Weekends and new months are some of my favourite points in time, mostly because it means relaxation and a chance to start afresh. I didn’t really have a good reading month in September in terms of numbers but more on that later. It was a really hectic month and a bit of a low one for me personally. However, the blog did fabulously well and I’m so grateful for everyone’s continued support! Without further ado, let me launch into the details.
I completed only 3 books in September, which happens to be one of my worst reading months in terms of quantity. I found myself too busy to read and I also went into a reading slump. I hesitate to call it a slump as it was more of a book hangover. All the three books I read belong to the same series, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han. It started out innocently enough and I was buddy reading it with Charvi @ Not Just Fiction but it quickly spiralled into an obsession. I found myself sobbing late at night on a Sunday while listening to P. S. I Still Love You, the second book, whereas I should’ve been getting enough rest for the work week ahead. I finished the trilogy within a week and also managed to watch the Netflix movie adaptation. After that I tried reading Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce, a review copy I had received via Net Galley but just couldn’t get into it, mostly because of the weird formatting on my Kindle app. While on my BookTube binge, I saw that Catriona @ Little Book Owl was hosting a readalong for Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor, so decided to start that via audio next. By the end of September, however, I was not even halfway through both and have decided to temporarily shelve them as I’m not in the mood. To summarise, even though I didn’t read a lot, I found a new favourite series, so I’m not too cut up about the quantity.
- Reached 500 blog followers on WordPress and 1600+ monthly views for the first time – It’s the love I’m receiving from my wonderful followers that’s keeping this blog afloat, to tell you the truth. I can’t thank you all enough!
- 550+ followers on Twitter and almost 350 followers on Instagram – I don’t know what I did to deserve this but my heart is filled with gratitude for each and every one of you!
- I acquired 5 new physical books and got approved for 2 ARCs via NetGalley
- Kaleena @ Reader Voracious started the Flapping Pages ARC programme, which aims to get ARCs into the hands of #OwnVoices and international book bloggers and I think it’s a great initiative.
- Rain and Clo talk about blogging do’s and don’ts on Rain’s blog Book Dragonism, mostly catering to book bloggers, which has some amazing tips everyone will benefit from.
- Shruti @ This is Lit has started a new blog series – Wednesday Wisdom – which touches on topics starting from how to write eye-catching headlines to discussing SEO, which are some must-haves in a blogger’s arsenal.
- Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane Books shares her relationship with ARCs as an international book blogger, which gives hope to one of the most neglected sections of the book community.
- Aditi @ Dreamy Reads takes a look at the pros and cons of having a book blog vs a BookTube channel.
- Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor (October 2nd: US and UK release) – the highly anticipated sequel to Strange the Dreamer and the epic conclusion the world has been waiting for
- Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand (October 2nd: US release) – a book that comes highly recommended and perfect for the spooky season, the story gives off The Nowhere Girls and The Wicked Deep vibes
- Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa (October 2nd: US release) – a new fantasy series from the master storyteller inspired by the Japanese kitsune legends
- The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzie Lee (October 2nd: US release) – the next book in the fun-filled historical series following the Montague siblings, it focuses on the life of Felicity after the Grand Tour and her adventures with a girl gang aboard a ship bound for German shores
- What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (October 9th: US release) – perhaps the most anticipated book of the year for fans of YA contemporary, which has also been picked up for a movie adaptation already
- Beneath the Citadel by Destiny Soria (October 9th: US release) – Destiny’s new fantasy book promises intrigue, infallible prophecies and rebellion
- A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi (October 16th: US release) – this book is based on Mafi’s experiences growing up as a Muslim teenager in USA after the devastating events of 9/11
I’m currently reading Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan, a buddy read with Charvi @ Not Just Fiction and Simant @ Flipping Through the Pages as well as Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco along with Neha @ BiblioNyan. After that I will probably continue on with Tempests and Slaughter. I have decided to pick up Strange the Dreamer again once my hardcopy arrives rather than struggle through the audiobook. Another book I want to finish and hopefully review this month is A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna. If I have the time, I might squeeze in a few review copies as I’m very much behind them.
How did September treat you? I really hope you got more reading done than me. What’s one thing that made you happy/proud and one thing you wish had been better? What books are you looking forward to in October? Tell me everything in the comments section below!
I’m so sorry to hear that September wasn’t the best month for you, I hope that October has been a bit better so far! ❤ ON the bright side, congratulations on the great highlights of the month with all of the followers and visits, that's incredible and so well deserved, I'm so happy for you yay!! ❤ ❤
I hope October will be wonderful for you ❤ And thank you so, so much for sharing my post! ❤ ❤
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Yes, I’m definitely having more success in October. Thank you, Marie! It means so much coming from you. ♥️ I hope October treats you better as well. ☺️
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I know how you feel yaar… I was almost in a slump for 2 weeks initially, but managed to pick up later… I couldn’t even blog anything and it was very irritating 😠
Hopefully, we both will have a better October …. I’m quite excited to read Lady’s Guide, it’s been a long wait…. the last book in Throne of Glass is releasing too, so I’m all prepared to forget food and sleep on the 23rd 😂😂😂
And if you have time and are interested, I would love to buddy read A Spark of White Fire…
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Ugh that sucks! I really hope you enjoy Lady’s Guide and Kingdom of Ash whenever you get your hands on them. ♥️ Of course, I’d love to. I’ll DM you. ☺️
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That’s cool… msg me anytime and we’ll try the buddy read 👍👍
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Some months are slower than others. I had a good September, but a few months this year, I only got to four books. But yay for To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. I adore the series so much and am glad you got a chance to read them. Congrats on 500 followers! I’m really looking forward to Sawkill Girls myself. It sounds amazing. Hope you have a really lovely October!
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I’m glad September went well for you! ☺️ Yeah, those months are really hard if you’re an avid reader. Completely understand! I hope the rest of the months go better for you. ♥️ Yay, I’m so glad that you’re a fan of To All the Boys series too. It’s my favourite contemporary series of all time now. I just love Peter K and Lara Jean so much! 😍 I really hope Sawkill Girls lives up to the hype. Hope your October is amazing too! ☺️
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Lara Jean is one of my favorite contemporary protagonists ever. Thanks so much!
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I’m sorry that September was a slow month for you, and I hope that October is better!!! Thanks so much for linking to Flapping Pages!
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Thank you, Kaleena! ☺️ I know October is going to be a busy month for you what with Blogween. I hope you have a great month as well. ♥️ Of course, I love this initiative so much and want to help out as much as I can. ☺️
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September was good for me because I quit my job and got more time to read. I’m joining the new company only in the end of October, and I’m tearing through my TBR now. All this after my huge slump in August!
I’m sure you’ll snap out of your funk too! It’s just a matter of picking a book you’re actually in the mood for. ^_^
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I’m so jealous, Shruti. I wish I could quit my job and read all day too. 😂 I’m glad you’re out of your slumpy August. I hope October goes smoothly as well. ♥️ Yup, I’m back on the reading horse now and excited to read the books on my TBR. ☺️
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You might not have finished as many books as you would have liked, Nandini, but you still read. That’s better than not reading at all, right? 🙂
September was a super-busy month on my end. I’m sitting here trying to remember what books I read this month… and I’m drawing a blank. XD I did finish VENGEFUL by V.E. Schwab a couple nights ago and am still thinking about it. The subject matter is… incredibly relevant, given what’s been going on politically here in the States recently. So I’m glad I read it as soon as my copy arrived.
Any other recent reads… you might have to go back to my Favorite Fiction Reads of Summer 2018 post. My brain doesn’t have the energy to think at the moment. Forgive me. *lol*
Here’s what I’m looking forward to reading in October:
– The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch (on this one right now)
– Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor (yay for seeing it in your post, too!)
– Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore
– Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
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You always put a positive spin on things, Sara! Thank you so much for that. It instantly makes me feel better. ♥️ Haha, that’s quite alright. I will probably go to your Goodreads and check out your blog post as well. Your October TBR sounds magical! ☺️ I really hope you enjoy The Lies of Locke Lamora. It’s one of my favourites. 😍
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Aw, thank you. I do my best to think positive, for both myself and for others. 🙂
The Lies of Locke Lamora… I finished it last night, and I should have a quick review up on Goodreads either tomorrow or this weekend. But it was… good, I guess? Entertaining, yes, but frustrating or dragged-out at times. I’ll have a better idea tomorrow, I think. And after what happened at the end of that story, I want something more innocent. XD So I think I’ll reshuffle things and read Victoria Schwab’s new MG novel City of Ghosts next.
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Haha, yeah, it’s plenty dark and doesn’t hold back. Waiting for your review! ☺️
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It’s up. I decided in the end that I enjoyed the book for the most part, but certain things frustrated me enough to impact my rating…
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Congrats on 500 followers!
I’m also reading crazy rich asians at the moment hahah
(www.evelynreads.com)
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Wow, that’s great! I’ve moved on to the second book. Would you be up for a buddy read? Let me know what you think. ♥️
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I love buddy reading! But unfortunately I really did not like the book, so I will not continue the series.. 😦
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Aw, that’s too bad. Completely understandable!
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TATBILB really hit you hard! Also I’m really looking forward to AVLEOS too!
AND WHAT IF IT’S US IS OFFICIALLY OUT EEEPPPP
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Yeah, that was really unexpected because I’m no longer a teen but I connected to the story so much! Definitely a favourite. ♥️ Yay, and I’m so glad you’ll get to read it soon too. ☺️
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I’m so late but CONGRATULATIONS ON 550+ FOLLOWERS!!!
Also wow TATBILB!! I wanna read it so bad.
September was a blur because of exams but October is going okay I guess. 😄
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Thank you so much, Aditi! ♥️♥️♥️ Aw, don’t worry about that. Yes, you should totally read TATBILB! The movie is getting a sequel and you better be done by then so we can all watch it together. 😄 I really hope the holidays have taken some stress off your schoolwork. Have a great whatever is left of October. 😂
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Congrats on your blog’s growth, Nandini! You’ve worked really hard, and I’m so happy to see your following and site stats go up. ❤
My September reading wasn't much either, but at least we both managed to continue making our way through books. 🙂 I finished Sabrina, and A Darker Shade of Magic.
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*I meant “Sabriel” not Sabrina, lol! XD I must have witches on the mind or something.
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Thank you so much! ☺️ How did you like them? ADSoM was overhyped by the time I got to it, but I thought it was a promising start to a good fantasy series. I haven’t read Sabrina though and would love to hear your thoughts. Hope you have a fabulous October! ♥️
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