studying abroad and don't have the same access to books that I did when I lived in the U.S. so this website is PERFECT for international readers. You can also download the app on your phone and download the titles for offline use.

You can save all the titles you're interested in to a list and you don't have to worry about how long it takes you to read something. This website has such an extensive collection of titles, I'm finally getting to read a ton of books I've been wanting to read for ages, like Shadow and Bone and Simon Vs. the Homo Sapien's Agenda.

I highly recommend checking out Scribd, and not just because I want another month free (but I definitely do, so I'd really appreciate if you signed up using my link!), but because it has made me so happy since I discovered it. I've been telling everyone about it.

Is It Worth The Hype #1

Hello, ladies and gentlemen and other lovely humans. Welcome to The Left-Handed Book Lover's first ever episode of Is It Worth The Hype, in which I will discuss books that have been persistently raved about within the community.

Are you nervous to crack open a novel beloved by seemingly all book fanatics? Well, this is the place to come for some real talk about those books. Obviously, it is still a matter of taste and opinion, but I am going to try to take a (somewhat) subjective look at these popular novels to help you determine whether or not they are right for you.

1) Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

The quick answer: YES, it is worth the hype. 

The long answer: This novel has A LOT going for it, even if it's not your typical sort of read. I'm not particularly experienced with science fiction, but I think this book contains something for everyone. 

The authors are incredibly creative with the formatting of this novel, meshing different forms of media--police reports, computer files, camera roll recaps--making this clunker of a novel go by incredibly quick (plus the pacing is excellent). The different forms of media allow the authors to incorporate a variety of different voices and perspectives, all of which are fun and interesting. 

This book contains sufficient action and romance and sci-fi goodness and emotion. Somehow it manages to be just an incredibly FUN novel while also being intense and heartbreaking. I was confused at first, but as the story progressed, everything clicked together and erupted into this amazing, unforgettable story.

I firmly believe that everyone's reading experience is different and that there are novels certain people just will not enjoy. Illuminae, however, is a book I'd recommend everybody at least TRY, even if it seems to deviate from your reading comfort zone. 

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

Now, we're COMPLETELY switching gears here.

The quick answer: Maybe--will only appeal to a certain audience. 

The long answer: This series is tricky because while I really enjoyed it, I recognize that it's not for everybody. First of all, if you don't typically enjoy contemporary novels, go ahead and skip this one. It's very cute-sy, character-driven, and romance-focused. It's not especially profound or even exciting. If it takes something ~special~ for you to enjoy a contemporary novel, this isn't it. 

HOWEVER, if you do like contemporary novels, it's a whole completely different story. Obviously, there are many different kinds of contemporary novels, and this one is more on the fluffy side. If you're looking for a breath of fresh air, this is definitely worth the hype. Lara Jean is a bit naive and sheltered, but it's hard not to be charmed by her and her family's innocence. They're definitely not perfect people, but they are kinda pure and adorable. 

Personally, I find this series just has a memorable vibe to it that helps it stand out from a lot of YA contemporary books. It's not the most beautifully written or the most original, but it's worth the hype because of the way it will make you feel when you're finished reading it. 

3) Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

The quick answer: No, it's not really worth the hype.

The long answer: I read this book last summer and enjoyed it, but I still don't think it deserves all the praise it gets. First and foremost, let's get this out of the way. This novel's ending is problematic. And, quite frankly, even if it weren't problematic, I still think it's a cheap ending. Like, the author could have come up with a "twist" more creative than that. 

I'm sure there are people who are going to completely disagree with me on this, but there's not much about this novel that sets it apart from the slew of contemporary novels at our disposal. The premise is interesting, but the characters aren't really memorable. 

I can point you to tons of other YA contemporary books that have a more complex romance, a more feasible and interesting plot, better emotionally-developed characters, etc. It was an enjoyable read in the moment, but nothing spectacular. 

If you were uncertain about any of these novels, I hope I provided you some helpful insight. And if I didn't...oops. My bad. 

If you've already read these hyped books, do you agree or disagree with my takes on them? What books do you think are or are not worth the hype? Let's chat!!

2017 End-Of-Year Survey

I cannot believe 2017 is coming to a close already. And what a mess this year has been. Yikes. I am beyond ready for 2018. But, if you're reading this, just remember you survived the garbage fire of 2017!!!!!!! We did it, friends. In my personal life, this year has been a disaster, but it has opened up the gates of opportunity, setting me up for an excellent 2018.

Anyway, here's how my year was in books and blogging.

Number Of Books You Read: 44
Number of Re-Reads: 5
Genre You Read The Most From: Contemporary

1. Best Book You Read In 2017?

Yeah, I'm going to have to ask you to refer to the list I made of my favorite reads of 2017. I ain't picking just one.

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?


Geekerella by Ashley Poston | Don't get me wrong--I still really enjoyed this book! It was cute and fun, but I expected it to be among my favorites this year (like it was for many others), but sadly it just barely missed the mark. No worries, I am still a total Ashley Poston fangirl and she is on my auto-buy list.




3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?

Coming Up for Air by Miranda Kenneally | I've read a few of the previous books in this series and they were very middle-of-the-road reads for me. Forgettable. But I enjoyed this one a lot! This novel managed to give me the fluffy, romantic fix I needed, along with depth and characters I ended up becoming very invested in.

4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

Caraval by Stephanie Garber | My book pushing habits were a bit wilted this year, but I know I encouraged many a-people on Twitter to pick this gem up, which is funny because people on Twitter are the reason I read it myself.





5. Best series you started in 2017? Best Sequel of 2017? Best Series Ender of 2017?

I actually started quite a few series this year, which is new for me. The best series I've started this year goes to Caraval by Stephanie Garber (buckle in, kiddos, because this book is going to be my answer to a lot of questions). The best sequel goes to Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. And I haven't really read any series enders because I suck at commitment, okay. I can't remember the last time I finished a series.


6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2017?

I read so many new-to-me authors this year and I can't pick a favorite, so stay tuned for this upcoming Top Ten Tuesday when I'll discuss all my favorite new-to-me authors.

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

Even though one of my goals for the year was to read out of my comfort zone, I didn't. Like, at all.

8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff | This novel, just like its predecessor, kept me on my toes literally the entire time. I could not wait to see what insane situations these characters would find themselves in next. This series is wild, my dudes.





9. Book You Read In 2017 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

Heartless by Marissa Meyer | This was the first book I read in 2017 and one of my favorites. It has been nearly a year since I read it and I'm having withdrawals. I need to pick it up again and rediscover its charm.





10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2017?

Caraval by Stephanie Garber | Every iteration of this book is beautiful. The US edition, the UK editions. And while it's gorgeous on a computer screen, the cover is even more stunning in its physical form.





11. Most memorable character of 2017?

Jest from Heartless by Marissa Meyer | Trust me, I will NEVER forget.







12. Most beautifully written book read in 2017?

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh | This novel is brimming with lovely descriptions. Ahdieh sure knows how to paint a picture with her words.






13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2017?

Daytripper by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba | Not particularly life-changing, but it was thought-provoking. Not only because it made me ponder the important moments of my life, both big and small. Also, it made me wonder what the heck certain aspects were supposed to mean.





14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2017 to finally read?

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff | It started off a bit slow and confusing, but when it took off, IT TOOK OFF. I fell in love with the characters and the book's style. It is riveting and emotional and ALL THE GOOD WORDS YOU CAN THINK OF. I'm so mad that it took me so long to join this party.




15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2017?

I shall repeat last year's answer: I am 100% too lazy to go find an answer for this. 

16. Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2017?

Shortest: Lackadaisy by Tracy J. Butler (graphic novel) | 96 pages
Thrill Me: Essays on Fiction by Benjamin Percy (essay collection) | 173 pages
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket (novel) | 176 pages
Longest: Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff | 659 pages

17. Book That Shocked You The Most

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff | This novel was unlike anything I'd ever read before. I also kind of went into it blind. I knew it was a sci-fi novel, but not much else. I was never prepared for any of the twists and turns this novel brought.





18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)

First of all, I feel personally attacked because there are a lot. But. I'm gonna go with Marko and Alana from the Saga graphic novel series by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples | When the series begins, they already have an established, solid relationship. Throughout the series, their relationship faces many a challenge, but the pair proves that their love for one another is enough to conquer any obstacle.



19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

Lina and Howard from Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch | They began as strangers and developed such a sweet father-daughter relationship, despite certain circumstances that could really hinder the progress of their relationship. As a total daddy's girl, I adored seeing the two grow more affection for each other.




20. Favorite Book You Read in 2017 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

Once and for All by Sarah Dessen | I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it until the end of time: Sarah Dessen is my queen! Her latest novel had everything I love in a Dessen novel (summer, romance, family) and was also somehow different than all her other works.





21. Best Book You Read In 2017 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:

What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum | Someone on Twitter said this book was a must-read and I had just won it in a giveaway. I knew nothing about it. I wasn't even that excited about it. But it is INCREDIBLE. Seriously, everyone should read this.






22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2017?

Okay, again, attacked because I have many many many many. I kinda wanna make a post about this, though, so I shall leave you with only one: Nik Malikov from Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. He is one of the newest of my fictional crushes.





23. Best 2017 debut you read?

Caraval by Stephanie Garber | This might actually be the only 2017 debut I read this year, but I'm fairly confident it would still be my favorite. If you couldn't tell, I loved this book.






24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

Heartless by Marissa Meyer | Everything was so whimsical and fantastical and I was absolutely sucked into this world of nonsense. The excellent world building is one of the many reasons I am so in love with this novel.





25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?

Noteworthy by Riley Redgate | A CAPPELLA!!!!!!








26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2017?

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson | No matter how much I prepared myself, I was not nearly prepared enough for the mess of emotions this book evoked. Morgan Matson is a true genius with character and I was probably wayyyy too invested in these characters' lives.





27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?

What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum | I need to hear more people talking about this novel. Somehow this book managed to break my heart and put it back together again. I love this book.






28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?

Heartless by Marissa Meyer | There's a reason this book is called Heartless and it's because Marissa Meyer is cruel and ripped my beating heart right out of my chest. And I adored every second of it.






29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2017?

The Saga graphic novel series by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples | Everything in this series is so imaginative. The images are vivid and the world is creative as heck.






30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

The One by Kiera Cass | Listen, I devoured the first three books in this series in like 2 days. They were so addictive and easy to get lost in. HOWEVER, this series makes me angry because there's legit no reason for it to have so many books, aside from the fact that the protagonist is an indecisive, blathering excuse of a human.

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2017?
I haven't read any book blogs in months, unfortunately.

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2017?
Yeah, what an easy decision. Definitely. 

(I'm lying)

Here are a few I like: 

Noteworthy by Riley Redgate

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?
I feel like, for a little while at least, I really stepped my game up this year with discussion posts and other non-review posts. I always strive for creative content and to talk about things that other people might not be talking about right now. That said, I have several discussion/non-review posts that I am quite proud of. Sorry, but not really.

A discussion on backlist books

7 Reasons Book Lovers Are Actually Masochists

8 Ways to Spread Positivity in the Book Community

A discussion on doing it all in the book community

4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
Um, to be honest, I didn't really participate in anything this year.

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2017?

When I was blogging consistently, I loved all the comments I was getting on my discussion posts and all the creative ideas I was having. 

6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?

The same thing I struggle with every year: Reading and posting during the school semester. I'm just not capable of focusing on my blog or pleasure reading while also focusing on school. It's simply not possible for me. 

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
My list of the Top Ten Anticipated Reads in the Second Half of 2017 got a good amount of views and comments. (In case anyone was wondering, I've literally only read one of the books on the list)

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?
From the Page to the Stage #1: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Literature/Writing Classes I Wish I Could Take

The Eclectic Corner #7: Song Lyrics

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

I've been a bad little blogger this year, okay. I feel like I've been so removed from the community for most of the year and not focusing on the bookish side of my life.

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I had several resolutions that I set forth for myself at the beginning of the year, and while I did a mediocre job living up to many of them, there are a few I feel I accomplished: 

1) Read more series. I'm still not a series-reading machine, but I'm working on it. 

2) Read more popular books/new releases. Of the 44 books I read this year, 14 of them are 2017 releases. Out of the books that are not new releases, 12 of the books I read are fairly popular novels (and that's excluding my re-reads). Sounds good to me. 

3) Strive for quality. Like I said earlier, I've produced a lot of posts I'm really proud of this year, so I consider that a win. 

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2017 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2018?
The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I got an eARC and I STILL HAVEN'T READ IT. Why, you ask? I have no idea, but I need to!!!!!

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2018 (non-debut)?
Okay, wow. This is a tough one.

3. 2018 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?
Admittedly, school took me away from the book community for awhile, so I'm not tuned into the hype surrounding next year's debuts. However, I have heard wonderful things about American Panda by Gloria Chao, and the premise sounds really compelling!

4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2018?
Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff | AHHHHHHHHHH.

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2018?
I'm hoping to be more consistent with my reading habits (I say for the millionth year in a row. It never happens). Also, while I want to keep this a book blog, I want to incorporate more lifestyle elements and more writing.

6. A 2018 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone (if applicable):

None :(

Oy. What a year. Admittedly, I read some pretty wonderful shit. I'm definitely lucky in that regard. So here's to 2018 and hoping that it's full of delightful reads for all of us!

What do you think of my selections? How was your bookish and blogging life in 2017??

Schoolyard Treasures #3

This is a feature I thought of in class, when I was supposed to be doing something that was not thinking of blog posts. Basically, since school started back up, I know I won't be doing much reading for pleasure, but, as an English major, I will be doing a ton of reading. I wanted to share with you all some of the new authors/stories/etc. I've read for a class and really enjoyed. I love that this gives me a space to talk about classic literature and short stories, which I usually don't talk about.

This past semester, I was in a graphic novels class, which I loved. For the first time in my college career I actually did pretty much all the reading for a class--and some of it I did in advance, which I can assure you has never happened before. 

I got to read a ton of interesting graphic novels and learn about a ton of interesting graphic novels that I want to read. But today I'm here to share with you my favorite graphic novel that I read for class, which I'd never even heard of before. 

Daytripper by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba
(standalone)
Published: February 8, 2011 by Vertigo (DC Comics)

Summary from Goodreads:What are the most important days of your life?

Meet Brás de Oliva Domingos. The miracle child of a world-famous Brazilian writer, Brás spends his days penning other people's obituaries and his nights dreaming of becoming a successful author himself—writing the end of other people's stories, while his own has barely begun.

But on the day that life begins, would he even notice? Does it start at 21 when he meets the girl of his dreams? Or at 11, when he has his first kiss? Is it later in his life when his first son is born? Or earlier when he might have found his voice as a writer?

Each day in Brás's life is like a page from a book. Each one reveals the people and things who have made him who he is: his mother and father, his child and his best friend, his first love and the love of his life. And like all great stories, each day has a twist he'll never see coming...

In Daytripper, the Eisner Award-winning twin brothers Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá tell a magical, mysterious and moving story about life itself—a hauntingly lyrical journey that uses the quiet moments to ask the big questions.

 This graphic novel has won some major awards and has been on the NYT bestsellers list, I'm pretty sure, so it's not like it's unknown or underrated or anything, but I've never heard of it before and I'm a little uncertain as to why. Maybe because it came out in 2011? I don't know.

Either way, I really enjoyed this graphic novel. Not only is it beautiful, but it's an interesting, kinda mind-fucky story. If you're a graphic novel person, I seriously recommend this one. And if you're not a graphic novel person, I seriously recommend this one.

HAVE YOU READ DAYTRIPPER? WHAT DID YOU THINK? AND IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT, DOES IT SOUND INTERESTING TO YOU?

7 Books I Need To Read Before The End Of The Year

All right, lads and lasses. We are two weeks (!!!!) away from the New Year, and if ya girl wants to complete her Goodreads goal of 50 books, I need to read 7 more books before this year comes to a close. And ya girl wants to reach her goal. I've actually never reached my Goodreads goal before, but by the grace of graphic novels, I'm closer than ever this year, and I gotta cross that finish line.

A book every two days. I can do that. Easy peasy??????

Here are the 7 books I plan to read, selected from the few books I brought to Florida with me and the books that are on my kindle.

1) Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

I've heard truly marvelous things about this book and its sequel. I've had this book sitting on my shelf since its release and grabbed it on a whim before leaving for vacation. Also, after a writing project for school I've been especially interested in Jack the Ripper, so it seemed like a perfect read to take with me.

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

This is a book I've been wanting to re-read for quite some time because I wanted a refresher before cracking open the series' newest addition. Plus, I know it will be quick and light and fun. A good time guaranteed. 

3) The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert 

I don't know much about this one, but I feel like I've heard some positive reviews and I have an eARC so, ya know, might as well.

4) A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck

Again, I don't know much about this one but it's on my kindle and it is fairly short.

5) The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell

This is one of the longer novels on my list, but this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I got an eARC and I never read it and so I'll be very disappointed in myself if I don't finish this one by the end of the year.

6) Kiss Me in New York by Catherine Rider

This is really short and sounds cute. Plus, judging by the cover, it's fairly winter-y and it takes place in New York and it sounds like the perfect recipe for a quick, cute contemporary, which we all know I can't get enough of.

7) Rosemarked by Livia Blackburne

Another book I got from NetGalley and have yet to read (I suck, I know). But after re-reading the summary, it sounds interesting as heck and I can't wait to read it.