2016 End of Year Survey

I've been seeing this around other blogs the last few days, and really enjoyed seeing how everyone's year in books has been.  So I thought I'd join in.  I've been blogging full time for about eight months of 2016.  But, it's been a pretty fun eight months!  I'm glad I made the move from a hosted to site to my own place here on Blogger.  Though, I'm still figuring things out, I've enjoyed sharing my bookish life with everyone!

So a thank you goes to Perpetual Page Turner for creating this survey!  I wasn't real sure I was going to do post about my whole year.  Her post can be found here! There is also a direct link sign-up so you can see other blogger's surveys and post your own!!

Number Of Books You Read: 45 Books

Number of Re-Reads: Only 2 books

Genre You Read The Most From: Fantasy and Graphic Novels

1. Best Book You Read In 2016?

While I read a lot of really good books this year, one of them has really stuck with me since I read it.  That is the Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch!

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

Queen of Thieves by J. North Conway. I was expecting a book about the lady behind financing a great number of heist during the Gilded Age.  However it was more about the male counterparts she funded with only a handful of facts about the Marm herself.  It was a good book just a bit disappointing.

3. Most surprising book you read?

Definitely The Children's Home by Charles Lambert.  It was well and creepy, but I'm still not entirely certain what I read.   

4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read?

I had two of those these year, The Lies of Locke Lamora and Warlock Holmes.  

5. Best series you started in 2016? Best Sequel of 2016? Best Series Ender of 2016?

Best Series: Illuminae Files and The Legends of the First Empire

Best Sequel:  Technically, I'm still reading it, but Gemina.

Best Series Ender:  I didn't finish one this year, just started a few more. Like a boss.

6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2016? 

GS Denning, he is the author of Warlock Holmes: A Study in Brimstone. It was an impulse buy while picking other books at the bookstore.  One I was very glad I gave into!

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

A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomson.  Normally I don't pick up books in the Romance genre, but it was a female Sherlock Holmes.  Female Sherlock Holmes!  While not my favorite book of the year, it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be.

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

UGH! Honestly there was three books I hard time putting down: Illuminae, The Lies of Locke Lamora, and Age of Myth.

9. Book You Read In 2016 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

Age of Myth, Micheal Sullivan's books are always worth going back to.  There's always something I missed the first time around.  Not to mention it's nice to have a refresher before the second book get released this year!

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2016?

Gris Grimly's Frankenstein, Or, The Modern Prometheus, by Gris Grimly.

11. Most memorable character of 2016?

AIDEN, from Illuminae.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2016?

Women in Black, by Susan Hill

13. Most Thought-Provoking of 2016?

The New Hunger, by Issac Marion.  His books always make mess with my head in the things they make me think about.   Which is one of the many reason I enjoy his work.

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2016 to finally read? 

The Mysterious Affair at Styles!  I've read other books by Agatha Christie, but never the Hercule Poirot Series. Though I don't know why because I've seen the BBC show.  

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2016?

“Throwing blondes at Locke Lamora was not unlike throwing lettuce at sharks.” - Scott Lynch The Lies of Locke Lamora

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2016?

Shortest: The Sleeper and the Spindle, 72 pages

Longest: Illuminae, 599 pages

17. Book That Shocked You The Most

Lies of Locke Lamora!! I'm not over the end of that book, it was mean!  I didn't like it.  In fact it messed with my head so much, I forced a friend of mine to read so we could be pain together.  In fact it hurt so much I'm a little scared to start the second book.  There is no telling what Lynch will do to break my heart in that one, or the next one.

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

So this year I have two!
Raithe and Persephone from Age of Myth.
Locke and Sabetha from Lies of Locke Lamora (I don't care if we never meet her in the book.  Locke loves her!)

19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

Again there were two of them this year.

Twins Calo and Galdo in Lies of Locke Lamora.

Raithe and Malcolm in Age of Myth. 

20. Favorite Book You Read in 2016 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

Age of Myth by Michael J. Sullivan

21. Best Book You Read In 2016 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:

Illuminae, I kept seeing the book everywhere!  Bookstores, blogs, booktubers. EVERYWHERE! So at the start of the year I picked up, and fell in love with the series. 

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2016?

Locke Lamora from The Lies of Locke Lamora. What can I say, I like my fictional crushes on the bad side with a little bit of heart.

23. Best 2016 debut you read?

Bleed, Blister, Puke, and Purge by J. Marin Younker

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

Lies of Locke Lamora, Scott Lynch

Age of Myth, Michael J Sullivan

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

Warlock Holmes, GS Denning

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2016?

Lies of Locke Lamora, Scott Lynch

27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?

Warren the 13th, Tania del Rio 

Quirk Books published it in 2015, but it only came across my radar earlier this year thanks to Goodreads.  I was lucky enough to get a copy from Quirk Books in the Spring.  Without a doubt the cutest thing I read this year.

28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?

Lies of Locke Lamora, because Scott Lynch killed off almost everyone I loved.
Age of Myth, because I'm pretty sure my favorite character from that book is a traitor.

29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2016?

Illuminae, I love the way that Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman decide to write that book.  It's so rad!

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

Lies of Locke Lamora!!  He was just an innocent bystander and the twins!!  I'm still mad about it, in fact earlier last week I was talking about it with another fan of the series and we were both upset by it.  Those deaths aren't forgivable!

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2016?

Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek, his blog is here.  I've added a lot of good books to my TBR because of him.  A few new series at well!

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2016?

My review of Warlock Holmes: A Study in Brimstone by GS Denning.

3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?

So in the eight months I've been on Blogger (and the few months on BookLikes) I've never done a discussion post.  Nothing as ever come to me to write about, but it's definitely on my goals list for 2017.

4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

Best event I attended was definitely Alton Brown, though I was able to go to lot of pretty great author signings this year.  Getting to meet Alton Brown was on bucket list and I've already earmarked recipes I want to try in 2017 out of his new cookbook!

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2016?

I was invited to particpated in an upcoming event on January 13th for Warren the 13th and the All Seeing Eye.  This will be my first blog even with a book and I'm really excited to share the book with more people!

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

For the blog it's been fitting the blog in my life and keeping it active, even when I'm not reading as many books.  Another struggle is I'm a slower reader.  So I don't always read books as quickly, or as many, as other bloggers.  Which is sometimes a struggle for me since I feel like I'm lacking reviews or what not.  So I have to remind myself that it's cool and to read at my own pace.  Blogging isn't a competition, it's a way to share my passion with others.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog?

My most popular post was for the Make Me Read it Readathon it had 96 views.

My most popular review was for Warlock Holmes: A Study in Brimstone it had 42 views.

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

My Age of Myth review, Micheal J. Sullivan is an amazing writing and wish more people read his books.  Or, even knew about them.  Personally, I feel like his books don't always get a lot of press.

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

When my mother, of all people, introduced me to Book Outlet.  I mean I love Half Price Books and the used bookstore downtown.  But, sometimes I don't have the pennies to spare and Book Outlet can a hook a reader up!  

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

I did, thanks for asking!  I read 45 books this year, which was more Goodreads Goal.  It was also five more books than I read in 2015!  I also read 1,828 pages more than last year.  Which was 828 more than my goal!!

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2016 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2017?

Ghost Talker by Mary Robinette Kowal

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2017 (non-debut)?

You want me to pick just ONE! Well, out of all the books topping my list that come at this year I'd have to pick The Burning World by Issac Marion.

3. 2017 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

At the moment I don't think I have a novel right now from a Debut author.  Looking at my 2017 TBR is from authors already with other works out there.  So I'm open for suggestions if anyone has anything to pass along!

4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2017?

Series Ending: Lady Trent Series ends this year, along with the Illuminae Files.

Sequels: Pyromantic in March, The Burning World in February, and Age of Swords in June

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2017?

More diverse posting on the blog, be brave and pop up a discussion post before the year is out, and just interact with more bloggers.  I've been a little on the shy side with other bloggers since I moved over to Blogspot.  I should reach out more, say hi!

6. A 2017 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone:

How about the other way around.  I haven't been lucky enough to get a peek out anything coming out this year.  What can you recommend to me? 

                                                                                                                                                                   

Holy monkeys that was long, but pretty fun cause I got to go back and look through all the things I've read in 2016.  Next year I will definitely be doing this earlier than on the first day of the new year! There are so many good books coming out this year, and so many I didn't get to last year.  My year is most definitely booked (I'm hilarious, stick around, you'll see!).  So happy reading all! I hope you all have a wonderful and safe 2017!

Bleed, Blister, Puke, and Purge - A Review

Publisher: Zest Books

Release Date: Oct. 25, 2016

Page Count: 112

Series: Stand Alone 

Genre: NonFiction

Author: J. Marin Younker

Riots over the medical use of cadavers. Public access to institutions for the insane. And full-blown surgeries without the aid of anesthetics or painkillers. Welcome to the middle ages of American medicine. Bleed, Blister, Puke, and Purge exposes the extraordinary practices and major players of American medical history, from the colonial era to the late 1800s. It’s hard to believe that today’s cutting-edge medicine originated from such crude beginnings, but this book reminds us to be grateful for today’s medical care, while also raising the question: what current medical practices will be the horrors of tomorrow?

I first heard about Bleed, Blister, Puke, and Purge thanks to one of my local bookstores.  They had the author J. Marin Younker out for a signing, and the title of the book, along with cover, sort of grabbed my attention.  Can't imagine why that would be...  Anyway, I clicked on the book to see what is about and was immediately bummed I'd missed the author event due to work. However, I was quick to snag a copy from the library.  

Despite the what the title might make people think, I really did enjoy this book.  Without a doubt there was some super gross moments, and I smart enough to not snack and read this book at the same time.  Cause yeah, the start of the medical profession was not something to learn about while eating. It's kind of like the Saw movies, only we thought we were helping each other.

Anyway!

My favorite part of about Bleed, Blister, Puke, and Purge is that it is in fact not written like a text book.  The chapters themselves flow very well and the information is told in a way that isn't dry, but it managed to keep my attention.  Also, I really enjoyed the little side comments that J. Marin Younker added from time to time.  It almost made it feel like you were sitting there listening to the her talk about this in person.  

The book itself was much smaller than I thought it would be, which was fine.  But, for some reason I had expected it to be a thicker book.  Instead it's bound a bit like a graphic novel.  Which for me personal was nice.  It meant each chapter, and section, flowed very quickly and there wasn't a lot of repetitive facts thrown at me. I never once set this book down and had to make myself pick it back.  The sort of gross aspect is what had me going back.  Not because it was gore, but because at the time we thought this was right way to heal people.  That by bleeding, blistering, puking, and purging the sickness, or evil, was being expelled.  

It's honestly a wonder any survived in the "Good Ole' Days" to be honest.

As for the book, I felt like J. Marin Younker did an amazing about a research, and that was apparent throughout the book.  Despite it's size, there is quite a bit of information spread throughout the books.  However, I never felt like I was overloaded with information.  Younker did a great job with keeping the timeline moving and expanding from one idea to the next.  On several occasion I fell asleep reading, which is a good thing in my world.  Means I was so fascinated I was forgoing sleep.

While, not the most traditional read around Christmas, it was good read for my packed schedule with work.  It wasn't overly large, was a fun and gory read (which I do like), and was easy to read in the few hours each day I had set aside.

I definitely enjoyed Bleed, Blister, Puke, and Purge.  It was an interesting read and I would definitely read another book by this author. I've already recommended this book to a couple of my friend who I think would find it fascinating.  I do want to warn, it has some visceral moments.  Not for the faint of of heart.

Christmas Book Haul

My love for books and reading is something I get from the women in my family.  I have memories of being read to my my mother and grandmother when I was younger, and trips to the library were always a treat.  It's a passion that has stayed with me as I grew up.  I mean that's why I have the blog.  Though, my love for books has expanded far more than my mother, Aunt, and Mim had ever thought it was.  At the moment the length is one wall of my room and a steamer trunk.  However, it doesn't stop them from feeding my passion.  My mother is the best at looking at my book list and finding books I haven't even heard of before.  This year was no exception.  As for my Aunt, well she's my biggest cheerleader when it comes to my other passion, writing.  Her Christmas gift was the kick in the pants I needed to start writing again after nearly a year of having dozen of excuses to be doing something else.

If you click each image it'll take you their Goodread's page!  

While I'm excited about all of them, especially Roads of Last Resort because the author hails from my home state, I'm thinking I'm going to have to start with The Secret history of Twin Peaks.  Mostly because the mini-series is about hit television soon, but also because the show Twin Peaks is something a love because of my mom.  She's always been the one introduce to my weird and unexplained.  So it feels right to start with that one.  The others will all be sitting on top of my list at the start of 2017.  Especially, America's Forgotten History, because compilations are pretty much my favorite type of  Non-Fiction.

Anyone else get books for Christmas?  

Which ones are you most excited to crack open?

Waiting on Wednesday - The X-Files Orgins

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme that was started by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that book bloggers are eagerly anticipating. 

Release Date: January 3rd, 2017

Publisher: Imprint

Author: Kami Garcia

Series: The X-Files Orgins #1

Genre: Sci-Fi

The X-Files Origins: Agent of Chaos explores the teen years of Fox Mulder, the beloved character depicted in the cult-favorite TV show The X-Files. His story is set in the spring of 1979, when serial murder, the occult, and government conspiracy were highlighted in the news.

I've been a fan of X-Files for years now.  My best friend and flatmate got me into it, but I have to admit I'm a bit behind.  I haven't seen the special because of how behind I am.  My goal this summer is to get caught back up so I can start this series!  I'm definitely a Believer!!

Anyone got any other good Sci-Fi books on their list this week?  Or, a favorite epsisode?!

Bout of Books 18

The time has come! Bout of Books is nearly here!  In a less than a week the Bout of Books 18 will kick off, and I'll be joining it!  This will be my first Read-a-thon of the year.  It also happens to be one of my favorites. Bout is super low stress and a week long, which means I can fit it in with my work schedule.  Definitely a bonus!!

Don't know what Bout of Books is.  No worries!  Here it is:

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 2nd and runs through Sunday, January 8th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 18 information and updates, be sure to

 Throughout the week there are mini challenges and a template to show your reading progress throughout the week.  Don't have a blog, no worries.  You can join via Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Google+, etc.  So basically you don't have a reason to not to read with us for Bout of Books 18.

If you need anymore anymore info you can hope on over to Bout of Books.  Their blog will answer all their questions! Happy reading, and don't forget to check back here to see my progress and my TBR!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!  I hope it's spent with good food and family.  May you get all the books sitting on your TBR and a maybe a few that weren't!  Christmas Eve here is spent with the TV off and the books out!  My flatmate and I give each other one book that we'll think the other will love!  Today is spent with close friends and warm food, playing board games and watching movies!  May your day be full of happiness and books!!

Waiting on Wednesday - Mrs. Sherlock Holmes

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme that was started by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that book bloggers are eagerly anticipating. 

Release Date: January 3rd, 2017

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Author: Brad Ricca

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: NonFiction

Mrs. Sherlock Holmes tells the true story of Grace Humiston, the detective and lawyer who turned her back on New York society life to become one of the nation’s greatest crime fighters during an era when women weren’t involved with murder investigations. After agreeing to take the sensational Cruger case, Grace and her partner, the hard-boiled detective Julius J. Kron, navigated a dangerous web of secret boyfriends, two-faced cops, underground tunnels, rumors of white slavery, and a mysterious pale man — in a desperate race against time.

So, it was a combination of the cover and the title that first drew me to this book.  The cover itself is gorgeous, and I'm a sucker for anything with the words Sherlock Holmes attached to them.  It was the synopsis however that kept this book on my mind.  I haven't seen a lot of stories about the first women to carry a badge in the USA, or really any other country.  So I'm excited to learn about Grace Humiston.  

3 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS! What is time?!

What's everyone packing up to read this holiday season??   

Most Anticipated - December Edition

Holy Monkeys, the days are getting away from me.  I always forget how busy my life right up before Christmas becomes.  Not that I can complain.  Shopping for my family at Christmas is one of my favorite things, and I love that bakery I work at has been crazy busy.  But, I finally found a few minutes to sit down and get this posted tonight.  The Hollow Men, hits all my favorite things when it comes to books I read.  It's a mystery novel and it's set in the UK.  The big bonus for this one is it feels like a "What if Watson was solving crime without Sherlock", and I'm all about that.  I do love me some John Watson.  So, I'm pretty excited to get my hands on this guy.

Release Date: December 20, 2016

Author: Rob McCarthy

Series: Dr. Harry Kent #1

Publisher: Pegasus Books

Dr. Harry Kent likes to keep himself busy—juggling hospital duties with his work as a police surgeon for the London Metropolitan Police—anything to ward off the memories of his time as an army medic.

Usually the police work means minor injuries and mental health assessments. But teenager Solomon Idris’s case is different. Idris has taken eight people hostage in a fast-food restaurant, and is demanding to see a lawyer and a BBC reporter. Harry is sent in to treat the clearly-ill teenager . . . before the siege goes horribly wrong.

I seriously cannot believe that 2016 is almost over!! So, what's everyone looking forward to reading this month? 

Waiting on Wednesday - World, Chase Me Down

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme that was started by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that book bloggers are eagerly anticipating. 

Release Date: January 24, 2017

Publisher: Penguin Books

Author: Andrew Hilleman

Genre: Historical Fiction / Western

Series: Stand Alone

A rousing, suspenseful debut novel True Grit meets Catch Me If You Can based on the forgotten true story of a Robin Hood of the American frontier who pulls off the first successful kidnapping for ransom in U.S. history. 

So, I'm waiting on this one because it's not normally a book I'd pick up.  In the past I haven't had real good luck reading fictional Westerns.  However, I'm a sucker for a book based on person history forgotten, even if they're a bad guy. So I'm interested in learning about Pat Crow and seeing the spin Andrew Hilleman puts on the man's story.  Definitely be one I'll putting on hold at the library.

Anyone have any good recs for Westerns I might like?

Or, just looking forward to something I need to added to my TBR?

Waiting on Wednesday - The Last Harvest

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme that was started by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that book bloggers are eagerly anticipating. 

Release Date: January 10, 2017

Publisher: Tor Teen

Author: Kim Liggit

Genre: Horror

Series: Stand Alone

“I plead the blood.”

Those were the last words seventeen-year-old golden boy quarterback Clay Tate heard rattling from his dad's throat when he discovered him dying on the barn floor of the Neely Cattle Ranch, clutching a crucifix to his chest.

The book had being set in the Midwest, which is where I was raised.  Next it's horror, something I love, and the summary left my intrigued.  At the very least this is one I'll be picking up at my local library.  It sounds interesting, creepy, and like it might keep me up while reading.  Three of my favorite things when it comes to books like this.  

What's everyone else looking forward this week?  

November Wrap Up

I always seem to forget how time consuming moving is, and how much there is to it.  That's basically what I spent the entire month doing between my shifts was packing up my place.  Thank goodness I was moving with my roommate and there was two of us.  I'm pretty sure the packing would have never gotten done.  Our bakery was busier than we thought it would be at the start of the Holidays, but our business has soared.  So it left little room for reading time.  I did however squeeze in time to read two really good Graphic Novels this month and start a book I've been waiting for all year.  Christmas is right around the corner and I'm officially unpacked into my new place.  I love Christmas shopping and the whole Holiday Season.  So now I'm just getting back into a routine in my new place, and being so much closer to my job!  I also squeezed in one pretty awesome book event this month, too!!

This month Mary Robinette Kowel was out to one of my local bookstores to talk about her new book Ghost Talkers.  As I mentioned a few a posts ago, I have been looking forward to this book for quite some time.  I was lucky enough have her do a reading at another book signing a couple of years back.  My sister has read it already and adored it.  I honestly have no good reason as to why I haven't picked it up yet.  Except that my TBR pile so ridiculous.  The event itself was wonderful.  Mary Robinette Kowal is always a good time, though I was sad the shadow puppets weren't there. She had  a code for us to break, those that did received the postcard that I pictured. The front of the card is the cover of the book.  Which is beautiful!  It was a great night and I'm excited that maybe, just maybe, there could be more to the world of Ghost Talkers. 

Books Read: 2

Pages Read: 424

BINGO Book(s): 0

Favorite Book: NA

Least Favorite Book: NA

DNF: 0

Currently Reading: Gemina (The Illuminae Files #2)

Honestly, despite only knocking two books off my ever expanding TBR, November wasn't a bad month.  I'm only two books from my goal for the Goodreads Reading Challenge and I'm close to completing some person reading goals.  Work has been busy which is always a good thing!!  The book event was a good time and I'm super excited I was able to meet Mary Robinette Kowal.  Plus, I have some awesome new for Bookwish Whispers I'm excited to tell everyone!  But, that will have to wait.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, and PIE!!  So how was everyone else months?!  Read anything that blew your mind?!