Music

Books Inspired By // Taylor Swift

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Hi Friends,
I know that some of my readers must be Taylor Swift fans. I have been listening to her music since the release of the ‘Our Song’ music video. So, in honor of her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” I thought that I would share five books that were apparently inspired by her.

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3WaZfIa

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Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Ucjvq8

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3JvT362

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3JATxaR

In the comments, let me know which song from her new album is your favorite. Unfortunately, only one of these books can be found on Everand, but you’d like to check out other books they have you can use my link (click here) to get a free trial of their subscription service. Don’t forget to share and like this post. And, as always, you can support the blog by giving it a follow.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

As Sung By Taylor // Book Recommendations

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
You might not know this, but I am a Swiftie! And since I could not manage to get tickets to The Eras tour, I thought I would do the next best thing. Sure, to non-readers, this might not be the next best thing, but I thought it would be fun to share some book recommendations based on some Taylor songs.

Related Post: Belladonna // Book Review

“But you’re untouchable, burning brighter than the sun
Now that you’re close I feel like coming undone
In the middle of the night, when I’m in this dream
It’s like a million little stars spelling out your name
You gotta come on, come on
Say that we’ll be together
Come on, come on
Oh, oh, oh”


“And it’s like snow at the beach
Weird but fuckin’ beautiful
Flying in a dream, stars by the pocketful
You wanting me tonight feels impossible
But it’s comin’ down, no sound, it’s all around
Like snow on the beach
Like snow on the beach
Like snow on the beach
Like snow, oh, oh oh”


“I’d be a fearless leader
I’d be an alpha type
When everyone believes ya
What’s that like?
I’m so sick of running as fast as I can
Wondering if I’d get there quicker
If I was a man
And I’m so sick of them coming at me again
‘Cause if I was a man
Then I’d be the man
I’d be the man
I’d be the man”


“I’ve grown accustomed to sleepin’ alone
Still, I know that all it takes is to get it right
Just one time, just one time
All I know is this could either break my heart or bring it back to life
Got a feelin’ your electric touch could fill this ghost town up with life
And I want you now, wanna need you forever
In the heat of your electric touch”

Keep in mind that these are just my opinions, and I think that each of these songs compliments the book really well. In the comments, let me know which Taylor album is your favorite. I will forever be a Red girl! Do not forget to hit the follow, but before you leave.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Fireworks // Book Review

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About The Book
From the New York Times bestselling author of 99 Days and How to Love comes a stunning new contemporary novel—all about boy bands, girl bands, best friends, and first love—perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Morgan Matson.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3AOS6St

My Rating

 

At first, I wasn’t as invested in the story as I would have liked to be. I was on the fence about Katie Cotugno’s writing, but it did grow on me as time went on. The plot of this book is ‘Making the Band’ meets YA contemporary. The main character, Dana, is level headed and realistic about her future. She doesn’t have the best home life with her single mom, and college is a pipe dream. Her best friend, Olivia, is destined for stardom, so when they both get picked to be part of a new girl group, they’re shocked, but excited.

I don’t know about you, but if me and my best friend got the chance to be in a music group together I would be over the moon. But, you could tell that Olivia was jealous, and somewhat put Dana down, instead of lifting her up. Dana, on the other hand, was supportive of her best friend, never forgot her roots, and worked hard to become a better performer. She was scared of turning out like her alcoholic mother and living in their small town forever, but she wasn’t bitter.

However, I will say that sometimes staying in the town you grew up in and marrying the farm boy isn’t the end of the world. Everyone’s hopes and dreams look different. But, Olivia seemed to think she was better than her friends, which rubbed me (and eventually Dana) the wrong way throughout the story.

This really is a book about unexpected fame and being a fish out of water. Dana had to deal with the pressures of stardom, catty girls, and feeling like she’s not good enough. Also, there was the mention of how paying $40 for a shirt is insane, and I must agree. Money wasn’t a huge topic in the story, but there is the notion that being pretty doesn’t mean you get anything you want.

“Can you allow for the possibility that you’re more special than you give yourself credit for?”

There was a ton of drama within the story, which wasn’t my cup of tea. We get jealousy, a love triangle, and backstabbing all in one book. The plot showed how jealousy can turn even the best of friends against each other. And by the end of things, you being to realize you were never truly friends at all.

As I mentioned, the book features a short lived love triangle that did nothing but add more drama to the plot. In general, the romance was cute, but why does every YA male fall for the average girl!? Can this cliche die already?

Overall, the message of the story was that with hard work and determination you can succeed at anything. You have the power to change your life and choose who you want to be. I enjoyed how the author ended Dana’s story, because she ended up finding herself. The message was conveyed well, but the execution wasn’t my favorite.

The book touches on topics like alcoholism and anorexia, so please keep that in mind before diving into this book. Don’t forget to like this post, and follow my blog for more bookish posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

 

Meet Me At Midnight // Book Tag

- Bunny 4 Comments

Hi Friends,
I am excited to share that I created an original book tag! This tag was inspired by Taylor Swift’s new album ‘Midnight’. I had a lot of fun coming up with the questions, and think that they went with the songs well. If you do this tag please credit me as the creator.

Lavender Haze: A book that left you in a reading slump?

‘As Good As Dead’ by Holly Jackson was a book that left me in a big reading slump. I have a lot of issues with this book, and still fume at the though of it. However, the first two books in the ‘A Good Girls Guide To Murder’ series were amazing! Sometimes I wish it was just a duology, to save me from the reading slump.
Related Post: As Good As Dead // Book Review

Maroon: Show A Book You Love That Is You Favorite Color!

My favorite color is pink, so I choose to show off ‘If I’m Being Honest’ by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley. Not only is this cover pink, but this book is super cute. It is a YA contemporary ‘Taming of the Shrew’ that is a ton of fun.
Related Post: If I’m Being Honest // Book Review

Anti-Hero: A Book That Has Mixed Review But You Still Want To Read?

‘Beautiful Creatures’ by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl is a book that has been on my TBR for years, but I’ve been put off by all the mixed reviews. All I know is that it’s a popular YA fantasy that now has a lot of mixed reviews. Also, my husband really enjoyed the books. Even though the book isn’t as well liked anymore, I still would like to eventually read it.

Snow on the Beach (feat. Lana Del Rey): Are You A Seasonal Reader?

100% yes! I am the type of reader that associates certain books with each season. I am not someone that can read a beach read in the middle of winter. Honestly, I think it is way more fun to be a seasonal reader.

You’re on Your Own, Kid: A Book Couple You Didn’t Like?

Annie and Clay in ‘You’d Be Mine’ by Erin Hahn wasn’t a match made in heaven to me. I didn’t see their chemistry except for the fact that they both had a lot of emotional baggage. There personal issues made it hard to root for them as a couple, because they had a lot of things they need to workout on their own. I don’t see their relationship lasting or being very healthy.
Related Post: You’d Be Mine // Book Review

Midnight Rain: What’s A Book You’ve Changed Your Mind About?

‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ by Jay Asher is a book that I use to think was amazing. However, after reading so many books, my taste has changed, and so has my opinion on this book. It isn’t a bad book, but I probably wouldn’t rate it that highly today.

 

Question…?: A Book That Left You With More Questions Than Answers!

‘The Fear’ by Natasha Preston has a great premise, and kept me guessing the whole time I was reading it. But, the ending drove me insane! There were still so many unanswered questions. Why Natasha Preston decided on that ending confuses me.
Related Post: The Fear // Book Review

Vigilante Shit: A Mystery/Thriller You Can’t Walt To Read!

‘The Christmas Murder Game’ by Alexandra Benedict is a book that I have very high hopes for! I am actually kind of nervous that it won’t live up to my expectations. But, in my mind a mystery thriller that takes places at Christmas time sounds like the perfect read.
Related Post: November 2022 // To Be Read

Bejeweled: A Book You Bought Because Of The Cover!

‘Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me’ by Mariko Tamaki is a graphic novel with a fantastic cover and that is all I know about it. I saw the book on sale and the cover screamed by me. The artwork is beautiful and I have no shame admitting it was a cover buy.

 

Labyrinth: A Book Trope You Love But Also Hate?

Friends to lovers is a trope that I have mixed feelings about. It is usually so obvious to everyone that they have feelings for each other, but they are too blind to see it. I cannot stand characters that can’t see what is right in front of their faces. Nevertheless, I don’t hate all friends to lovers stories, so I am not sure I truly hate this trope.

Karma: A Book That You Thought Would Be 5 Stars, But Wasn’t?

‘You’ve Reached Sam’ by Dustin Thao was such a disappointment. I was hoping for a 5 star read, but instead got a 2 star book. I wasn’t a fan of the writing, characters, or plot. Basically, it just wasn’t for me.
Related Post: You’ve Reached Sam // Book Review

 

Sweet Nothing: A Book That Makes You Happy?

‘Better Than the Movies’ by Lynn Painter is a book that I gush thinking about! I went into this book not excepting much, and was very surprised at how much I loved this book. Even just thinking about it makes me smile. It is a total feel good YA romance that I think even non young adult readers will enjoy.

 

Mastermind: An Author That Never Fails You?

Kasie West might not always give me a 5 star read, but she never fails to save me from a reading slump. Her books a quick, cute and easy reads that always lift my mood. Also, most of the time I rate her books 4 or 5 stars which is always nice.
Related Post: On The Fence // Book Review

 

Dear Reader: Give A Book Recommendation!

‘Five Feet Apart’ by Mikki Daughtry, Rachael Lippincott, and Tobias Iaconis is beautiful and heartbreaking. I would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a sweet teen romance. And, if you need a good cry this book is perfect for that as well.
Related Post: Five Feet Apart // Book Review

 

There you have my ‘Meet Me At Midnight’ book tag! I wanted to tag a few book blogger, but everyone is welcome to do this tag. I tag Elfie @ Enchated Elfie, I’m All Booked Up, Goddess Of Books and Jordann @ The Book Blog Life. In the comments, let me know if you did this tag on your blog because I would love to read it. Please follow my blog for more bookish posts like this one.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

As If On Cue // Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

Author: Marisa Kanter
Published: 2021
Genre: YA/Contemporary
Rating:Full, star, bookmark, favorite, favourite, like, rating icon - Download on IconfinderFull, star, bookmark, favorite, favourite, like, rating icon - Download on IconfinderFull, star, bookmark, favorite, favourite, like, rating icon - Download on Iconfinder

Synopsis
Lifelong rivals Natalie and Reid have never been on the same team. So when their school’s art budget faces cutbacks, of course Natalie finds herself up against her nemesis once more. She’s fighting to direct the school’s first ever student-written play, but for her small production to get funding, the school’s award-winning band will have to lose it. Reid’s band. And he’s got no intention of letting the show go on. But when their rivalry turns into an all-out prank war that goes too far, Natalie and Reid have to face the music, resulting in the worst compromise: writing and directing a musical. Together. At least if they deliver a sold-out show, the school board will reconsider next year’s band and theater budget. Everyone could win.

From the synopsis, you get the sense that this is going to be a cute hate-to-love contemporary. However, the book didn’t read like one, which was slightly disappointing. Natalie and Reid’s feud started when they were in middle school, over their equal love of the clarinet. Natalie eventually found a love for theater and writing, leaving music to Reid and losing the bond she shared with her dad.

The main protagonist, Natalie, is very flawed. I didn’t enjoy how her imperfections are pointed out throughout the story, by other people close to her. She did need to hear some of these comments, but people, especially her friends, shouldn’t have been so blunt. This being said, I am unsure if we were supposed to sympathize with Natalie and find her relatable. Or, if she was intended to be an unlikable character. Because, I’m still on the fence about my opinion of her. As for Reid, her love interest, he was very pleasant to read about. His personality was relatable, and he didn’t come off as obnoxious. He knew that he was talented, but didn’t brag about it. His parents didn’t support his dreams, so he tried his hardest to prove that he was talented enough to make music as a career.

When we first meet Natalie and Reid, their interaction is rather snarky, but I found Reid to be fairly civil. It was Natalie that turned everything into a competition, and Reid was just along for the ride. This could be due to the fact that Natalie felt that Reid had replaced her in her fathers eyes. But this wasn’t Reid’s fault; she had misplaced anger. Natalie created a lot of drama and problems for herself. She never asked anyone before jumping to conclusions, and was seriously over-dramatic. Reid was trying to compromise, but she dismissed all his suggestion.

“I will never be enough for you.”

Nevertheless, I found myself empathizing with her at times. Despite all the drama, her feelings were valid. She was basically screaming out for her dad’s affection and getting shrugged off everytime. By the end of the book, I still didn’t see much growth in their relationship. Still, the message of following your dreams was a highlight in the story. A person can have a career they enjoy and still make a decent living. You might struggle, but everyone has struggles, even if they aren’t career related.

One odd plot point was the play theme, a ‘Frozen’ retelling. The author’s idea for a play – based off the animated film- that had a more important message was cute. But ‘Frozen’ just feels a little more middle school to me. Although, I am probably biased, since I am not a big ‘Frozen’ fan. I did want to mention that there is some Jewish representation in the book, but it doesn’t play a major role in the story. In short, the book didn’t feel like a true enemies-to-lovers, but more of a message about following your passion, and letting go of preconceived opinions of someone. If you are looking for a middle-of-the-road young adult contemporary, then give this one a read.

If you enjoyed this review, give the post a like and a share. I have many reviews up on the blog, and more to come, so follow the blog to get notified whenever I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Music Meets Books // Holiday Edition

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I am a big fan of recommendations posts and videos. In the past, I have done a few but I thought that this one was pretty creative. I have seen people do similar recommendations, but on this list I have some songs and books that people never seem to recommend.


This book comes to mind everytime I hear this original winter song. Honestly, I don’t think that this holiday contemporary gets enough love. But I must admit that it has been a few years since I picked this book up and cannot remember many details about it. I do know that this is a YA romance set on a Christmas tree farm. The book is less about the holidays but redemption, love and past mistakes.


This song is about asking Santa to bring you Christmas love. This book happens to be about a girl wanting one thing for Christmas, her crush. Holiday romances can be a hit or miss, but I swooned over this enemies-to-lovers story. It is about seeing past your negative opinions of someone, because they might just be the someone for you. This book has romance, the holidays and Secret Santa. So you know it is going to be a messy and cute story.


This song can be a bit hard to understand, but the lyrics remind me a lot of Dash and Lily. In the song, it is about how everything changed after meeting your person. And, without them Christmas just isn’t the same. In the book, two teenagers meet at the perfect time during the holidays. Both their Christmases aren’t going so well, but what they come to realize is that all they needed for Christmas was each other. This book was a whirled wind romance that I finished in one day. I think all contemporary readers should go on this holiday journey with Dash and Lily.

Do you agree with my book-to-holiday song recommendations? Do you have any recommendations of your own? Leave them in the comments below, so I and others can get more book recommendations.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Bookish Holiday Tag

- Bunny 8 Comments

Hi Friends,
Christmas will be here in just a few weeks, and I thought a holiday tag would be a great way to celebrate the holiday season! This one has some fun, bookish questions, so I knew it would be the perfect tag to do.

• What is your favorite book to gift during the holidays?
Is there any other answer than ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens? I know you are probably sick of hearing me talk about how much I love this book. So all I’ll say is that it is a classic holiday story, that you cannot go wrong with giving.

• What is the best book you have ever received as a gift?
Last year, I received a steam punk edition of ‘A Christmas Carol’, and the year before I got ‘A Christmas Carol: Book-to-Table Edition.’ However, I think the most meaningful book I have been gifted is ‘A Muppet’s Christmas Carol‘. The book is based off the movie by the same name. The film is very special to my family, so I was happy, shocked and blessed to receive the book adaptation.

• What book do you hope to get this year?
Honestly, I don’t really have a Christmas list. I am grateful to have people that love me enough to give me a gift, but I never really ask for anything. Still, if I am asked what I want I always say books. Also, I would like a brush hairdryer, which might seems a little random.

• What is your favorite holiday movie?
Don’t yell at me, but I have to mention it again. My all time favorite Christmas movie is ‘A Muppet’s Christmas Carol’. However, I will tell you the other two holiday movies that I adore. The first is the Grinch – mainly the 1966 ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas’ cartoon. Yet, I also really enjoyed the 2018, The Grinch, animated version as well. Secondly, I am a huge fan of the ‘Princess Switch’ movies on Netflix. I like them all, but my favorite will probably always be the first one.

• What holiday song is always on repeat?
Can anyone just pick one holiday song? If I have to choose, then I’m going with my girl Taylor Swift. She released a small holiday album years ago. It was a Target exclusive album that I don’t think many people remember. On the album, she has a track called ‘Christmas Must Be Something More,’ which has such a powerful message. The song reminds us that Christmas isn’t about presents, decorations, or snow. It’s about so much more. As the Grinch said, “Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”

• What is your favorite holiday food to either make or eat?
It would be a tie between corn pudding and potatoes of any kind. We only have corn pudding on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so it is a rare treat. As for potatoes, I simply love them! I am fan of all potato dishes, from mashed to scalloped. Also, I do usually make the potatoes every year, so I maybe biased.

If you want to do this tag too, then go right ahead! Let me know in the comments if you do, so I can go check out your posts. If you don’t want to miss out on any posts, then give me a follow!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Remember To Be Thankful // Thankful Thursday

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
It took me a while to figure out what my last ‘Thankful Thursday’ post should be. But, I saw this photo on Twitter, and it sparked an idea. I want to talk about things that make me thankful and bring me joy. So many times in our lives, we take for granted the small things. We forget to tell the ones we love how much they mean to us. We forget to thank ‘God’ or who/whatever it is you believe, for all we have been given. And, we probably don’t say please and thank you as much as we should. It is natural to neglect these simple things, especially when all is going well in our lives. But we should remember how blessed we are, all year long. I wanted to share below some things that remind me to be thankful.


This song reminds me that even when things are rough, it will all be okay. Sometimes we might feel like we are carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders, but in the end everything will turn out alright.


There’s no question as to how much I love books. I am so incredibly grateful and lucky for reading. I know that some people struggle with reading, or don’t even have the time to read, which makes me sad. Books have filled my life with so much joy. For that reason, I will always be thankful for them.


Is anyone not thankful for love? I find it amazing how much a person can love. I love my family, my husband, my pets, and one day my child. Giving love, as well as being loved, is a blessing. Being around people that you can share love with is a feeling that can’t be beaten.

What makes you thankful? Who makes you thankful? Let me know in the comments below. Feel free to share this, and all my ‘Thankful Thursday’ posts. As always, give the blog a follow to get notified about all my posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Self Care For Mental Health // Toss Up Tuesday

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
Earlier this year, I did a post called “A Little Bit Personal” – where I shared some of my mental health struggles. Today, I wanted to talk about a few self-care things you can do when anxiety and depression become overwhelming. Currently, depression and anxiety have been dominating my days. Some days, it’s hard to get out of bed, or find the simple joy in doing things that I normally do. So I hope these tips can help you, and me.

Give Yourself Permission To Be Sad

First, I am guilty of ignoring this rule, and I’d bet that some of you are too. For some reason, I think that everything should be happy and good 24/7, which isn’t healthy or normal. So stop putting all this pressure on yourself to be in a good mood all the time. The first step in dealing with mental illness is telling yourself that it’s okay to not be okay. Our feelings are valid.

Sleep The Day Away

Does everyone feeling stressed when they sleep all day? Or is it just me? I am trying hard to remind myself that sleep is good for the brain. When you’re depressed, sleep can help clear your mind. Living with a mental illness is hard, and can lead to negative thinking. So, fo ahead and sleep off the sadness and destructive thoughts.

Talk It Out

It can be hard to share your feelings when you have anxiety and depression. But I have always found it better to open up to people, rather than keeping my feelings bottled up. I am blessed to have some amazing people in my life that I can talk to on the rough days. However, I know not everyone has a support system. There are plenty of online, text, and talk help lines. Crisis Text Line is a 24/7 chat that helps people with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and more.

Find Your Playlist

Music is such a powerful healing tool. When you are dealing with mental health issues, having a ‘default’ playlist you can go to can really help. Just shut the world out, and simply listen to the lyrics. Trying having a mix of sad songs, mental illness related songs and songs that make you happy on your playlist. Or playlists for your individual moods. You know yourself, run with it.

The Little Things

We always forget to think about the little things in life. Whatever is weighing you down, when you see it come to the forefront of your thoughts, just stop for a moment. Think about all the little things in your life that lift you up. We all have a reason – no matter how small – to smile.

I’d like to think that this post has reached someone, even one person, that needed to see these words today. We may not be fighting the same battle, but we are all fighting a battle. Now wake up, take a deep breath, and ride your wave. Help this post reach that one person that needs to see it, and like, share, subscribe.

Until The Next Chapter,

Bunny

Mid-Month Reading Update

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hello bookish friends.
This is a quick little mid-month reading, watching and listening update.I thought it would be fun to let you know how my reading has been going. Also, I thought I would throw in what I have been watching and listening too lately. I plan to do this type of post each month, so I hope you guys like it.

Reading
I have read three books this month, which isn’t bad in my opinion. I am hoping to finish two more books before the end of the month. I know my original goal was 9 books, still I am very happy with how my reading is going. I am sticking to my monthly tbr as well.

Movies
Netflix’s Prom The Musical (8.0/10.00 Stars): This was such a cute and fun musical. It is based on a Broadway musical, and stars some amazing actors. All the songs were great, yet my favorites has to be “Love Thy Neighbor.”

The Live Action Tom and Jerry Movie (4.0/10.0 Stars): I have never been a Tom and Jerry fan, so I might not be the target audience for this movie. I can appreciate the modern day take on the classic cartoon, but I felt it lack something. It was slow at times and not very funny.

Legally Blonde (9.0/10.0 Stars): Yep! We watched this 2000s gem. It was a good time and I fell in love with this movie all over again. Need I say more.

Valley Girl (5.0/10.0 Stars): This movie was a 2020 release, and is a musical with a Romeo and Juliet type plot. The songs where covers of classic 80s hits, still the over all story was a bit mundane. However, despite my low rating I would watch this movie again. Yeah I am strange.

TV
Me and my husband are making our way through a few shows right now. Below are the shows we are watching and the episode we are on.
Avatar the Last Airbender (Season 1, Episode 3)
Fringe (Season 1, Episode 1)
Nip/Tuck (Season 1, Episode 3)
House MD (Season 1, Episode 6)
Gilmore Girls (Season 3, Episode 8)
Pretty Little Liars (Season 1, Episode 1)

Listening
I have only been listening to the Prom: The Musical soundtrack and Willow by Taylor Swift. I need some knew music recommendations.

There is my mid-month update! Let me know what you have been reading, watching and listening too. Please support my book blog by liking and sharing this post. You can follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny