August was my best reading month of the year so far! I read 15 books although 3 of them were graphic novels so that definitely helped. I barely followed by TBR for the Trope-ical Readathon but I did fulfill both team prompts, 9 of the 13 common prompts, and one team book.
Reading Stats
- Books Read: 15
- Pages Read: 5,745
- Average Rating: 3.97
- 2 – 2 stars
- 1 – 3 stars
- 1 – 3.5 stars
- 5 – 4 stars
- 2 – 4.5 stars
- 4 – 5 stars
- Genre Breakdown
- Fantasy – 4
- Graphic Novels – 3
- Contemporary – 2
- Romance – 2
- Novel-in-Verse – 1
- Thriller – 1
- Sci-Fi – 1
- Historical – 1
The Books
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
4 stars – Full Review
I enjoyed this novel in verse but not as much as the others I’ve read.
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
5 stars – Full Review
I loved this YA thriller about a mysterious texter in a school sending out secrets about the only two black kids in a private high school. It was powerful and gave me the feeling that I’d just read something important when I was done. It’s just so good, definitely my favorite book of the month and one of my favorites for the year.
Heartstopper Volumes 1 to 3 by Alice Oseman
4 stars for all
One Sunday afternoon I read the first three Heartstopper books, the first of which was a reread. This graphic novel series is adorable. I’ll be reading the 4th one as soon as I can get my hands on it.
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
4.5 stars – Full Review
Then I read my ARC of Under the Whispering Door. This book had a bit of a pacing issue but I loved the story and the characters. It will be published in September and I’m sure people will be falling in love with it soon.
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
3 stars
I listened to this audiobook. This story started out really cute but oh boy, the smut was so cringey and just terribly done.
This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron
2 stars – Full Review
Oh boy, I’m still disappointed about this one. I was so excited and it was just bad. There was a good idea and it was set up well but the execution was just terrible.
Meet Me at the Summit by Mandi Lynn
4 stars – Full Review
I really enjoyed this ARC about a girl who recently lost her parents and is learning who she is without them.
The Other Side of Perfect by Mariko Turk
4.5 stars – Full Review
This YA contemporary about a girl breaks her leg and loses her dream of being a ballerina stole my heart. She ends up joining the school musical and as someone who did lots of high school plays, it was done really well and brought back great memories.
Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Kay Kristoff
5 stars
I gave this trilogy 5 stars across the board. It’s so creative and fast-paced, I had a great time with it. The conclusion was epic, an awesome way to end it off.
All the Ever Afters by Danielle Teller
3.5 stars – Full Review
I was really surprised by this Cinderella retelling. It was actually a historical fiction YA, there are zero biddidi-bobbidi-boos. It’s not really something I normally would have picked up but it was done really well and an interesting take.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
5 stars
I finished my latest reread of the Harry Potter series. I love this series and always will. This book has especially fond memories of going to Borders in the mall at midnight with my two best friends to buy my very own copy. The line wrapped around the entire mall and it was a huge spectacle complete with Snape friend or foe buttons. I can’t imagine anything similar ever happening and love what this series means to me and so many. It’s a shame the author is a bigoted idiot.
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
2 stars
This was another audiobook. I really tried but I don’t understand why people love this. It was so cheesy and sappy and the most instant of insta-love. I could deal with that if it didn’t take itself so seriously. Trying to insert these life lessons and words of wisdom into this really sappy and predictable teen love story just didn’t work for me at all. The whole thing felt overdone to the point of being ridiculous. Nope, not for me.
Amari and the Night Brothers – B.B. Alston
5 stars – Full Review
I loved this YA fantasy. It’s really well done and while awesome for an actual middle grade reader, definitely readable and enjoyable for adults.
What’s Up Next
I decided on no readathons for September so no real TBR. My only must-read in September is Iron Widow which I just got approved for on NetGalley and it will be published in September. I also have three ARCs getting published in the first week of October. But overall, I plan a month of mood reading so we’ll see what happens.
Susan Lyn Knits and Reads 
great wrap up! i can’t wait to read ace of spades. happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s soooo good, I hope you love it!
LikeLike
i hope so too!
LikeLike