Hello there, cutie pies! How’s
life for you? I’m currently preparing to watch the latest episode of Orphan
Black (go watch that you if don’t already) before GAME OF THRONES PREMIERES
TONIGHT OMG OMG DFHGNDKJFGNFDJKGHDFGHFG *calms
self down *
Aaaanyways, yesterday I was listing blog posts ideas and this one came
out, mostly because last week I gave up on a book, and that’s really not “normal”
for me. I tend not to DNF books, mainly because I’ve been kind of lucky: I
seldom feel like I can’t for the life of me finish a book, even if really I
hate it. Last time was different, though. I tried and tried to finish the damn
book and there was just no way. The book was Glass Sword, by the way, if you
don’t already know.
So, with that experienced, I thought I would make a guide on why and when
I give up on books. Like I said, it’s not often, but it happens. I was going to
make a list, because I’m clearly obsessed with them, but I figured I should
change things up (not really) and make a FAQ instead. Let me know how you like
it afterwards, I just made up questions I would personally have or ask myself
before putting a book down forever.
How many books have you gave
up on?
I’m going to trust my Goodreads gave-up-on shelf on this one, and the
number is *drum roll * FIFTEEN BOOKS. Now, considering I read about 45-50 books
a year it’s really not that big of a deal. If you’re now asking yourselves
which fifteen books made it to the list of doom, then head over to the link up there!
How do you handle DNF books on
Goodreads? Do you rate or review them?
I just put them of the gave-up-on shelf, I think this shelf was even
created by Goodreads but I’m not sure. You can make it yourself if you can’t
find it! I don’t really have a rule when it comes to rating DNF books.
Sometimes I like to do it because I’m pretty positive I got a good feel of the
book and it was just plain awful, so I rate and review it. Other times, I just
make a little rant and leave it at that. Those rants obviously make no sense
and are 100% biased because I get pretty angry when I spend money and time on a
book I had to just quit. I HATE IT. Here’s an example of what a DNF rant looks
like, by yours truly:
I tried okay? I tried! I just can't make myself go through this book anymore. I haven’t read this in like two weeks and every time I try to pick it up I just go: "ughhhhhghdiufgjkdf".
I couldn't stand the plot, couldn't stand the characters, COULDN'T STAND THE WRITING.
I know this has an OMG ending but I just don't care. I. Don't. Care.
And that's that.
Glass Sword (Red Queen, #2) by Victoria
Aveyard
…sorry
How much of a book do you read
before you DNF?
I honestly don’t know. I usually just wait for that “I wouldn’t finish this book even if I got paid a billion dollars by a naked Ryan Gosling”
feeling, you know?
Would you give an author a
second chance after DNF-ing one of her/his books?
It depends, if I had a big problem with the writing, then probably not.
If I had a problem with the characters, themes or the genre, then I would
consider it. Either way, the chances are not big. I believe authors grow a lot
from book to book but that doesn’t mean I would ever read anything by E.L.
James ever again in my life.
Is it awkward to DNF popular
books?
When you’re in the blog community or bookstagram then yes, it kind of is.
People are very protective of the books they love, and that’s okay and also
amazing! If you love Red Queen and hate me now, that’s okay too. I would never
make myself love a book just because it’s popular, but I also wouldn’t treat
fans of the book as if they’re stupid or airheads just because they like it,
either. I love you peeps!
So what about you? Do you give up on books often? Or
you just stick through it till the end?
Yep, I finally did it. Every year
I think “I’m not doing this again”, but then, I actually complete the challenge
and fall into the same trap again. It’s like a drug, it’s like chocolate! And two
days ago, after also quitting Glass Sword, I went to Goodreads and quit the
hell out of that challenge.
 |
| Me finishing a challenge |
By the way, I was 10 books behind
schedule, and I set myself a goal of 50 books this year. That stupid widget kept looking at me
every time I logged in! It was like a constant reminder that I should be
reading in order to complete this year’s challenge. And then it hit me: since
when I read because I should?
For me, it was always about
reading for pleasure, so this realization hit me like a rock. Also, I’m a very
competitive and anxious person, so imagine my rage every time I saw the “10
books behind schedule” notice. UGHHHHH. I’m making a list now because I KNOW
YOU LOVE LISTS, I LOVE THEM TOO OKAY?
Why I quit my Goodreads reading
challenge, THE LIST:
1. Like I said above, I felt like I
was reading faster and faster just so I could reach my goal. I even stuck with
a book I was not enjoying at all just to click the “I finished this book!”
button. Reading for pleasure was something I’ve lost along the way, and I hated
that.
2. I avoided longer books. Even
though I did read the last one from the Mistborn series (700+ pages), I knew
this was going to make me fall behind my goal. And when I quit, I knew I would
savor long books like they should be. I love long books by the way, they make
me feel SO BADASS.
3. I just simply accepted I don’t
have the time I had when I was 17 (when I did my first Goodreads challenge).
Back then, I was home by five and even though I had to study, I didn’t feel as
tired as I feel now that I have a full time job, and get home by 8 PM. And by 8
PM, all I want is to eat dinner, watch Netflix and stay in bed until I fall
asleep. I have a very exciting life as you can see.
4. I’m now dedicating a considerable
amount of time on blogging and bookstagram. I know it doesn’t seem like a lot,
but I only have weekends to take pictures for the whole week, and then actually
writing a blog post worth your time!
5. Finally, I don’t care how many
books I read in a year. I applaud people who get to read like 300 books. You
are machines to me and deserve an award or something!
And that’s that. Now, what about
you? Did you ever quit your yearly reading challenge? How does it feel? Would you
ever do it again?
If you are reading a good book, and that book isn’t a part of the Mistborn trilogy, then please, PUT IT ASIDE BECAUSE IT IS NOT WORTHY. Why? I’m going to tell you why right now, actually. Original post title: "5 reasons why you should be reading Mistborn instead of whatever you are about to read next, because no book will ever be this good. Stop whatever you’re doing, read these reasons, go order Mistborn. Bye”.
1. The world building
There’s some interesting world building scenarios and then there’s Mistborn. I’m not saying all your fantasy reads aren’t as good in the world building case, except yeah I actually am. But really, Brandon Sanderson (aka King of Life) created a whole new world full of intrigue, political stuff and individuals with super powers (I’ll get to that soon enough).
Imagine Earth, now picture it with ash falling from the sky pretty much 24/7, mist creeping up at night and a horrible ruler to vanquish (at first that is, muahahahaha). That’s the Final Empire for you all sweet summer children. And it is so incredibly well written and described you actually believe this world could exist. Although that would suck ass, to be honest.
Also, everything exists for a reason. Nothing is given by chance so PAY ATTENTION.
2. The characters
You know when you’re reading and find yourself mumbling “MY BABIES” every two pages? Yes, that’s Mistborn for ya.
Let’s start with our heroine and my personal favorite: Vin. Vin is someone you just can’t help but root for her. She’s that amazing. She’s an underdog with a lot to gain from the aventure ahead of her, quite a badass lady and also super stubborn and mistrusting which makes perfect sense given the fact her life was unpleasant to say the least.
Then there’s MY BABY Elend Venture LET ME HUG YOU AND KISS YOU AND PROTECT YOU FROM EVERYTHING. That’s all you get of Elend, bye.
The thieving crew: a crew of awesomeness led by our main character Kelsier. Criminal mastermind, sassy dude and overall an amazing person. It’s not your typical leader which makes him even more entertaining to read. His lines were always the funniest and you’ll laugh out loud. Hopefully.
Also: remember the name Sazed. Enough said.
3. The writing
Sometimes reading a fantasy novel can feel like the author is throwing new information at you every two seconds thus ending in you feeling completely overwhelmed and confused. Sanderson avoids this, and that’s one of the best aspects of the trilogy.
Sanderson has a magnificent way of introducing world building details and complexities within that world and its inhabitants without falling in the info-dump spiral of doom I just told you about. Guys, we’re talking about three books of about 700+ pages, so yeah.
The writing is fast paced, detailed and with a lot of information without it ever feeling like it’s too much. And that’s because there’s A LOT to love and cry about. Oh yeah, you’ll cry. (I didn’t really because nothing makes me cry but I bet you’re not all robots like me, so).
4. You'll never know what's coming
You won’t. And even if you think you do, you don’t know. Game of Thrones also has this, but to be honest I found it a little bit too much. I think Mistborn finds a balance between GOTCHA moments and excessive cliffhangers that leave you in a bad mood.
It is incredibly refreshing to read something and have no idea what’s to come. I jumped from conclusion to conclusion every few chapters and it was an awesome feeling that kept me reading late at night, and I’m not a night owl at all.
5. You will be sucked into another void of obsession
And who doesn’t enjoy that, huh?
Hello there, peeps! I am alive,
in case you were wondering. I was still quite active these days on Instagram,
but I left my blog on the side for a few (3) weeks.
Why? An incredibly amount of
reasons. Number 1: I started a new job, which takes 9 hours of my life off. Don’t
get me wrong, I love it, but it doesn’t leave much for book blogging. Number 2:
I’m lazy. Number 3: I didn’t know what to write about. Number 4: I’m lazy.
Moving on, I was looking for
blogs and posts inspiration here in the book blogging community, and I landed on
the amazingly awesome Paper Fury. I have a lot of common ~things with Cait, particularly
the fact that we are both strict readers (my review average is 3.7, sorry). With
that being said, I was going through her blog and I found this tag
#amcurrently, which I’m doing right now, because a) I’ve been MIA for a while,
b) You don’t really know much about me and c) I love lists. Also, check out
Cait’s blog, she’s just as amazing as I’m telling you, and then some.
Anyways, LET’S DO IT!
NAME: my full mysterious name is Micaela, pronounced Mee-kah-eh-lah
where I live. You can pronounce my name any way you want though, since I won’t
be hearing you anyways. HA!
YOU CAN CALL ME: Mica (Mee-kah), Your Majesty, Harry Potter Weirdo,
Watches Too Many Cartoons For a 22 year old.
ORIGIN: I’m from Uruguay, you can click if you don’t know where
that is. Also half Italian. Also a Slytherin and a Firebender, so watch out.
THEM HAIR AND EYES: my hair is brown and my eyes are light brown. I
tan easily but I still let my white skin be white, since I have an irrational fear
of cancer.
RIGHT OR LEFT: always go right, yo
FAVORITE TV SHOWS: all of them. But mostly: ATLA, Legend of Korra,
Gravity Falls (I warned you about cartoons), anything by Shonda Rhimes, PLL,
Once upon a time and I’m stopping now because I can go on forever.
FAVORITE BOOKS: not gonna happen
CAREER: I’m currently an Instagramer and blogger, though in real
life I’m a Digital Creative in an advertising agency.
WHAT ABOUT GOD?: doesn’t exist in my book
WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOU: feminist, vegetarian, reader and awkward as
fuck.
- Lately I’ve been noticing how much I zone out. People talk to me and I can’t for the life of me stay in the conversation for more than thirty seconds. Work meetings are the worst because I probably look like I’m paying attention but chances are, I’m not. Welp.
- I feel like I should be doing more with my life, but I’m not.
- I’m thinking about buying a camera already. I’ve been using my boyfriend’s ever since I started bookstagram and book blogging but I feel like I’m overusing my use (or something), so I’m buying one. With my money, which I don’t have a lot of it.
- I’m currently thinking, self-published authors should pay more attention to my blog/Instagram before sending unrequested books for review. Please check my review policy, thank you.
- I overthink everything, which is also part of the reason I’ve been thinking a lot about my anxiety disorder. I’m thinking I hate it and I want it gone.
- I’M THINKING OF HOW MUCH I LOVE HALSEY AND I WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN LIVE
- Now I’m thinking if I buy that camera I won’t be buying books for a while, SINCE I’LL BE IN DEBT.
- My boyfriend’s existence (awwwww)
- ILLUSTRATORS: I love thee. My drawing skills are next to horrible so I love people who can draw pretty things and then sell them to me. Current favorites: Frannerd, Taryn Knight and Gemma Correll.
- BOOKSTAGRAM! I’m not the most popular doll in there but I still enjoy it and stuff. You can follow me here
- E-books: mostly not out of choice, mostly because I’m broke and e-books tend to be cheaper. So yeah, e-books.
- MY REAL JOB: this never happened. This is the first time I like my job. This is a milestone, you should be celebrating on my behalf with a 5 second dance party right now, while you read this. Go.
- My Adidas: I never take them off. Ever. I SLEEP WITH MY ADIDAS ON.
- Paper Fury’s Wattpad story, go read it now and thank me later.
- Cake, just cake.
- Money issues, but it’s okay, I was born with them.
- My currently reading book, Glass Sword. Ugh, I’m 50% in and I hope it gets better (but it won’t).
- PARENTS STEALING MONEY FROM ME (yes, that's a thing)
- The fact I stopped running and exercising altogether. Next weekend, I promise.
- My photo skills. It’s weird because Instagram is all about photography but I never had a good relationship with it, so there.
- The fact I can’t stop buying stuff on Etsy. Do not enter Etsy. Do not. You will spend all your money and then get pregnant and die. Hope you got that Mean Girls reference otherwise, get out.
You will
What about you? What are you currently something? If you do this thing, let me know, and visit Cait’s blog, since I got this from there. Also, follow me on
Instagram and comment on this! But only if you like it ‘cause I can’t handle criticism,
ha.
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