Favorite Reads of 2020

January 2, 2021January 3, 2021 Destiny1 Comment

Hello, book friends! Happy New Year!🎉 Let’s take second to appreciate that you made it to the end of infamous 2020 surviving this past year is an accomplishment in itself and it is important to recognize that.

Let’s dive into my favorite reads of 2020 in no particular order! If it wasn’t for these books down below 2020 I honestly do not know how I would have survived 2020.😅

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

This was a beautifully bittersweet read. An unexpected favorite!

I wrote a review a few months back if you’re interested in knowing more about this book.

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

I am going to be honest at first I rated this book 3 stars because it fell short in a few areas for me. After a few days of reading doing the most mundane acts this book was all I could think about it. Seriously this book is strange! I enjoyed the storytelling style of writing and the lyricism. I liked how magically adventurous this book is.

On The Come Up by Angie Thomas

This book is phenomenal. I loved it so much! Bri is one of my favorite female protagonists. A well written character! She speaks up for what is right, she cares for her family and is willing to do anything for them and is authentically herself without hesitation. I’m so happy it’s being adapted into a film because everyone needs to know this story! The rapping element is so fun and simultaneously powerful. Angie Thomas is amazing!

Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde

A fantastic introduction to Audre Lorde. I believe everyone should read this not matter what your background is or if you think you’re “woke” enough. Its amazing and somehow sad that these essays are still as relevant today as they were then. Lorde is a beautiful writer can’t wait to pick up more of her works this year.

The Grief Keeper by Alexandra Vilasante

This book deserves more recognition! This story touches immigration, the struggles of bilingualism, and new beginnings. The story follows two sisters Gabi and Sol and their unusual immigration journey. Sol is strong and well developed character. The main reason why I ended up liking this book so much! While reading there were tears, smiles, and excitement for the romance subplot. It was SO good. Truly an important read.

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

In the words of Lady Gaga: talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same and totally unique 😁😂 I love this book so much! Everyone needs to read this book! The way this story made me feel I honestly can’t put them to words. This is an important story that follows a black bi trans teen, Felix, who is experiencing so many messy and complicated firsts. Everything about it is beautiful the writing, the characters, the representation, and the dive into queer identities. This book is about love, friendships, self-discovery and hope. I never shut up about this book on twitter lol.

The House of The Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

If a hug was a book this would be it. I read this before the hype so I went in with no expectations. The cover and the synopisis alone sold me. I ate this book right up! I loved every second of this book and these charming characters especially the powerful message of this book, to speak up for those who can’t speak up for themselves. It’s an endearing found family story that will warm your heart.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

A captivating and poignant story. This book brought me such comfort. Even thought it centered around a heavy topic like grief and based from a tragedy, 587. It was the writing, characters and the realism pulled me in to the story and connected me to the main characters Camino and Yahaira. Acevedo’s way with words will never fail to amaze me. I love this book deeply. As I mentioned in a previous post Elizabeth Acevedo is the reason I fell back in love with reading.

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Confession, this is the best and my number 1 favorite book of the year! I recently read it in December and was the only book I read last month, left me with a book hangover. I was deeply immersed in the characters lives, I did not want it to end. Everything about this book was perfect! From the stimulating writing to the deep characterization and realism, and I loved how everything was closely interwoven. I did not want the story to end! I wanted more! I’m excited to see what else Brit Bennet comes out with!

Thank you for reading my favorites of 2020 post! Most importantly thank you for sticking with my inconsistent posting this past year! I love blogging and I love reading blogs. WordPress is one of my most used app on my phone believe it or not. I find myself reading some strange non book related blogs posts at 2 am 😂

2020 Reading Recap

December 24, 2020December 24, 2020 Destiny1 Comment

Hello, book friends!

2020, the year I fell back in love with reading 💌 Im so grateful I was able to turn to reading to cope with the state of the world.

How did I fall back in love with reading?

It happened unexpectedly, the best kind of love. I have my spontaneous Elizabeth Acevedo binge to thank. I came across Clap When You Land late May, and I devoured it within a few days. I was so blown away by the story, writing, and pretty much everything about the book. The beauty of it all captivated me. I decided to pick up her debut novel, Poet X, and With The Fire on High, within the span of two weeks! I felt so alive!! I have never felt so seen before I read Elizabeth Acevedo. It’s an incredible feeling. It gave me hope.

This year I read a total of 42 books! I started actively reading mid year so I can’t wait to see the damage I do next year starting in Jan! 😂🤞

2019 vs 2020

Overview of the books I read in 2020

I appreciate every book I came across, even the ones I did not enjoy. I learned a lot about my reading habits and preferences. I’m excited to jump into 2021 with a clear view on what kind of books I’d like to read. I’m craving magic, romance, and adventure! Can’t wait to see what books I pick up next year 😁! Happy Holidays!

Books Read In August 2020

September 7, 2020September 7, 2020 Destiny4 Comments

Hello, bookish friends! Welcome to my blog Chaotic Pages! This post will consist of mini reviews for my top 3 reads of the month, and list the rest of the books with ratings. Along with what I am currently reading. This month was a good reading month! I came across a few new favorites. I read a total of 7 books and 2,899 pages. It was a good reading month for me. I would like to keep up this momentum until the end of the year! Without further ado lets get into it!

Books I Read

Top 3 Books (In no particular order)

One The Come Up By Angie Thomas (464 pages)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)

Sixteen-year-old Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Or at least make it out of her neighborhood one day. As the daughter of an underground rap legend who died before he hit big, Bri’s got big shoes to fill. But now that her mom has unexpectedly lost her job, food banks and shutoff notices are as much a part of Bri’s life as beats and rhymes. With bills piling up and homelessness staring her family down, Bri no longer just wants to make it—she has to make it.

I loved this so much! Bri is one of my favorite female protagonists. How can you hate her she speaks up for what is right, she cares for her family and is willing to do anything for them and is authentically herself without hesitation. Love how this story showed an appreciation of rap music and culture. This was SO good. I’m so happy it’s being adapted into a film because everyone needs to know this story!

House In The Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune (393 pages) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5)

A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

I loved every second of this book and these charming characters especially the powerful message of this book! It’s about acceptance, love, and standing up for what you truly in. It’s an endearing found family story that will warm your heart. It has a slow burn romance that won’t frustrate you in any way because it unfolds perfectly and the pining is *chef’s kiss*. This writing!! I ate it up!

Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover ( 338 pages) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)

Life and a dismal last name are the only two things Beyah Grim’s parents ever gave her. After carving her path all on her own, Beyah is well on her way to bigger and better things, thanks to no one but herself.
With only two short months separating her from the future she’s built and the past she desperately wants to leave behind, an unexpected death leaves Beyah with no place to go during the interim. Forced to reach out to her last resort, Beyah has to spend the remainder of her summer on a peninsula in Texas with a father she barely knows and meets someone whom she might like.

“Look at us. Two lonely kids who slipped through all the cracks, but then climbed right back up to the top of the world”

Beyah spends the summer with her father and his new family and she bummed that this is how she has to spend her last summer before she goes off for college. Her fathers neighbor, Samson, turns out to be an unexpected new friend and might be the only person she doesn’t hate. A summer fling starts up but agree to keep it light fling since they are both leaving at the end summer. All I am going to say this is not as predictable I thought it was going to be. This was an emotional ride. I loved every moment, every page, and I adore the two main characters Beyah and Samson so much. I related to Beyah through unfortunate life experiences the reason why I carry this book so close to my heart. Its a story of love, survival, trust, and allowing yourself to be free.
Content Warning: Substance Abuse

That’s a Wrap!

I am ready to get back into blogging consistently and plan on being more active within the community. I would like to join in autumn festivities! Comment down below If there are any fall themed read alongs or tags to participate in. Thank you so much for reading!

Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag

July 29, 2020August 23, 2020 Destiny3 Comments

Hello! It’s been a while since I’ve been on this blog and I missed it so much. I may be a month late to do this tag but I can’t help it! It’s such a fun tag to read and watch! Despite the current state of the world, 2020 has so far been a good reading year for me. I found so many new favorites and I can’t wait to share them! (Disclaimer I did eradicate a few questions off the tag mostly because I knew I wouldn’t have an answer.)

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This year I’ve read a total of 16 books and I am very proud of that number! My goodreads goal for this year is 20! I am almost there. This will be my first time completing a goodreads goal! Its very exciting. Before quarantine I managed to only read 1 book. I envy those who are able to juggle every aspect of their lives and still make time for the things they love. I used to struggle but the past few months I’ve been learning how to manage my time more efficiently. Scheduled time to do my school work , to read and for my other hobbies. I am so thankful for the books I’ve came across this year so far. I found so many new favorites!

2. Best book you’ve read so far in 2020?

This is a tough question! But I will have to go with Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo.

“Can you be from a place
you have never been?

You can find the island stamped all over me,
but what would the island find if I was there?

Can you claim a home that does not know you,
much less claim you as its own?”

This beautiful story is written in prose and imagery about grief and belonging. Elizabeth Acevedo has quickly become on of my favorite authors. Every book I’ve read by her has a special place in my heart.

3. New release you haven’t read yet but want to?

Cinderella is Dead by Kaylynn Bayron! This retelling seems like it will kickass! The cover of the book is like seductively calling my name saying “read me”. There’s been mixed reviews about it but willing to give it a chance! This Cinderella retelling seems badass I can’t pass it up.

4. Biggest disappointment.

Normal People by Sally Rooney. Hoped it would live up to the hype. I tried really really hard to get into this book. It felt as if I was reading the same thing over and over every few chapters. It started to get frustrating because there was no growth happening for the characters or the plot. It’s no fun reading about a couple you are not rooting for.

5. Biggest surprise.

Felix ever After by Kacen Callender!

“I’m not flaunting anything. I’m just existing. This is me. I can’t hide myself. I can’t disappear. And even if I could, I don’t fucking want to. I have the same right to be here. I have the same right to exist.”

I loved this book so much honestly there are no words! Stunning! Gorgeous! Everything about this book is beautiful the writing, the characters, and the honest queer representation. Felix Ever After follows a black trans teen who is wanting to find love while dealing with questioning their gender and sexuality. Deals with friendship and first loves. Loved every second of it.

6. Favorite new author. (Debut or new to you)

Elizabeth Acevedo, has a beautiful way of filling up pages. This past May and early June I managed to read 3 works of hers. Each left me inspired and brought such comfort. She writes with a purpose and passion. It is strongly visible in her stories.

7. Book that made you cry.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo, made my heart ache. Full on emotional tears.

8. Book that made you happy.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang.

“When I first learned the truth, I thought Sebastian’s life would be ruined. But seeing you, I realized everything would be fine. Because someone still loved him.”

A sweet read with a powerful message. The illustrations were lovely to look at. This story warms my heart and made me hopeful.

9. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

Three books I would like to read by the end of the year:

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I would love a few book recommendations I am trying to branch out of my comfort zone. Hence why I’ve chosen those three books above. They are all different from each other and what I usually read.

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Tag: book wrap up