Summer (+ September) 2021 Monthly Wrap-Up: Reading Slumps, the Ben Barnes Cinematic Universe, Fall Goals, and More!

So I know it’s been forever and a day. Summer 2021 did not go the way I had hoped it would, which ended up putting me in a massive reading slump and blog hiatus. Long story short, my life fell apart, and it has taken a toll on my mental health, but I’m back now! Since it is now October, I decided to do a Summer (+ September) 2021 Monthly Wrap-Up to review the fiction I’ve consumed over the last few months, among other things. Some of that fiction includes One Last Stop, The Folk of the Air, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Let’s get started!

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

I reviewed The Jasmine Throne back in June! Click here to read my review.

“You spoke of hating those with imperial blood,” murmured Malini. “You spoke of your loved ones burning. Well, I have lost people I love to the pyre, too. At my brother’s orders. Let us see him off the throne together, Priya.”

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

Synopsis

For cynical twenty-three-year-old August, moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: that things like magic and cinematic love stories don’t exist, and the only smart way to go through life is alone. She can’t imagine how waiting tables at a 24-hour pancake diner and moving in with too many weird roommates could possibly change that. And there’s certainly no chance of her subway commute being anything more than a daily trudge through boredom and electrical failures.

But then, there’s this gorgeous girl on the train.

Jane. Dazzling, charming, mysterious, impossible Jane. Jane with her rough edges and swoopy hair and soft smile, showing up in a leather jacket to save August’s day when she needed it most. August’s subway crush becomes the best part of her day, but pretty soon, she discovers there’s one big problem: Jane doesn’t just look like an old school punk rocker. She’s literally displaced in time from the 1970s, and August is going to have to use everything she tried to leave in her own past to help her. Maybe it’s time to start believing in some things, after all.

Date Started: June 2
Date Finished: June 23
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Thoughts: I was so excited to read this book because I always look for more sapphic stories, especially ones with fantastical elements. I found August very relatable and an authentic main character. And her relationship with Jane is everything to me. Casey McQuiston crafted a beautiful and timeless love story. August and Jane’s love transcends time and space. They felt so authentic together and as individuals—I could not have asked for a better sapphic contemporary love story with fantastical elements. I was nervous going into the book because of the issues with Red, White & Royal Blue (i.e., legitimizing Israel), but One Last Stop happily proved me wrong. Also, this book had other great qualities, such as August’s quirky and cute group of friends and the mystery surrounding her uncle. I especially adored the latter! Also, the chapter openers were neat and helped shape Jane’s character. This book is going on my Goodreads’ favorite list—that’s how much I loved it. I highly recommend picking up a copy!

August looks at her as the train reverses past Gravesend rooftops, this girl out of time, the same face and body and hair and smile that took August’s life by the shoulders in January and shook. And she can’t believe Jane had the nerve, the audacity, to become the one thing August can’t resist: a mystery.

Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali

Synopsis

Janna Yusuf knows a lot of people can’t figure out what to make of her . . .  an Arab Indian-American hijabi teenager who is a Flannery O’Connor obsessed book nerd, aspiring photographer, and sometime graphic novelist is not exactly easy to put into a box.

And Janna suddenly finds herself caring what people think. Or at least what a certain boy named Jeremy thinks. Not that she would ever date him—Muslim girls don’t date. Or they shouldn’t date. Or won’t? Janna is still working all this out.

While her heart might be leading her in one direction, her mind is spinning in others. She is trying to decide what kind of person she wants to be, and what it means to be a saint, a misfit, or a monster. Except she knows a monster . . .  one who happens to be parading around as a saint . . .  Will she be the one to call him out on it? What will people in her tightknit Muslim community think of her then? 

Date Started: June 2
Date Finished: June 23
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆
Thoughts: This book has been sitting on my shelf for over two years now, so I’m glad I finally got around to it! I enjoyed Saints and Misfits as a whole. I loved Janna and the journey she went on as a character, and I learned a lot about Islam and the diverse members of the community. Janna’s relationships were complex and layered, which boosted the story. The only issue I had was that I could not pinpoint the plot of the book. Janna endures a traumatic experience at the beginning of the novel, but I wasn’t sure where the storyline went from there. It was challenging to grasp the plot until Janna went to Chicago and told Sausun what happened. But before that point, I could not pinpoint the narrative direction the story was going in. Saints and Misfits is very much a character-driven book, and overall, I enjoyed it. Despite its initially weak plot, it finally picked up about halfway through and remained solid until the end. I still recommend this book!

Something Mr. Ram said comes back to me: the why you do something is important. The Wiyyah, in Arabic.
Maybe that’s why I couldn’t do anything about the monster before. The why wasn’t there.
Because all I felt was this shame. Like as if I had something to do with it. I don’t even know why I felt that.
The same should have been all his but I chose to carry it around this whole time.
What if there are others? Like Sausun had asked?
What if there’s someone else, maybe playing floor hockey right now, feeling what I’d felt?
I close the pamphlet. I don’t want a single other girl to carry what’s only his.
I’m shifting the shame. He needs to feel it.

The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid

Synopsis

In her forest-veiled pagan village, Évike is the only woman without power, making her an outcast clearly abandoned by the gods. The villagers blame her corrupted bloodline—her father was a Yehuli man, one of the much-loathed servants of the fanatical king. When soldiers arrive from the Holy Order of Woodsmen to claim a pagan girl for the king’s blood sacrifice, Évike is betrayed by her fellow villagers and surrendered.

But when monsters attack the Woodsmen and their captive en route, slaughtering everyone but Évike and the cold, one-eyed captain, they have no choice but to rely on each other. Except he’s no ordinary Woodsman—he’s the disgraced prince, Gáspár Bárány, whose father needs pagan magic to consolidate his power. Gáspár fears that his cruelly zealous brother plans to seize the throne and instigate a violent reign that would damn the pagans and the Yehuli alike. As the son of a reviled foreign queen, Gáspár understands what it’s like to be an outcast, and he and Évike make a tenuous pact to stop his brother.

As their mission takes them from the bitter northern tundra to the smog-choked capital, their mutual loathing slowly turns to affection, bound by a shared history of alienation and oppression. However, trust can easily turn to betrayal, and as Évike reconnects with her estranged father and discovers her own hidden magic, she and Gáspár need to decide whose side they’re on, and what they’re willing to give up for a nation that never cared for them at all.

Date Started: June 21
Date Finished: July 29
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Thoughts: I had been highly anticipating this book since I heard about it earlier this year, and I am so glad it did not disappoint. Furthermore, The Wolf and the Woodsman exceeded my high expectations. It was everything I had hoped for and more—a strong and kickass main character, a passionate romance, a captivating plot, and well-rounded world-building. It was far gorier than I expected it to be, but I handled it pretty well—it didn’t bother me as much as I thought it might have. I loved the combination of the mythologies, especially the Jewish and Pagan ones. I already knew a lot about Jewish folklore, but learning about Pagan mythology was exciting, especially in a magical context! And The Wolf and the Woodsman SERVES on the enemies to lovers trope! There was so much chemistry and tension between Évike and Gáspár. I loved where they ended up by the end of the narrative as individuals and as a pairing. I could not recommend this novel more highly. I love it so much; it is one of my favorite reads of 2021.

Stories are supposed to live longer than people, and the turul is the most ancient story of them all. Tears go running hotly down my face. Maybe killing it will save this generation of pagans, but what about the next? When the fabric of our stories thins and wears, the people will be alive, but they won’t be pagans anymore. And that, I realize, is what Virág always feared the most. Not our deaths, or even her death. She was afraid of our lives becoming our own. She was afraid of our threads snapping, of us becoming just girls, and not wolf-girls.

Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian

Synopsis

Everyone knows the legend. Of Arthur, destined to be a king. Of the beautiful Guinevere, who will betray him with his most loyal knight, Lancelot. Of the bitter sorceress, Morgana, who will turn against them all. But Elaine alone carries the burden of knowing what is to come—for Elaine of Shalott is cursed to see the future.

On the mystical isle of Avalon, Elaine runs free and learns of the ancient prophecies surrounding her and her friends—countless possibilities, almost all of them tragic.

When their future comes to claim them, Elaine, Guinevere, Lancelot, and Morgana accompany Arthur to take his throne in stifling Camelot, where magic is outlawed, the rules of society chain them, and enemies are everywhere. Yet the most dangerous threats may come from within their own circle.

As visions are fulfilled and an inevitable fate closes in, Elaine must decide how far she will go to change fate—and what she is willing to sacrifice along the way.

Date Started: June 21
Date Finished: July 29
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Thoughts: I still have to read Laura Sebastian’s YA books, but when I learned that she wrote an adult novel based on Arthurian Legend, I had to pick it up. And I’m glad I did! Half Sick of Shadows was a fun read and a compelling, feminist take centered on Elaine of Shalott. I loved that she was the heroine, especially since she is not usually the main character. Elaine had a big heart, but she was also complex. I’m the biggest sucker for found family, and Half Sick of Shadows radiates that trope. The storyline was not what I expected, in a good way. I rated it four stars for two reasons, the first being the novel’s pace. I found that the slow pace at the beginning did not work well. The second reason is I thought the placement of some flashback scenes threw the story off balance. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book very much, and I definitely recommend it! (Thank you to NetGalley and Ace for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The quote below is from the digital ARC and not part of the final print.)

You were not raised to be safe, Nimue said to me once. You were raised to be heroes.
Part of me bristles at that—I never chose to be a hero. But then I remember that it isn’t entirely true. I did choose this path, just as I have chosen everything that led me to this moment. I chose Morgana, I chose Avalon, I chose Arthur and Lancelot and Gwen. I chose this, and I would choose it all again.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Synopsis

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him—and face the consequences.

As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

Date Started: July 29
Date Finished: September 18
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Thoughts: The Folk of the Air has been on my TBR since 2018, so it’s about time I finally get around to reading the books. I have never read anything by Holly Black before, and I was pretty pleased with this experience. I fell in love with Jude Duarte instantly—her ambition, her bravery, her morally grayness. I was also surprised at how I grew to love Jude and Cardan’s dynamic—I usually need more time to warm up to a brutal enemies-to-lovers relationship, but they worked for me for a few reasons. Most notably, I found their dynamic compelling and ship-worthy because of the tension between them balanced by one of them constantly trying to have power over the other. I also liked Holly Black’s writing! I did not rate The Cruel Prince a full five stars only because the plot was thin. Thankfully, this story is very much character-based, and Jude truly carried it from the first page until the end. I’m excited to continue reading!

I have tried to be better than them, and I have failed.
What could I become if I stopped worrying about death, about pain, about anything? If I stopped trying to belong?
Instead of being afraid, I could become something to fear.

The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould

Synopsis

Something is wrong in Snakebite, Oregon. Teenagers are disappearing, some turning up dead, the weather isn’t normal, and all fingers seem to point to TV’s most popular ghost hunters who have just returned to town. Logan Ortiz-Woodley, daughter of TV's ParaSpectors, has never been to Snakebite before, but the moment she and her dads arrive, she starts to get the feeling that there's more secrets buried here than they originally let on.

Ashley Barton’s boyfriend was the first teen to go missing, and she’s felt his presence ever since. But now that the Ortiz-Woodleys are in town, his ghost is following her and the only person Ashley can trust is the mysterious Logan. When Ashley and Logan team up to figure out who—or what—is haunting Snakebite, their investigation reveals truths about the town, their families, and themselves that neither of them are ready for. As the danger intensifies, they realize that their growing feelings for each other could be a light in the darkness

Date Started: August 4
Date Finished: September 15
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Thoughts: I enjoyed The Dead and the Dark. It wasn’t what I thought it would be, but that’s not a bad thing! I expected more supernatural rather than paranormal elements, but it didn’t bother me one bit. I liked the main characters, Ashley and Logan. Courtney Gould did an excellent job in writing an enemies to reluctant partners to lovers dynamic. I also liked the writing and the chapter divisions. My only complaint was that I felt the first half was slow and not super captivating. After that, the narrative picked up, and I couldn’t put it down until the end. I recommend this book. It’s unlike anything I’ve read this year, filled with compelling characters, a thrilling mystery, and complex dynamics. A heart-wrenching narrative, The Dead and the Dark broke my heart and pieced it back together. (Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The quote below is from the digital ARC and not a part of the final print.)

In the beginning, the Dark is only a thought.
It is impossible to say when it begins. It is only a smudge at first, only a spot of ink in the soil, only an idea. It is not a single thing that creates the Dark. If the gold hills and bright skies of Snakebite are hope, the Dark is the opposite. It is hope turned inside out. It is curdled anger, spite like tar, residue that sits on the lake water like a film. When a man kills his brother here, the Dark grows stronger. When a flood washes away graves in Pioneer Cemetery, the Dark nestles into them and makes a home. When, for a moment, all the hate in this town is concentrated in one point—one man grieving a lost daughter—the Dark finds an escape. It has existed in Snakebite as long as memory, but in the man it sees new horizons.
It is the shadows, the shifting boughs, the deeps of the lake. It has existed here as long as hate has clouded the hearts of Snakebite like black smog.
It is impossible to say when the Dark begins.
But this is where it ends.

The Problem with the Other Side by Kwame Ivery

Synopsis

Uly would rather watch old Westerns with his new girlfriend, Sallie, than get involved in his school's politics—why focus on the “bad” and “ugly” when his days with Sallie are so good? His older sister Regina feels differently. She is fed up with the way white school-body presidential candidate Leona Walls talks about black students. Regina decides to run against Leona . . . and convinces Uly to be her campaign manager.

Sallie has no interest in managing her sister's campaign, but how could she say no? After their parents' death, Leona is practically her only family. Even after Leona is accused of running a racist campaign that targets the school's students of color—including Sallie's boyfriend, Uly—Sallie wants to give her sister the benefit of the doubt. But how long can she ignore the ugly truth behind Leona's actions?

Together and apart, Uly and Sallie must navigate sibling loyalty and romantic love as the campaign spirals toward a devastating conclusion.

Date Started: September 1
Date Finished: September 27
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Thoughts: My life will forever be defined by before I read this book and after I finished it because, wow. I liked the premise of The Problem with the Other Side, but I did not expect this book to change my life the way it did. It may just be about a high school election, but the inspiration behind this novel is clear. I loved Uly and Sallie’s relationship; it was the driving force of the book. The love they had for each other, even as sixteen-year-olds, was so beautiful. And Kwame Ivery did such an excellent job in capturing the election atmosphere—it did feel like the 2016 election (but on a high school level) all over again. This story made me feel so many things; I think my heart will remain permanently broken because of it in the best way possible. I could not recommend this book more highly; it will seriously change your life. (Thank you to Edelweiss and Soho Teen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The quote below is from the digital ARC and not part of the final print.)

“In this day and age, if a racist speech can make just two people clap, we got a problem.”
Dad said, “I feel what you sayin’, honey, but maybe the girl wasn’t trying to be racist.”
With a bitter smile, Regina said, “I love when white people ‘try’ not to be racist. You ever notice they never try hard enough?”

Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley

Synopsis

In Los Angeles of the late 1940s, Easy Rawlins, a black war veteran, has just been fired from his job at a defense plant. Easy is drinking in a friend's bar, wondering how he'll meet his mortgage, when a white man in a linen suit walks in, offering good money if Easy will simply locate Miss Daphne Monet, a blonde beauty known to frequent black jazz clubs. 

Date Started: September 17
Date Finished: September 27
Final Rating: ★ ★ ☆
Thoughts: It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a thriller-mystery, so it was fun getting back into the genre. I didn’t know what to expect going into the book, and I was pretty surprised. If anything, a little disappointed. That is because I found the mystery itself very confusing. Walter Mosley did an excellent job in developing the characters, especially the protagonist, Easy Rawlins. But it was difficult to pinpoint what exactly was going on. The questions I kept asking myself were not related to solving the mystery but rather, what the point of this mystery was. Daphne Monet was captivating to a degree, but the stakes weren’t exciting just for finding this one person. I usually don’t give such a low rating if the novel has great characters, but plot is critical for this genre, and it fell flat for me. However, Devil in a Blue Dress still has compelling characters and fantastic themes, so I didn’t dislike it that much—the novel just wasn’t great for a mystery, especially compared to others.

“The law,” he continued, “is made by the rich people so that the poor people can’t get ahead. You don’t want to get mixed up with the law and neither do I.”

The Wicked King by Holly Black

Synopsis

After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.

When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world.

Date Started: September 18
Date Finished: September 28
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Thoughts: It’s always exciting when the second book in a series breaks the “worst book in the series” trope, and The Wicked King is certainly no exception. Just like its predecessor, this book has a thin plot. However, I adore Jude and her dynamic with Cardan so much. They’re tangled in such a sultry dance, and it’s impossible to look away. And although the plot was thin, I found it stronger and more compelling than the first book. I’m also enjoying Holly Black’s writing more! I could not put this down until the very end—I was just so captivated by Jude, her predicament, and her developing passionate yet tensioned relationship with Cardan. And that ending?! I was floored. The Wicked King was indeed a masterpiece. I’m still shocked by how much I could adore a fantasy series with a weak plot, but it’s just a testament to how well-written Holly Black’s characters and dynamics are. On to the final book!

I know the Court must already think I am besotted with the High King to endure being crowned Queen of Mirth and still serve as his seneschal. Everyone must think, as Madoc does, that I am his creature. Even after he humiliated me, I came crawling back.
But what if I actually am becoming besotted with him?
Cardan is more knowledgeable than I am at love. He could use that against me, just as I asked him to use it against Nicasia. Perhaps he found a way to turn the tables after all.
Kill him, a part of me says, apart I remember from the night I took him captive. Kill him before he makes you love him.

As If on Cue by Marisa Kanter

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.

Except Natalie and Reid.

Because after spending their entire lives in competition, they have absolutely no idea how to be co-anything. And they certainly don’t know how to deal with the feelings that are inexplicably, weirdly, definitely developing between them . . .

Date Started: September 18
Date Finished: September 29
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Thoughts: I wish I did a full review for As If on Cue; it was that good. I don’t usually rate YA contemporary romances five stars, but this book is exceptional. As If on Cue is one of my new favorite books for several reasons. The chemistry between Natalie and Reid reverberated off the page. Their relationship progressed at the perfect pace, making it captivating and authentic. Natalie and Reid are Jewish, and they attend public school, which adds a layered dimension to their characters. Their Jewishness touched my heart meaningfully. I also loved the storyline between Natalie and her father and her friendship with Henry. The stakes were incredible, which made the plot compelling. I could not recommend this book more highly. Please read it; I promise you will not regret it! (Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The quote below is from the digital ARC and not part of the final print.)

I don’t know how Reid and I will be after the musical is over.
I don’t know what the school committee’s verdict is going to do to us.
I do know, though, that when I don’t waste so much energy convincing myself I hate Reid—I like him. A lot.

Television

Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 1: So, I’ve only actually watched one episode of the show, but I’m still excited to talk about it. So much had already happened within twenty-five minutes! I adore Katara; I fell in love with her character almost instantly. Aang is really fun! I’m also intrigued by Zuko. The premise was set up so nicely, immediately reeling me in. I’ve always been fascinated by the four elements, so I cannot wait to see how the show will incorporate them. I’m so excited to see what will happen next, especially for Katara and Aang, who are my favorites so far. I don’t really have much else to say since I’ve only seen one episode, but hopefully, I’ll have a lot more to talk about in my next wrap-up!

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 8: I’m heartbroken that this show is officially over. It’s one of the best things that ever happened to me, and I was so honored that I got to review the final season for TV Fanatic. It was incredible in every way. I know that many people complained that the season was too political, but the show always was, so that didn’t bother me. If anything, I was glad to see the show address police brutality as much as they can for a copaganda show. I loved the Boyle Family episode, it was so on point for the show. My favorite part of the season was probably Jake’s character arc, and I love how far he has come since the pilot episode. Both he and Rosa probably have the best character development. I wished we could have seen Gina one last time, which was probably my only real disappointment of the season. Otherwise, I loved where everyone ended up, and I cried so hard during the finale. To the Nine-Nine!

Gold Digger (miniseries): This summer ended up being the Ben Barnes filmography season. After Shadow and Bone, I accidentally became a Ben Barnes fan and watched many videos of him on YouTube and whatnot. And then I got into his filmography, starting with television shows he starred in. I only watched the first episode, but it has definitely piqued my interest. I’m fascinated by the time jump and learning what happened throughout the period. I also love seeing Archie and Ben on-screen together in another project! As of right now, I don’t really have a favorite character; I’m more captivated by the plot and the complex dynamics within this family and Benjamin Green. I’m excited to see where this show goes and how it will wrap up the storylines in just a few episodes.

The Punisher Season 1: I actually started The Punisher before Gold Digger, and so far, I love it! I love Frank so much. He’s such a layered character, and you can tell how much pain he is in from losing his family and other trauma he has endured. I think Dinah is my favorite character, though—I love how determined and ambitious she is. She’s such a tough and strong woman, and I admire her so much. I know Billy is the evil mastermind of the show, but we don’t know that where I’m at, so I’m excited to see how he fits into the narrative as the villain. Otherwise, I do not have many thoughts since I have only watched a few episodes. I can’t wait to continue the show! It’s a little darker for my Marvel taste, but so far, I’m enjoying it.

Film

Hancock (2008): I mean, is anyone surprised I only managed to watch one film in the last four months? Because I’m certainly not. At least I get to put one film on this list. I watched the movie because I was brainstorming for one of my novels, and a friend recommended Hancock because it contains an element I might draw inspiration from for the central dynamic. And while the movie certainly helped regarding that aspect, it was pretty average otherwise. I liked how the main character was an antihero rather than your classic purely good hero. And I love Jason Bateman and Will Smith! Their dynamic on screen was super fun. The final battle scene was a little exciting, but otherwise, I have nothing else to say regarding the movie. It was a fun watch, and I got inspired for my novel, but it wasn’t a life-changing film or anything.

Albums

Album: SOUR
Artist: Olivia Rodrigo
Genre: Pop
Thoughts: I never thought I’d see the day where I have someone’s album on repeat that isn’t by Taylor Swift, and yet, here we are! I had Olivia’s album on repeat for most of the summer, and I don’t regret it one bit. I’m so in awe of how versatile and talented she is. This might be my favorite album of the year, Taylor’s re-recordings included! I genuinely loved each song, but my favorite tracks are traitor, enough for you, and happier. If you haven’t listened to her album yet, go listen to it now!

Songs

The rest of the summer I spent listening to my Spotify Library on shuffle. I listened to lots of artists and albums, from Taylor Swift to musical soundtracks to miscellaneous artists. Rather than list every single song, here’s a link to my Spotify profile. Feel free to add me if you’d like!

• June 6: May 2021 Wrap-Up: Five-Star Books, New Music, The MTL YA Fest, and More!
• June 25: Book Review: The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

Poetry: One of the few projects I worked on this past summer was my poetry. I don’t usually write poetry, but I was stuck on both novel projects and found the little inspiration I had through poetry. I don’t write in a particular format, but sometimes I’ll write what I call lyrical poetry—i.e., lyrics without actual music to accompany them. I’m glad I didn’t fall off the edge entirely with my writing, even if I was not successful as a whole.

TV Fanatic: TV Fanatic was probably my most successful writing project over the last few months. I finally posted an editorial, and I got to review Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 8, which was a dream come true! I wish I had posted more, but I’m relieved that my writing wasn’t a total failure this summer.

Graduate School: My third semester of graduate school (and my second year) has officially begun! I wish I could say I was in Boston, but part of the reason I struggled this summer was my move to Boston, which did not happen. Long story short, I am dealing with personal issues in my immediate family, and it just wasn’t the right time for me to leave them, especially considering I’d be moving internationally. Nevertheless, I’m excited for this semester! I’m about a month in, and it’s enjoyable so far. I’m taking another workshop to work on my novel and a fantasy sci-fi class, which, so far, is everything I dreamed it would be and more. The reading lists for both classes are superb. I’m excited for the rest of the semester to unfold!

Overall, summer 2021 consisted of a few tough months, but I’m back on track right now. I used September to put my life together, get back on track, and get out of my reading slump. Now, I’m feeling good about October and the rest of the year!

Books

Summer (June) Reading Goals:

• Read at least four books ☑︎
• Good representation in at least half of the books I read ☑︎
• At least half the authors I read be diverse (i.e. POC, LGBTQ+, and/or Jewish) ☑︎
• Read ARCs for planned reviews ☑︎

Summer (June) Books to Read:

• Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury ☒
• Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar ☒
• The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid I. Khalidi ☑︎
• The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri ☑︎
• One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston ☑︎
• Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali ☑︎
• The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid ☑︎

Completed Goals: 4/4

TBR List: 5/7

Other Media

Summer (June) Television:

• Watch Friends: The Reunion ☒
• Find a TV show to to (re)watch ☑︎

Summer (June) Film:

• Watch one movie ☑︎

Summer (June) Music:

• Listen to more music that isn’t Taylor Swift ☑︎

Completed Goals: 3/4

Blogging

Summer (June) General Goals:

• Stay active on social media ☑︎
• Post more on Instagram ☒
• Connect with book community ☑︎
• Brainstorm new feature ideas ☑︎

To Post in Summer (June):

• Book Review: The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri ☑︎
• Organizing My Kindle Shelves + Book Recs ☒
• Book Review: The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid ☒

Completed Goals: 4/7

Writing

Novel in Summer (June):

• Continue developing new project ☒
• Continue writing first novel ☒

TV Fanatic in Summer (June):

• Post an editorial ☑︎

Diary in Summer (June):

• Write at least one entry ☒

Completed Goals: 1/4

Miscellaneous Summer (June) Goals

Organization in Summer (June):

• Continue using Notion ☑︎
• Use personal agenda actively ☒
• Stay neat and organized, clean room and workspace if either becomes messy ☒

Personal Goals for Summer (June):

• Follow therapy goals ☑︎
• Rely on faith in dark and stressful times ☒
• Stay up to date with publishing course ☑︎
• Get life together for fall 2021 ☒
• Study and learn Torah ☒
• Stay involved and informed ☑︎

Completed Goals: 4/9

Total Completed Goals (including TBR List): 21/35 (60%)

Total Completed Goals (excluding TBR List): 16/28 (57.14%)

Books

Reading Goals:

• Read at least four books
• Good representation in at least half of the books I read
• At least half the authors I read be diverse (i.e. POC, LGBTQ+, and/or Jewish)
• Read Downloaded ARCs with Release Dates before November 1

Books to Read: asterisk means they’re on my currently reading shelf, exclamation mark means I have to read the book for class)

• A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers
• Big Boned by Jo Watson
• The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros
• Crossbones by Kimberly Vale
• Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
• The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline * !
• The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
• This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone ! (yes I’m reading this for a second time this year and yes I am so excited!)
• The Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenez !

Other Media

Television:

• Continue watching Avatar: The Last Airbender
• Continue Watching The Punisher
• Finish Gold Digger

Film:

• Watch at least one movie

Music:

• Listen to instrumental playlists if I’m having trouble concentrating
• Listen to music that isn’t Taylor Swift

Blogging

General Goals:

• Stay active on social media
• Post more on Instagram
• Connect with book community
• Post regularly

Planned Posts:

• Organizing My Kindle Shelves + Book Recs
• Book Review: The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros
• October Monthly Wrap-Up (posted within first week of November)

Writing

Novels:

• Continue writing first novel
• Nail the magic system within first novel

TV Fanatic:

• Post an editorial
• Keep an eye out for new TV shows to review

Diary:

• Write at least one entry

Miscellaneous Goals

Organization:

• Continue using Notion
• Use personal agenda actively
• Stay neat and organized, clean room and workspace if either becomes messy
• Buy 1-2 new medium-sized bookshelves and fix current space

Personal:

• Follow therapy goals
• Rely on faith in dark and stressful times
• Stay up to date with school
• Study and learn Torah
• Stay involved and informed

And that’s what’s been happening since June! How have you guys been the last few months? Any exciting reads? Life-changing news? New media you loved? Let me know about everything exciting that has happened! I feel like I’ve missed a lot, but I’m happy to be back now.