Booktube

Splendid Spring Book Tag // May 2022

- Bunny 3 Comments

Hi Friends,
Today, I wanted to do a fun spring book tag for you all. Currently, the weather where I live feels more like summer than spring. But, I’m hoping this tag will make it seem more like spring. This tag was created by a YouTuber, Victoria Mann, and as per usual has a ton of fun bookish questions. So enough chitchat let’s jump right into the questions!










If you want to do this tag please feel free to. I would appreciate anyone that likes and shares this post, and anyone that takes the time to read my blog. Please help my blog continue to grow by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Quarter Year Crisis // Book Tag

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
I have been seeing ‘The Quarter Year Crisis’ book tag making its way around the bookish community. This tag is similar to the ‘Mid-Year Book Freakout‘ tag. Since I love doing the mid-year tag I decided that it would be fun to do the quarter year one as well. The tag was created by Booktuber Roisin’s Reading, and I recommend you check out her channel.

How many books have you read so far?

I have only read 21 books, which I think is pretty good. I have never actually read more than two books a month, so I am proud of myself for reading more than I every thought I could in a month.

Have you already found a book you think might be a 2022 favorite?

I am not going to lie, but most of the books I have read thus far have been 3 star reads. However, ‘You’ll Be the Death of Me‘ by Karen M. McManus will most likely make it on to my favorites of the year list. This doesn’t really come as a surprise, since her book ‘One Of Us Is Lying‘ was a 2021 favorite of mine.

What was your favorite book you read that wasn’t quite five stars?

Probably, going to have to go with ‘Radio Silence‘ by Alice Oseman, yes she is author of the widely popular graphic novel series ‘Heartstopper‘. This book was really good and the message was amazing. I gave the book 4.5 stars, so it was just barely a 5 star read for me. If you want more of my thoughts on the book you can read my review of it.

Any 1 star books / least favorite book of the year?

I have had a few disappointing reads in the past few months, but the one that stands out the most is ‘You’ve Reached Sam‘ by Dustin Thao. I have also done a review of this book, so I don’t want to talk to much about it. But, this book was such a letdown.

Most read genre so far?

100% contemporary! This doesn’t come as a shock since YA contemporary has always been my most read genre. Yet, I think as the year progresses YA horrors and thrillers might beat out contemporary books.

A book that surprised you?

This would have to be ‘Horrid‘ by Katrina Leno. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting going into this book, but I really enjoyed it. For some reason I didn’t think I would like it as much as I did. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

Book that’s come out in 2022 already that you want to read but haven’t yet?

This is an easy one for me, but that would be ‘Blaine for the Win‘ by Robbie Couch. Technically the book was released on April 12th, yet the audiobook isn’t out until May 10th. As most of you know, I am an audiobook addict which is why I have already pre-ordered my copy of the audiobook. I cannot wait to dive into this book.

One goal you’ve made that you’re succeeding at?

This isn’t a bookish goal, but a blogging one. In my 2022 goal post I talked about how I wanted to broaden my blog content. I think that I have been doing pretty good on posting some lifestyle content in addition to bookish posts. I do ‘Toss-Up Tuesday‘, which is when I usually post my non-book content. I have been liking doing those posts and hope to make them more of a regular things.

One goal you made that you need to focus on?

This is a bookish goal, and it is to read the books that I own. I have been very inconsistent with reading from my bookshelves. There are so many new releases that I want to get to that I forget to read the books I already own. I hope to make my owned TBR more of a priority as the year goes on.

New to you Booktubers/bookstagrammers/booktokers for 2022 that you recommend?

I have just started Booktok so I don’t really have any recommendations there (unless you count myself @bookswithbunny). I do have a bookstagram, but don’t really have any account recommendations since I mainly going on Instagram to see cute comics. As for Booktube, I recommend Julie Janis Books and LiterallyLo. They always make great bookish content.

I hope that you enjoyed this tag. If you like this kind of tag, follow my blog so you don’t miss out on when I post my ‘Mid-Year Book Freakout’ tag. I want to tag all my fellow book bloggers, so leave a comment letting me know if you do the tag.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

These Books Will Self Destruct // Unhaul TBR

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Hi Friends,
I have been seeing people do these self destruct or unhaul TBR posts and videos for a while. This year, I have made it a goal of mine to read more of my own books. So, I have picked 8 books from my shelves that must be read before the end of the year. If they don’t get read than they must be sold or donated. This is a good way to In courage me to read some books I’ve had forever, and remove unwanted books from my bookshelf.

Renegades by Marissa Meyer: I have a few unread Marissa Meyer books, but this is the first in a YA superhero series that sounds pretty interesting. If nothing less, I will discover whether or not I want to continue with the series.

Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas: I read 40% of this book a couple of years ago. However, I put it aside and never picked it back up. I read liking the story, but I’m unsure if I really care to read it anymore.

Evil Librarian by Michelle Knudsen: In 2014, I received this book from the publisher. It interested me back than, but my reading taste has changed a lot since than. Still, I want to give it a chance.

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger: I am pretty positive that I won’t be picking this book up. Still, I could be wrong. The only reason I got the book was because I saw the move version, and wanted to read the book to compare it too.

Looking for Alaska by John Green: This book has been on my shelves for a long time now. However, I am hesitant to read it since I haven’t been a fan of any John Green book I have read. Yet, I want to read it before watching the new Hulu series based on the book.

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson: I tried reading this YA mystery, but I couldn’t get into it. Hopefully, the second time is a charm and it will keep me intrigued enough to want to keep reading. This book series is highly praised, so I want to learn what all the hype is about.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith: This is actually a short read that I didn’t hate. Yet, the plot was slow moving and the romance was definitely a slow burn, which I don’t typically like. But, I still own it so I would like to finish it.

One Day in December by Josie Silver: This is another book that was sent to me that I haven’t read. I have been reading more adult books, so I think this is the perfect time for me to try to read it.

There you have the eight books that must be read by twenty-twenty three and like them, or must be unhauled. Please, share and like this post, and show your love for my blog by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Merry and Bright 2021 Readathon // To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
I decided, last minute, to take part in the ‘Merry and Bright’ readathon, hosted by booktubers Zoe, Chandler, and Spencer. There are only six reading prompts, and it is all together a chill readathon. I have picked a different book for each prompt, so hopefully I can get to them all.

Readathon Dates: December 9th – 15th

Winter Wonderland: White On The Cover?

‘If I Stay’ meets ‘Your Name’ in Dustin Thao’s ‘You’ve Reached Sam’, a heartfelt novel about love and loss and what it means to say goodbye.

I have been dying to pick up this book. What can I say, I am a sucker for a good heartbreaking YA contemporary. This one has a sci-fi element twist that reminds me of the movie ‘The Lake House’.

Hot Cocoa: Cozy Vibes?

In this clever reimagining of Charles Dickens’s life, he and fiancée Kate Hogarth must solve the murder of an old miser, just before Christmas.

When I heard about this book, I knew that it was right up my alley. You should know by now that I am a huge ‘A Christmas Carol’ fan, so a mystery retelling sounds amazing. For some reason, this book gives me those cozy London feels.

Elf on the Shelf: Already Owned?

A heartwarming, page-turning adventure about one child’s love for his most treasured thing, and how far he will go to find it. A tale for the whole family to fall in love with, from one of the world’s greatest storytellers.

I got this book for my wedding anniversary and couldn’t be more excited for it. Being a lover of Christmas and pigs, a Christmas pig related story is sure to be a 5 star read. I hope the book doesn’t let me down.

Last Christmas: Purchased Last Year & Never Read?

The tale of Nutcracker, written by E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816, has fascinated and inspired artists, composers, and audiences for almost two hundred years. It has retained its freshness because it appeals to the sense of wonder we all share.

I was gifted two different copies of ‘The Nutcracker’, so it seemed like it was about time to read it. I have actually never read the book, or even seen the stage production.

The Grinch: Enemies-to-Lovers or Unreliable Narrator?

Perfect for fans of ‘The Last Magician’ and ‘Serpent & Dove’, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River.

I have been wanting to read this book for a while, since it has become a favorite among the book community. So, I knew I had to find away to add it to my TBR. I can’t wait to jump into this ‘Romeo and Juliette’ fantasy retelling, and hopefully I will enjoy it as much as some of the others.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Dual Perspective?

Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich’s ‘If This Gets Out’ is an absolute showstopper! Equal parts edgy and adorable, this bright, joyful book has everything I look for in a queer YA romance.” —Phil Stamper, bestselling author of ‘The Gravity of Us’

This was on my TBR for the month, and is a much anticipated release (for me, at least).

Those are the books that I will be reading for the ‘Merry and Bright’ readathon. In total, it is only 6 days long, so hopefully I can complete this TBR. Let me know if you will be participating as well, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Coffee Break // Audiobooks Aren’t Real Reading

- Bunny 2 Comments


Hi Friends,
I have wanted to do this post for a while now, because it is something I am extremely passionate about. Is listening to audiobooks ‘reading’? I used to be the type of person that would hate on audiobook readers. I would think it was cheating, and not real reading. However, fast forward 10 years and 100% of my reading is done via audiobooks. Zero regrets. I completely understand people that cannot get behind audiobooks, and have to physically read. Just like anything else, audiobooks aren’t for everyone, and it does take some getting used to. I know that a lot of people believe that you aren’t truly ‘reading’ if you go the audiobook route. But I don’t think that’s really true.

I watched a lot of videos on this topic, and one of them put it very well. In the video, by EmmmaBooks, she posed a question – that if someone drives themself to work, but their co-worker takes the bus, did one of them cheat? Or take the easy way out? The person that drove themself isn’t going to call out their co-worker for taking the bus. They both got the same results, but took different paths to get there. In the debate of audiobooks versus physically reading, you are both consuming the same work, just in different forms.

I am a multi-tasker with serious ADD, which makes audiobooks perfect for me. I can accomplish other things while reading. Also, it is like TV in my head. Oh, the days of radio shows. Best-sellling author Stephen King even did a short video, declaring that “audiobooks are terrific”. They are especially great for people who have learning disabilities, that would otherwise struggle with reading. I am forunate enough to be able to read well, but I do still get frustrated when there isn’t an audiobook version available. Authors that only release physical books are missing out on sharing their work with a whole new dynamic of people.

In my opinion, the whole point of reading is to open your mind to a new world and a new group of people, to bring the story to life. You can do that regardless of whether you listen to the audiobook or read it in print. I would certainly never think less of the people who choose to listen to audiobooks, and I love the fact that all readers are different. but can still come together and share a love for books. I will always advocate for audiobooks, and if that makes me not a real reader, then so be it. Remember – you do you, and enjoy reading any way you please.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Booktube vs Book Blogging // Pros And Cons

- Bunny 8 Comments

Hi Friends,
For months, I have been going back and forth on the struggle of Booktube vs. book blogging, and which is right for me. If you don’t already know, I started out as a Booktuber, but the struggle to keep up with videos and the YouTube algorithm turned me off. It wasn’t very good for my mental health. I had always been an avid writer, so I turned to book blogging. I wouldn’t say one is more cost efficient than the other, since money goes into both of them. Also, for a planner like myself, both seem to take a lot of time and effort to keep up with every week.

I never really felt like a part of the book community, and I noticed that after stepping away, I was reading more than I ever had before. Watching new Booktubers growing, while I was stuck at 100 subscribers after more than two years took its toll on my mental health. I do, at times, get upset when my blog isn’t performing as well as I might hope. But I feel more involved in the blogging community, which helps. Also, I think my writing is way better than my camera skills. I will say that I sometimes get the urge to film a video, and some topics are just easier as video content, rather than blog posts. However, I like owning my work, which isn’t possible with YouTube.

I know that Booktubers get more recognition than book bloggers, which is a bummer. Another big thing is that Booktubers are the go-to for sponsorships and paid promotions. I am not sure if book bloggers get these opportunities as well, but I know that it is a huge thing in the Booktube community. I thought that it would be fun to give you some personal pros and cons of Booktube vs book blogging, just in case you were stuck on the decision too.

Booktube  Book Blog

Large community, with a lot of original content

Smaller community, with a lot of content inspired by Booktube

Your content is owned by YouTube, and can be deleted at any time

You own all your content, and nobody else can censor you

Need a good camera, lighting, and a background

If you want to do it long term, you need to buy a URL and hosting

You have opportunities for free books and paid sponsorships

Much harder to get noticed by authors and publishers

You have to be on camera, and able to clearly communicate your point

Can write a post in your PJ’s, from anywhere

I hope that this list might help some make the decision between Booktube or a book blog, or at least make it a bit easier. I think that I might start posting Instagram (or maybe Booktok) videos, if I ever feel the need to film anything bookish. That way I don’t have to commit to a Booktube channel. I would love your support on my little bookish corner of the internet, so like and share this post! You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram as well (@bookswithbunny).

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Older Books I Still Want To Read

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Book Lovers,
In today post, I am going to talk about the backlist titles that I still want to read. These are books that have been on my raider for years, but I haven’t gotten around to reading them. Some of these book might have been hyped at one point and other maybe lesser known. As readers we always want to pick up the latest releases, but tend to forget about the books that were once on are tbrs. I am trying to change that this year, and get to some of my back-list titles.

Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes #1) by Sara Raasch: I heard about this series from one of my favorite booktubers. It was released in 2014 and is a young adult fantasy novel. I can hear the gasps from here. I normally don’t go for fantasies, but something about this story sounded appealing. Also, I heard the world building in this series was amazing.

Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone: I am a big fan of books that deal with mental health, but I don’t feel that I have read enough in my life. This one deals with the popular girl in school. She seems to have it all together, yet she is hiding her struggles with severe OCD. She gets introduce to a group of mists that all have their own issues and with them she is able to be her true self. This book was published in 2015 and deals with an illness that is talked about much.

Dorothy Must Die (Dorothy Must Die #1) by Danielle Paige: This is another series that was published in 2014 that I have yet to start. Honestly, I haven’t heard that many good things about these books, but the idea behind them is intriguing. Tell me that a YA retilling of the Wizard of Oz where Dorothy has become mad with power doesn’t sound awesome.

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella: This is another 2015 releases that just so happens to have mental health representation. This book seemed to have fallen under the radar for a lot of book lovers, still it has been on my tbr for years. This novel tells the story of a teenage girl who’s controlled by her social anxiety. The book has polarized opinions I’m interested to see where I fall on the scale.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer: Don’t hate me but I haven’t read anything from Marissa Meyer. I know that many people love her Lunar Chronicles series, yet I’ve been fascinated by this book since its 2016 release. This is an Alice and Wonderland retelling about the Queen of Hearts, and her life before becoming queen. I don’t know why villain origin stories interest me, but the only reason I can come up with is that I was Team Regina during the series Once Upon A Time.

Frostblood (Frostblood Saga #1) by Elly Blake: I am going to admit that I barely no anything about this 2017 release. The two things I do know are that it sounded awesome back in the day, and the author is possible Canadian. Heard about this book from one of my Booktube favorites, Hailey LeBlanc (Hailey in Bookland). I believe she enjoyed this series and recommended it, so I added it to my want to read list.

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo: Yes, I technically dnf this book, but I didn’t put it down forever. At the time of it’s releases, in 2018, I was in a huge reading slump and pretty much dnf all my current reads this being one of them. I always intended to pick it up again, but haven’t been feeling it. I did enjoy what I had read and the concept is cool. It is a fantasy romance about a Prince and Siren. It marketed as a “Little Mermaid” retelling, yet don’t go into thinking it is a retelling but more of a re-imagining.

Slayer (Slayer #1) by Kiersten White: This was a 2019 release that I was very excited about! It is a Buffy the Vampire Slayer story where new slayer, Nina, is chosen. I have watched all seven seasons of Buffy, and though I wasn’t a die heart fan I am curious to see a new take on the story. Also, I am a bookworm, so I am happy we get a book version of the show.

This list seems extremely long to me, and gives me slight anxiety. It was cool to take a minute to talk about some older books I need to read. I would love it if you let me know of any back-list titles that you still haven’t gotten around too. Don’t forget to like and share this post with all your bookish friends. Please follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

A Little Bit Personal

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hello Book Lovers,
This isn’t going to be your typical post on this blog. Instead of talking about all things bookish, which I love. I wanted to have an open and honest decision about my mental health and how I have been feeling lately. If you are just stumbling across this blog, Hi I’m Bunny, and this is my little corner of the internet. I talk about all things bookish and more on this blog that I have come to love. I am a former Booktuber turned book blogger, and couldn’t be more happy.

Lately, I haven’t felt like myself, and I know that a lot of factors have contributed to that feelings. I have never mentioned this on the blog, but I suffer with depression, OCD, anxiety, ADD, Bipolar and women health concerns. Yep, I am a beautiful mess. I have dealt with a lot of self-hate lately and feeling of hopelessness. I am someone who is consistently thinking, and most of the time never feels satisfied in what they are doing regardless if it makes me happy.

In the past 2 years, I gained about 40 pounds, tried multiple medications, looked into therapy and been having lot of physical health issues. On top of everything, my husband health has also be steadily declining. Now, I am not writing this post to get sympathy or throw a pity party for myself. I am simply here to tell other that might be having a shit year, or years, and dealing with mental and/or physical issues, or just life in general that you are not alone.

I feel like having anxiety is the cool new trend, but let me tell you it isn’t fun to be consistently anxiousness. I want you guys to know that this blog no matter how small has helped me a lot, and I love all your support. Also, I have a growing community on Twitter and Instagram that I am very proud of.

I would like to mention that I had planned to do the mini PopCulture Readathon (Degrassi: TNG themed), but I want to take the next two weeks to focus on myself and recollect. I am throwing my tbr out the window and just mood reading for the rest of the month. I would love some post request down below, since I am thinking of doing 5 post a week in June to celebrate my birthday month. Also, should we start a monthly book club here on the blog? Let me know in the comments.

Thank you all for viewing this blog and sharing this post. I would sincerely love to know how you are doing and what you are reading.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Book Blogger Newbie Tag

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hello bookish friends,
I thought that I would do the classic “Book Blogger Newbie” tag post. I know that this tag is a time long tradition when becoming a book blogger. I hope that these question help you to get to know me and my little blog better.

Why did you start this blog?
I had a booktube channel, but I just didn’t love the video format. I have always been a writer so I thought a blog is much more my style. I want this to be a place where I can share my love of books as well as other things. I want to talk about TV shows and maybe even some first time mommy content in the future.

What are some fun and unique things you can bring to book blogging?
I know that there are so many blogs out there and you want your blog to stand out. However, I don’t know how fun or unique my content will be. I guess something different is that I haven’t read a lot of the popular books from the 2000s. Currently, I am reading the Harry Potter series for the first time and I haven’t read anything by Sarah J. Maas. Also, this blog will be 75% bookish, yet I want to talk about other topics on this blog too.

What are you most excited for about this blog?
Mostly writing content and sharing my bookish thoughts. I love connecting with others in the book and blogging community.

Why do you love reading?
It let’s me escape into different land. This quote by George R.R. Martinup sums up why I love reading perfectly “A reader lives a thousand lives.”

What series got you into reading?
I fell in love with the The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants books by Ann Brashares, which is a very underrated series in my opinion. After reading all of those books I never wanted to stop reading.

What questions would you ask your favorite authors?
I would love to know what they hope a reader gets from their books. Why do they continue write stories? Also, I read somewhere if author think their characters know about them. I think it would be interesting to know if author do think their characters know about them. As if the world they created is some alternate realm of sorts.

What challenges do you think starting a blog will be the hardest to overcome?
Probably staying consistent. Live has many ups and downs, so it is hard to stay on top of blogging. However, I have a lot of post planned and I will be trying to blog as much as I can each week.

When did you start reading?
I was not a reader as a kid at all. I was more of a television watching, Barbie playing kind of girl. It wasn’t until 2005, I was a huge Gilmore Girls fan and my brother mentioned that Alexis Bledel was going to be starring in the film adaption of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I decided I would read the book first, and I never stopped reading. From that day on I was a reader.

Where do you read?
I usually read at home in my bed. I cannot read in cars be I get motion sickness and I never really read when I am out. I just like being cozy in bed with a book or audiobook.

What kind of books do you like to read?
I am a huge YA fan! I will try to read a lot of different YA genres, but my favorite is contemporary. I am a fan of middle grade books, yet I haven’t read as many of them. I want to expand my reading taste this year, still I am kind of set in my ways when it comes to the books I read.

Wow! Does doing this mean I am an official book blogger? If you are a blogger of any kind let me know in the comments. I want to connect with blogger and just readers in general.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny