Sunday 27 December 2020

Sunday Post #128

                                                   


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer (image above belongs to @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer). It’s a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 
I am also linking The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where bloggers discuss what they are reading and other bookish topics.




Life

It's still sometimes a struggle to feel okay during this pandemic but I'm trying. I celebrated Christmas with my parents but missed my other family members and friends. I did get some lovely gifts and had fun making gift packages for my young cousins.
Two months ago I got myself a new coffee machine and I'm in love with making a caramel macchiato on my own. That's definitely one of the best things of 2020.

What are some of your favourite things during this difficult year?

Blog and books




I'm still reading and enjoying In Order to Live, haven't read  much else this week.

Movies and TV Shows



I started watching Blackadder again, one of my favourite British TV shows (recommendations always welcome!) and I also watched Bridgerton, which I quite liked.



I also watched two films this week: The Importance of Being Earnest (which I loved, because Oscar Wilde is brilliant) and The Happy Prince.

I'm thinking about writing a post about my favourite films and TV shows in 2020, is that something you would like to read about?



What did you read or watch recently?

As always please leave some recommendations on what I should read or watch next! 

If you enjoyed this review, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram, TVShowTime and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!


Have a wonderful day everyone!

Sunday 20 December 2020

Sunday Post #127

                                                  


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer (image above belongs to @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer). It’s a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 
I am also linking The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where bloggers discuss what they are reading and other bookish topics.




Life

I've been absent for some time because I have been feeling a bit down lately. I'm starting to feel better now and I have also started reading again (which usually indicates my mood as well). 

I'm on my Christmas break! It's going to be very different this year and I miss going out with my friends and family a lot but I'm also grateful for the little things that can bring a lot of joy as well. 

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas this year!



Blog and books




I just finished Before the Coffee Gets Cold today and fell in love with the cafe and it's staff and customers. I'm very excited to get the sequel as well.

This week I also started a new audiobook: In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park, a North Korean girl's story to freedom. I'm not that far in yet but I can tell it is going to be a moving and important but difficult read.


Movies and TV Shows



I watched a couple of (Christmas) films recently. My favourite was probably The Christmas Chronicles. Do you have a favourite Christmas film?



What did you read or watch recently?

As always please leave some recommendations on what I should read or watch next! 

If you enjoyed this review, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram, TVShowTime and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!


Have a wonderful day everyone!

Saturday 5 December 2020

Stacking the Shelves: September, October and November 2020 Book Haul

 

  

Stacking the Shelves is a meme co-hosted by Reading Reality and Tynga's Reviews (the image above belongs to these blogs too). Each week bloggers share the books they got.

These are the books I got in September, October and November. I know this is late, but here they are anyway:

September
1. 
Flappers and Philosophers by F. Scott Fitzgerald



I read The Great Gatsby in August and absolutely adored it. I now want to read more of Fitzgerald's works and I love these editions.

2. The Crucible by Arthur Miller


3. Poems and Prose by Edgar Allan Poe



4. Practical Magic (Practical Magic #1) by Alice Hoffman 



5. The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky



6. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov,





October 
7. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia 



8. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab



November
9. The One by John Marrs 



10. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke


I'm incredibly excited to read this one, I adore this edition and hope to adore the story equally.

11. Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia 



Which books did you recently get? Have you read any of the books mentioned above or are you planning to? Leave your thoughts down below!


If you liked this post please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram and Goodreads! I really appreciate it! 




Have a wonderful weekend everyone! 



Friday 4 December 2020

December 2020 TBR

I haven't been feeling the best lately, which is why it's been so quiet on here. Covid-19 blues, I guess. But I'm getting my reading mood back and I wanted to talk about some books I'm hoping to read in December.

I'm never great at sticking to TBR's (because I'm very much a mood reader) but I hope to get to some of these at least!

1. Educated by Tara Westover


I started listening to the audiobook in October but I switched schools and now teach a lot closer to my home and I don't take the train anymore, which is why I haven't finished this one yet. I can't decide to simply read it or continue to listen to the audiobook.

2. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

I'm almost finished with this one, but at one point got too sad to continue. Just the thought of invisibility hurt at that moment. During these lockdowns it's sometimes not too difficult to feel invisible as well. 

3. The King of Crows (The Diviners #4) by Libba Bray


I started The King of Crows quite some time ago and have yet to continue. I really want to finish this series this year. It was quite an original young adult series to read, especially since my reading tastes are changing into adult books.

4. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi


I discovered I love Japanese fiction this year. I got this one during my summer break and it feels fitting to read a new favourite genre at the end of the year as well. Also watching Basically Britt's reading vlog about this book really got me into the mood to pick this one up right away.

5. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brönte



I believe December is the perfect time of the year to read this classic. I have seen and loved several adaptations of this book and once read half the story but didn't continue even though I loved it. Now, I hope to start and finish it this year.

6. Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb


I will have to read a good summary or parts of the previous two books before I get started on this one, but I love reading Robin Hobb during Christmas break. We'll see if I actually get to this huge book, though.

Have you read any of these books or are you planning to? Leave your thoughts and recommendations down below!

If you enjoyed this review, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram, TVShowTime and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!



Have a wonderful day everyone!




Sunday 8 November 2020

Sunday Post #126

                                                 


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer (image above belongs to @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer). It’s a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 
I am also linking The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where bloggers discuss what they are reading and other bookish topics.




Life


After three weeks of getting notified I had a low risk of getting Covid-19 (because pupils tested positive), I had a first weekend where nothing happened. I did have a break and the government decided to add another week to this break in hopes the numbers will decrease. I did have a lovely time reading and relaxing this week, I needed it after those busy weeks.


Blog and books




I liked Mexican Gothic but I enjoyed Rebecca more. I bought my copy of the latter in a second-hand bookshop in Girona, Spain, a couple of years ago. It has been on my to read list for ages and I'm so happy I finally read it. Hoping to watch the film soon as well, although I hear the ending has changed.


Movies and TV Shows



This week I watched two films The Shining and Jojo Rabbit, I had fun watching both. Jojo Rabbit is truly amazing and one of my favourite films this year.



I also started and finished the stunning Netflix show The Queen's Gambit, I now want to play a game of chess.

What did you read or watch recently?

As always please leave some recommendations on what I should read or watch next! 

If you enjoyed this review, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram, TVShowTime and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!


Have a wonderful day everyone!

Sunday 1 November 2020

Sunday Post #125

                                                


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer (image above belongs to @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer). It’s a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 
I am also linking The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where bloggers discuss what they are reading and other bookish topics.




Life


It seems like I always get bad news on Saturday, these days. Yesterday, I was once again notified that I have a low risk of getting Covid-19, this time because not one but two of my pupils tested positive last week. This is getting old and annoying really fast, I still live with my family and have other at risk family members. Luckily, I'm on a break now.

Blog and books



I finally finished The Bird's Nest by Shirley Jackson and I truly enjoyed it! I also listened to about 70% of Educated by Tara Westover. Today, I started Mexican Gothic, because I'm in the mood to read a horror or thriller novel.


Movies and TV Shows



I watched Psycho (for the first time) last night and although I heard a spoiler about the ending, I still really enjoyed it. I'm in the mood to watch some more Hitchcock right now. Do you like his movies?

What did you read or watch recently?

As always please leave some recommendations on what I should read or watch next! 

If you enjoyed this review, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram, TVShowTime and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!


Have a wonderful day everyone!

Sunday 25 October 2020

Sunday Post #124

                                               


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer (image above belongs to @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer). It’s a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 
I am also linking The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where bloggers discuss what they are reading and other bookish topics.




Life


Yesterday, I got the news that I once again have a low risk of getting covid-19 because another one of pupils has tested positive. I still have to go to work and teach but I'm no longer allowed to see anyone except for my family at home and I have to stay inside as much as possible. It's annoying and it's something that might happen for the rest of the schoolyear. To be honest, I'm also a little bit worried I'm might get ill and spread it through my family as well. 

Blog and books



I'm currently reading The Bird's Nest by Shirley Jackson and truly enjoying it. Her writing style is always so atmospheric, it's perfect to read in October. I'm also still listening to the audiobook of Educated, it's very interesting so far. I you have other non-fiction audiobook recommendations, please let me know!


Movies and TV Shows


I didn't watch that much this week, except for a Flemish quiz, De Slimste Mens, and some talk shows about the covid-19 situation here.

What did you read or watch recently?

As always please leave some recommendations on what I should read or watch next! 

If you enjoyed this review, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram, TVShowTime and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!


Have a wonderful day everyone!

Wednesday 21 October 2020

August and September 2020 Wrap Up

I forgot to post my August wrap up last month so now you get both August and September.

I'm quite happy with the selection of books I read these last two months.

These are the three books I read in August:

1. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell


This book is amazing! I can't recommend it enough. It's a gem everyone needs to read. 5 stars!

2. Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo


Another great read. This book tells us what some women need to give in order to have a family. It's an interesting and thought-provoking read. 5 stars!

3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald



Another fantastic classic. I completely fell in love with Fitzgerald's writing style. I hope this is the start of a great love story between me and his other books. 5 stars!

These are the three books I read in September:

4. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry




This was a reread for me and I really enjoyed it. Also, I adore this edition. 5 stars!

5. Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah


This was my  first audiobook and it was an incredible experience. While I do think I grasp more of the story when I actually read it with my eyeballs, I did think Trevor Noah's narration was a more important plus for me. 5 stars!

6. I Had That Same Dream Again: The Complete Manga Collection by Yoru Sumino



This was a wonderful manga all about the meaning of happiness. I wanted to read this because I loved I Want to Eat Your Pancreas and while I still love that one more, I recommend this one as well! 4 stars!

Have you read any of these books or are you planning to? Leave your thoughts and recommendations down below!

If you enjoyed this review, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram, TVShowTime and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!



Have a wonderful day everyone!

Sunday 18 October 2020

Sunday Post #123

                                               


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer (image above belongs to @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer). It’s a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 
I am also linking The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where bloggers discuss what they are reading and other bookish topics.



Life


This weeks and the next one will be very busy for me. I also just learned I now have a low risk of getting Covid-19 because one of my pupils tested positive this week. She often sat right in front of me, so I'm actually quite nervous about this even though I'm told I should be fine.

Blog and books



I finished my second audiobook, Becoming by Michelle Obama, and started a new one: Educated by Tara Westover. I only made a little progress in The Bird's Nest, which is a bit of a problem since I need to finish it in five days.

Movies and TV Shows


I didn't really watch all that much this week except for a Belgian quiz, talk shows and the one episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

What did you read or watch recently?

As always please leave some recommendations on what I should read or watch next! 

If you enjoyed this review, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram, TVShowTime and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!


Have a wonderful day everyone!

Saturday 17 October 2020

Stacking the Shelves: August Book Haul

  

Stacking the Shelves is a meme co-hosted by Reading Reality and Tynga's Reviews (the image above belongs to these blogs too). Each week bloggers share the books they got.

These are the books I got in August. A bit late, but here it is anyway:

1. 
The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson



I have read and loved We Have Always Lived in the Castle and The Haunting of Hill House. I really want to get into more Shirley Jackson soon. Do you have any recommendations?

2. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry



I read this book for the first time when I was ten years old, I believe. I felt it was time to get a stunning edition of this wonderful book.

3. Pelea de gallos by María Fernanda Ampuero



I heard great things about this book and I wanted to try it in Spanish. Not sure when I find the time to do so, though.

4. I Have More Souls Than One by Fernando Pessoa



I haven't read anything by Pessoa before and thought this might be a good place to start. 

Which books did you recently get? Have you read any of the books mentioned above or are you planning to? Leave your thoughts down below!


If you liked this post please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram and Goodreads! I really appreciate it! 




Have a wonderful weekend everyone! 




Sunday 11 October 2020

Sunday Post #122

                                              


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer (image above belongs to @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer). It’s a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 
I am also linking The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where bloggers discuss what they are reading and other bookish topics.



Life


The last couple of weeks have been a bit busy, which is why I often lacked the time to blog. Your lovely comments did cheer me up, though!
Three more weeks and then I will have a break. The Corona numbers are increasing to a dangerous level and it's not always that fun to teach large groups anymore. Especially when some students still fail to see the necessity of wearing a mask, not hugging or drinking from the same bottle of water.

Blog and books



I'm still reading Becoming by Michelle Obama but I hope to finish the audiobook this week. I've read about 80%, and I liked what I read so far. I have yet to continue The King of Crows but I will do so when I have a bit more time. I also started The Bird's Nest by Shirley Jackson yesterday and I'm very intrigued by what I have read so far. I just might be a new favourite.

Movies and TV Shows



I watched Tenet yesterday and really enjoyed it! Christopher Nolan is one of my favourite directors, along with Tim Burton. Do you have any favourites?

What did you read or watch recently?

As always please leave some recommendations on what I should read or watch next! 

If you enjoyed this review, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram, TVShowTime and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!


Have a wonderful day everyone!