Tag: non-fiction

Top 5 Tuesday: Books to Read in 2023

kerrimcbooknerd8 Comments

Top 5 Tuesday is a fun, weekly meme that asks you to pick 5 books that fit that week’s theme. It was created by Bionic Bookworm and is currently being hosted by Meeghan Reads. You should check out their wonderful blog for more details and the list of prompts!

Hello, reader!

Happy Tuesday, y’all! I hope everyone is having a good start to another week. I’m counting down the days til my next day off because I’ve been working a bit of overtime and I am a tired bean 😴 For now, though, it’s time for another Top 5 Tuesday! This week, we’re focusing on our top five books to read in 2023! I have quite a few books that I would like to prioritize this year, quite a few of which I’ve talked about recently on the blog, so I thought I’d focus on five that I’m eager to read, but don’t talk about as much.

With that said, let’s get to the list!

#1. Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart

That’s right, y’all. I’m gonna give this DNF another go. I was so disappointed that I had to set this one aside when I tried to read it the first time. I just could not get into the story, but I’ve heard that it gets more interesting in the second half of the book. I want to actually make it there this time 😂 Thankfully, I’ve gotten my hands on the audiobook, so I’m hoping that helps to immerse me into the story more.

#2. Sword & Pen by Rachel Caine

I’m mad at myself for putting off finishing the Great Library series for so long! What was the reason? Probably because I’m just not ready to let go of Jess and company! I’m sad that this is the last book in this incredible series, but I can’t let that stop me from finally reading the freakin’ book! I’m ready to sink back into this world where the Great Library of Alexandria never burned down and has turned into the most powerful organization on the planet.

Read More »
Advertisement

#5OnMyTBR – Nonfiction

kerrimcbooknerd3 Comments

#5OnMyTBR is a bookish meme hosted by E. @ Local Bee Hunter’s Nook where you chose five books from your to-be-read pile that fit that week’s theme. If you’d like more info, head over to the announcement post!

Hello, reader!

I hope y’all are having a grand Monday! It’s time for another 5 On My TBR to kick off another week. This week I had plenty of books from which to choose since the theme this week is non-fiction books. I don’t pick up non-fiction nearly as much as I do fiction, so there are quite a few that are just languishing on my TBR.

I’ve picked five that I’d love to get to sooner rather than later, so let’s get to the list!

#1. The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson has to be one of my favorite non-fiction writers. His book about hiking the Appalachian Trail, A Walk in the Woods, was both informative and quite humorous. I had such a great time with that book, so I’ve been wanting to read another of his books. This one talks about Bill Bryson re-settling in the United States after spending years abroad. I’m sure it will be just as engaging!

#2. The Real James Herriot by Jim Wight

James Herriot was one of my favorite authors when I was a kid. I loved reading about his adventures as a Yorkshire veterinarian and tore through his collection of tales at rapid speed. So when I discovered that his son had written a biography on his dad, I knew I wanted to read it. It’s sat on my TBR for ages, now, but I would love to read it sooner rather than later.

Read More »

Down the TBR Hole #44

kerrimcbooknerd2 Comments

It’s time for a new round of Down the TBR Hole! This is where I go through my Goodreads ‘Want to Read’ shelf and do a bit of cleaning up. If you want to see the full description of what this post is all about, check out my first round HERE.

Hello, reader!

After a busy day of pre-best-friend’s-wedding stuff, I figured it was time for some bookish stuff. So now I’m bringing you another round of Down the TBR Hole! I have somehow managed to maintain the amount of books on my ‘Want to Read’ shelf at 690 books since completing the last round. I’m honestly impressed because I’ve been hearing more and more about books coming out in 2023. The urge to add is very high, haha.

For now, let’s see if I can make more room on the TBR!

#1. The Tea Dragon Festival by Kay O’Neill

Yeah, there’s no way this is coming off my TBR 😂 This is the second graphic novel in the Tea Dragon series and I absolutely loved the first one. It was so cute and heartwarming! Not to mention the fact that the art is just gorgeous. I love all the little tea dragons, the story, and the inclusiveness of the story. I’m eager to jump back into this world!

Verdict: Keep

#2. Spellslinger by Sebastian de Castell

So forever ago, I read the first book in the Greatcoats series by this author and loved it! And I haven’t picked up a book of his since 😅 I have no good reasons, no excuses… I just kind of forgot about him a little bit. That being said, I’ve heard some great things about the Spellslinger series, so that’s how it ended up on my TBR. The fact that I know that I enjoy his writing, as well, means that I’m keeping it around for now.

Verdict: Keep

Read More »

Down the TBR Hole #39

kerrimcbooknerd2 Comments

It’s time for a new round of Down the TBR Hole! This is where I go through my Goodreads ‘Want to Read’ shelf and do a bit of cleaning up. If you want to see the full description of what this post is all about, check out my first round HERE.

Hello, reader!

It’s been a hell of a Monday here in the McBookNerd house. I ended up working a double shift and just now getting a chance to sit and write my post for the day! Yet another reason that I need to work on developing an actual schedule so I won’t have to worry about it, heh. One day… when I finally manage to organize my life outside of work.

Late hour aside, I’m still eager to bring you another round of Down the TBR Hole! I’ve somehow managed to keep my ‘Want to Read’ shelf at the exact same number I left it last round: 703 books. Perhaps one day I’ll get back into the 600s. Although we’re getting to that time of year where I start looking forward to next year’s new releases… so I only see this number going up, haha. Still, at least as I go through each round of this meme, I know that I’m curating my TBR to reflect books I’m actually still interested in reading.

That said, let’s jump in!

V for Vendetta by Alan Moore

I’m actually kind of shocked that this book is still on my TBR, to be honest. I’ve wanted to read this since watching (and loving!) the movie version. That was a looong time ago and still it sits on my TBR. I’m such a slacker 😂 In my defense, for awhile after seeing the movie, I had no idea it was based on this graphic novel. All that said, I’m still very much interested in picking this up.

Verdict: Keep

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

Come ooooon, it’s a spooky book set near water AND it’s a fairytale retelling. There’s no way I’m kicking this one off my TBR! I’ve heard so many good things about this book and it seems like something that would be right up my alley. It sounds dark and atmospheric and just completely my vibe. I suppose we’ll find out once I finally pick it up, heh. Here’s hoping this dark retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses doesn’t let me down.

Verdict: Keep

Read More »

Down the TBR Hole #33

kerrimcbooknerd3 Comments

It’s time for a new round of Down the TBR Hole! This is where I go through my Goodreads ‘Want to Read’ shelf and do a bit of cleaning up. If you want to see the full description of what this post is all about, check out my first round HERE.

Hello, reader!

I figured it was time for another round of Down the TBR Hole because I feel like I’ve been adding a lot of books recently. Time to continue trimming off older books in which I’m no longer interested! That being said, I haven’t added nearly as many as I thought I had. I ended last round with 710 books on my Want to Read shelf and will be starting this round with 714 books. That’s not bad! For me 😂

Now, let’s see which books may (or may not) be leaving.

The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair

I don’t read a ton of non-fiction, but this one certainly caught my interest. It’s about how certain hues came to be and it sounds fascinating! Who knows when I’ll actually pick this one up… we all know I’m easily distracted by fiction. Still, I want to keep this one on my radar, so it gets to stay.

Verdict: Keep

The Huntress by Kate Quinn

Historical fiction is another genre that I don’t read often, though I tend to enjoy it when I do. This one follows several people in the aftermath of WWII, one of whom may be a Nazi murderess called the Huntress. The synopsis makes me think there will be thrills and tears involved with this one. It definitely keeps me interested in the book!

Verdict: Keep

Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte

Now we’re back in my wheelhouse, haha. This YA fantasy sounds like something that would be right up my alley. It has politics, reluctant allies, and, clearly, quite a few murderous plots. The premise is certainly interesting and the fact that it’s a standalone makes it less intimidating. I really don’t need to be starting another series.

Verdict: Keep

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

I’ve had an interesting relationship with Ruth Ware’s books. I started reading them when she published The Woman in Cabin 10 and, with each subsequent book, I liked her writing more and more. So that makes me think that, if I go back to her first book, I may not like it as much, haha. Besides, I have so many other books to read 🤷🏾‍♀️

Verdict: Remove

Read More »

Down the TBR Hole #32

kerrimcbooknerd5 Comments

It’s time for a new round of Down the TBR Hole! This is where I go through my Goodreads ‘Want to Read’ shelf and do a bit of cleaning up. If you want to see the full description of what this post is all about, check out my first round HERE.

Hello, reader!

I’m back to try and trim my ridiculous TBR! Okay, it’s not that bad. I mean, if I read one book off my TBR a day, it would only take me a little under two years to clear it all 😅😂 That’s if I don’t add anymore books and we all know that’s not gonna happen. I’m currently sitting at 715 books on my Goodreads Want to Read shelf which is the same amount I ended with last round! I’m pretty proud that I didn’t add anymore in the interim.

Now, it’s time to trim it down a bit more!

Pop Travel by Tara Tyler

I know exactly why I added this book to my TBR. It was for a Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt years ago. Do I actually have any interest in this science fiction novel? Not in the slightest. The premise is alright, but it certainly doesn’t capture my interest.

Verdict: Remove

Bitter Harvest by Ann Rule

One day, I’m going to read an Ann Rule novel. One day! But that novel probably won’t be this one. I already have The Stranger Beside Me on my TBR and I’m far more interested in that one. I think, until I decided whether I like her writing style, I’ll stick with one of her books on my TBR. I can always add this back if I end up loving her style!

Verdict: Remove

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This book sounds like it would be incredibly moving. It follows two Nigerians who leave their home country, one going to the USA and one heading to London. It follows their struggles and, then, their reunion years later. I feel like I would enjoy this one and I want to give it a chance.

Verdict: Keep

Read More »

Down the TBR Hole #30

kerrimcbooknerd2 Comments

It’s time for a new round of Down the TBR Hole! This is where I go through my Goodreads ‘Want to Read’ shelf and do a bit of cleaning up. If you want to see the full description of what this post is all about, check out my first round HERE.

Hello, reader!

It’s been a moment since I’ve done another round of Down the TBR Hole. And, surprise of all surprises, my Goodreads Want to Read shelf has actually reduced in number since the last time I did this post! I was at 721 books at the end of last round and I’ll be starting this one with 719 books on the TBR. This almost never happens because I have no self control, haha. I would like to contribute that to the fact I read quite a few books off my backlist last month. Of course, with the amount of books off my backlist I read, that number should have gone down way more… but remember how I said I have no self control? Haha… yeah 😅

Anyways! Let’s see if I can trim this list down a little bit more.

Extropia by Robin Bootle

I have no recollection of adding this book whatsoever, haha. The cover is cool, though, so that’s probably how it ended up on my TBR. Reading the synopsis, it’s about a boy that must save his father who has become stuck in a virtual reality realm named Extropia. And that sounds right up my alley! It’s also a standalone, which means I won’t be committing series.

Verdict: Keep

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Yup, I have yet to give this very popular YA series a try. I dunno… I’ve never been particularly drawn to fae stories. I’ve only read one Holly Black book and it was alright, nothing that made me eager to read her other work. I think the only reason this stays on my TBR is because of the hype. Honestly, though… I’m not feeling it anymore.

Verdict: Remove

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

This is one of those books I remember adding to my TBR but kind of forgot about in the shuffle of newer, shinier books. That being said, I’m still very interested in this series. I think the concept of three magical sisters having to fight over one crown is fascinating. Perhaps they’ll turn on whoever made up that stupid rule and kill them, instead 😂

Verdict: Keep

Read More »

The Ultimate Recommendations Book Tag

kerrimcbooknerd8 Comments

Hello, reader!

Today is a good day for a tag, no? I certainly think so! I was recently tagged by Danni @ _ForBooksSake in the Ultimate Recommendations Book Tag. This tag was created by Ellyn @ Allonsythornraxx and it looked like too much fun to pass up. Let’s hope I do better with these recommendations than when people ask me in real life. Then, I usually freeze up and forget every book I’ve ever read 😂

Before I get to my post, if you haven’t checked out Danni’s blog, you should definitely give it a peek! She has a lot of great content, especially if you’re into thrillers and horror. And she’s also an incredibly be talented artist. Go give her a follow cause she rocks!

Now, let’s get to the tag!

Rules:

  • Thank the person who nominated you (Thanks, Danni!)
  • Answer all the questions down below
  • Pingback to the creator: Ellyn @ Allonsythornraxx
  • Nominate 5+ bloggers to do this tag

Prompts:

1 – A book from one of your favorite genres

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

I’m probably not gonna shut up about this book for a good long while 😂I loved it so much! It’s a fantasy with flavorings of sci-fi that is absolutely captivating. It’s raw and dark and so compelling I found it hard to put it down! Excellent world-building, fascinating characters, and incredible writing all combined to make a book I won’t soon forget!

2 – A short book

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

Dex and Mosscap deserve all the rights forever and I will be hearing NO ARGUMENTS. I adored this short little book but my favorite part was definitely the characters. They brought such heart and joy to this story! Becky Chambers has a way of writing a book that just makes it so freakin’ cozy. Everything about this, from Dex striking out into the world as a tea monk to them meeting Mosscap, combined into a story that feels like a warm hug ❤

3 – A book-to-screen adaption

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

I’m gonna steal Danni’s answer because, honestly, is there a better adaptation than the Lord of the Rings movies? The three LotR movies directed by Peter Jackson are damn near perfection! I think it’s even more astonishing that all three of them are so freakin’ good. One, sure. Two, that’s pretty impressive. But all three?! Pure magic. To this day, I can still quote whole scenes from any of the movies off the cuff. I really want to re-watch them all now…

Read More »

Down the TBR Hole #29

kerrimcbooknerd2 Comments

It’s time for a new round of Down the TBR Hole! This is where I go through my Goodreads ‘Want to Read’ shelf and do a bit of cleaning up. If you want to see the full description of what this post is all about, check out my first round HERE.

Hello, reader!

It’s been a bit since I’ve done a Down the TBR Hole round. Time to climb back on that horse! It’s, apparently, also been awhile since I’ve added a book to my TBR because I ended last round with 725 books on my Want to Read shelf and I’ll be starting with the same amount! I would like to say that I’ve exhibited restraint. But I would be lying 😂 I’ve definitely added books, but I’ve also been reading backlist books off my TBR lately. I count that as a win!

Alright, let’s continue the TBR cleanout and get into round 29.

My Sister’s Bones by Nuala Ellwood

This is a psychology thriller featuring a war journalist that is haunted by her experiences. When she moves back home, she’s also haunted by what she suspects might be happening in her neighbor’s house. This sounds like it has potential… but reading the synopsis left me feeling rather ‘meh’. I think this one has to go.

Verdict: Remove

The Secrets She Keeps by Michael Robotham

We have another thriller here and this one definitely sounds like it could get my heart racing. Only problem? It involves two pregnant women. Miscarriage is one of my few triggers, so a thriller + pregnant women? Imma pass. Even if it never happens, the anxiety that it might would haunt me throughout the book. No thanks.

Verdict: Remove

Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl

I don’t read a lot of non-fiction, but some of my favorite books in the genre are travel non-fiction. I like to live vicariously through wealthier people who can afford to go to places I dream of visiting 😂 This book is less about a dream location, but it still sounds fascinating. It’s about this man and his crew’s journey sailing the Pacific on a balsa log raft. I’m definitely intrigued!

Verdict: Keep

Read More »

March 2022 Wrap Up

kerrimcbooknerd2 Comments

Hello, reader!

We made it through another month of 2022! I feel like March went by super fast which was not at all what I wanted, haha. I feel like I got nothing done because the month just slipped through my fingers! At the same time, I’ve been unusually stressed with nothing added to my daily routine that would explain all the stress. It was a weird month, y’all. Here’s hoping April will be a bit more chill.

In the reading department, I read quite a few books but not nearly the amount I was hoping to achieve. I only read a few books from my Magical Readathon and WomenInMyth-Athon TBRs, but I still had a lot of fun participating in both! I suppose I shouldn’t be too hard on myself because I still managed to read nine books. Nine books in one month would have made me from a few years ago die of shock! And the quality of those books what top tier. I had three five star reads last month! I gotta remind myself of these things when I’m being too down on myself for how much I read. After all, it’s quality not quantity that counts.

Anyways, let’s get into all the books I read in the month of March!

Books Read

Click on the covers to be taken to the book’s Goodreads page

Book: Anne of West Philly by Ivy Noelle Weir/illustrated by Myisha Haynes

Rating: ★★★★

Thoughts: This was such a cute, fun graphic novel! It’s a retelling of Anne of Green Gables, which I haven’t read. Still, I know a bit about the character of Anne and I think this duo captured her spirit to a T! The art is beautiful, the story was touching, and I had a blast reading it. You can read my full review here.

Book: The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

Rating: ★★★★

Thoughts: Well, this was quite a thrill to read! From the very beginning, I was invested in Priya and Malini’s stories. They are incredibly well-written and compelling characters that made me want to keep reading. Beyond them, the lush world-building and the intriguing politics had me absolutely captivated. I’m excited for the next book in this series!

Book: The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

Rating: ★★★★★

Thoughts: This book took me by surprise! I got it in my Book of the Month box and signed up for a blog tour simply because I liked the cover. Honestly, if it hadn’t been for the tour, it probably would have languished on my shelves for awhile. I’m so glad it didn’t, though, because it absolutely blew me away! You can read my full review here.

Read More »