Mini review: Croquette & Empanada by Ana Oncina

Hi everyone!
Wow, it’s been so long since I’ve sat down to write a blog post. Today I’m going to share my review of Croquette & Empanada, a very cute comic about a sweet love story!

Croquette & Empanada:  The Book Romeo Would Have Given Juliet by Ana Oncina

  • Genre: graphic novel, humor
  • Published: June 4th 2019 by Andrews McMeel Publishing
  • Pages: 128
  • My rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5
  • Plot: A classic love story: doughy appetizer boy meets doughy appetizer girl. Together they exist in a world cohabited by humans. Croquette is looking for love—his sweet, silly other half.  Empanada hopes she can find someone who accepts her for who she is. It’s a match made in tasty, tasty heaven. Internationally bestselling author Ana Oncina’s Croquette & Empanada explores modern love and domesticity with charming comics. Enjoy the antics of this adorable, culinary couple as they navigate romance and cohabitation, from deciding to move in together to purchasing their first pet.

ADD TO AMAZON  ADD TO GOODREADS 

Review

First of all thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And thank you to the publishers for featuring my review on Netgalley.

This book is a quick and sweet collection of stories about Croquette and Empanada’s life. I loved the “scary bedtime stories” with Empanada stealing all the covers and the stories about their pets.
I think it’s adorable that the these characters are actually a croquette and an empanada Ana Oncina is an amazing illustrator and when I found her account on instagram I was far from disappointed, I probably prefer her usual style over the one she used in this book, but I think this one is adorable!

Specific Ratings

  • Plot: 3 out ot 5
  • Cover: 4 out of 5
  • Writing: 4 out of 5
  • Interest: 3 out of 5
  • Art style: 4.5 out of 5

So what do you think about the book? Have you read it?

Thank you for reading,

Mini Review: Colored – The Unsung Life of Claudette Colvin

Hi everyone!

It’s been so long since I’ve read and reviewed a book, so as always I used some graphic novels to get me out of my reading slump!
First of all I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Colored: The Unsung Life of Claudette Colvin by
Emilie Plateau
Colored: The Unsung Life of Claudette Colvin by
Emilie Plateau
  • Illustrator: Emilie Plateau
  • Genre: Biohraphies, Graphic Novels
  • Pages: 135
  • Published: 17th April 2019
  • My rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 out of 5!

  • Plot: Based on the book “Noire” by Tania de Montagne
    A few months before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, kicking off the U.S. civil rights movement, making headlines around the world and becoming an enduring symbol of the fight for dignity and equality, another young black woman refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She was the wrong person at the right time, and so History did not choose her. Her name was Claudette Colvin and this is her story. 

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Books On My Christmas Wishlist – Top Ten Tuesday

Hi everyone!

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week there is a new topic for bloggers to choose and list their top ten. This week’s theme is a freebee.

For today’s Top Ten Tuesday I decided to list some books on my Chrismtmas wishlist, obviously I have a lot more books than ten on my list, but these are the ones I want the most!

 

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Top 10 Books on My Christmas Wishlist

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1. P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

I’ve already devoured and loved the first book, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, and I can’t wait to read the other books in the series!

2. A Study in Scarlet (Sherlock Holmes #1) by Arthur Conan Doyle

I’ve actually never read a Sherlock Holmes book and I can’t wait to read this one!

3. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Everyone loves it, the movie is out and it’s been on my TBR for soo looong!

 

 

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4. Radio silence by Alice Oseman

I’ve already read I Was Born For This and Solitaire by Alice and gave htem both 5 stars, so I can’t wait to read anohter book by her!

5. This adventure ends by Emma Mills

It’s a book about a girl that moves to another state and “falls in love” with her friend group! On goodreads I found many great reviews, so I wanted to ive this a try!

6. My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by a lot of authors

It’s a cute collection of holiday themed anthologies and I can’t wait to read this book on a rainy day with a cup of tea and some gingerbread cookies ☺️.

 

 

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 7. The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

It’s been on my TBR for so long and I can’t wait to read this book. It’s a mystery and has an avarage rating of 4.13 which is a lot on goodreads!

8. Everyday by David Levithan

It’s about someone who every day changes body, life, but still is in love with the same girl. It’s actually a part of a series and even though everyone seems to dislike this series, they all say the first boook is great!

9. A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck

It’s YA-contemporary-romance about unrequited love. Even if the main character is a 15 year old I think (and hope) I will really like this :).

10. Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson 

I usually don’t read fantasy books, but this seems so cool! It’s about a group of friends who are witches. BUT it’s also a mystery! I really can’t wait to read this intriguing combination of genres!

 

3548904011. The Chaos of Longing by K.Y. Robinson (I know it’s the 11th but I really couldn’t narrow it down to 10)

It’s been quite a while since I’ve read a poetry book and this seems a really good modern poetry collection and has an amazing cover!

 

 

What books are on your Christmas wishlist?
If you’re doing this TTT please comment the link to your post so I can check it out!

Thank you for reading,

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How I’m Conquering Both Fiction and Nonfiction – Melina Druga

Hi everyone!

Today we have a guest: Melina Druga, an amazing author that will share with us how in 2019 she conquers both fiction and nonfiction!

Please stay tuned till the end to see her books and more info about her!

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Fiction and nonfiction are two completely different beasts.  In 2019, I will be slaying both.

I will be publishing my next nonfiction book, tentatively titled Murder and Mayhem in the 1910s, and my first published novel, Angel of Mercy.  That wasn’t, however, always the plan.  Fiction – historical fiction to be precise – has been a love of mine since I was in fourth grade.  That’s when I wrote my first “novel”.  It was about two sisters in an 1810s canal town, and while it was mostly dialogue, it did spark in me the creation of many more novels and an even deeper love of bringing the past to life.  My only goal for decades was to become a published novelist.

So what happened?  This brings me back to the fact that fiction and nonfiction are two completely different beasts.

While fiction is where my passions lie, nonfiction is simply easier to write.  I can write nonfiction very effortlessly and quickly.  With nonfiction, I only need to be concerned with the quality of my information and how to make the manuscript interesting.  With fiction, there are more ways for authors lose their way.  Are the characters realistic?  How about the dialogue?  Does the plot make sense?  Is it exciting and interesting enough?  

There also is some vanity and a whole lot of fear that goes into the process as well.  I read some advice recently on the business of book publishing.  The expert said that it is possible for an author to love his or her story and characters to the point that it’s a detriment, that the more the author cares, the longer it takes a novel to reach its final draft.  I see a bit of myself in that statement.  Angel of Mercy has been rolling around in my mind for nearly a decade, as have sequels and prequels, but making that next step has been almost paralyzing. 

It doesn’t help matters that I have had my nonfiction praised while my experience with beta readers left much to be desired.  Almost all the fiction writing advice you’ll ever read says that beta readers are a must.  What the advice doesn’t tell you is how to find reliable readers.  I, thankfully, have others in my life that I could turn to help in the revision process, because all the beta readers failed to follow through with what they promised. 

I am frightened, as many authors are, by negative reviews, but I also realize that in order to follow my dream, I must take this huge leap of faith and get my work published.

Since fiction and nonfiction are different, my planning process varies considerably. 

For nonfiction, my writing process goes like this:  I get an idea, research it, organize the information I have found into chapters and sections and begin writing.

For fiction, my writing process includes copious notes.  I write character bios, detailed outlines and do extensive research before writing.

Both go through several rounds of revisions.

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Melina Druga is an author, freelance journalist, and history enthusiast.  Her focus is on the period 1890-1920 with a particular interest in WW1 and how the war changed the lives of ordinary people.   In addition to her books, Melina blogs mostly about history on her website with the goal of educating those who know little or nothing about the topic.

 

 

WEBSITE   GOODREADS   AMAZON

 

What are your plans for the upcoming new year? 

Whatever they are, I hope you achieve them.  I will be hard at work at my computer, working to reach the stars.

 

 

Thank you for reading,

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Backlist books on my TBR – Top Ten Tuesday!

Hi everyone!

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week there is a new topic for bloggers to choose and list their top ten. This week’s theme is Backlist books I want to read.

I was today years old when I found out what backlist books are. So if you are like me, this is what it means:
“all the books a particular publisher has produced in the past that are still available”

These are some great backlist books I read:

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One of Us Is Lying  by Karen M. McManus

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 – Review

Wonder (Wonder, #1) by R.J. Palacio

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 – Review

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5Divisore

 

 

 

Backlist Books On My TBR

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1. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

I loved the movie and I cant wait to read the book!

2. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Everyone loves it and the movie is out!

3. Your Name by Makoto Shinkai, Ranmaru Kotone

I loved the anime!

 

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4. This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

Gorgeous cover and I actually have the physical copy.

5. A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

I still haven’t read a book by Conan Doyle and I’m so ashamed! I love mysteries and the Scherlock Holmes series…

6. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

 

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 7. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
8. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
9. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
10. The Shadow Of  The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

I borrowed this book from my grandma a tear ago, but I still haven’t read it yet 😂

 

 

Have you read any of these book?
If you’re doing this TTT please comment the link to your post so I can check it out!

Thank you for reading,

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Review: Camouflage – The Hidden Lives Of Autistic Women by Sarah Bargiela

Hi everyone!
I just finished this great book about autistic women and autism. I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

 

42415482Camouflage by Sarah Bargiela
  • Illustrator: Sophie Standing
  • Genre: Non-fiction, Graphic Novels
  • Pages: 48
  • My rating:  out of 5!
  • Plot: Autism in women and girls is still not widely understood. It is often misrepresented or even overlooked. This graphic novel offers an engaging and accessible insight into the lives and minds of women with autism, using real-life case studies. The charming illustrations lead readers on a visual journey of how women on the spectrum experience everyday life, from metaphors and masking behaviours to communication online, dealing with social pressures and managing relationships. Fun, sensitive and informative, this is a fantastic resource for anyone who wishes to understand how gender affects autism, and how to create safer, more accommodating environments for women on the spectrum.

 

ADD TO GOODREADS   AMAZON

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REVIEW

I was looking for some cool graphic novels on NetGalley when this gorgeous cover caught my eye! This book is about autism and autistic women. I’ve always been very curious about how the human brain works. I had already read some articles about autism and the fact that usually autistic women camouflage better.

This novel analyzes in depth what it means to have autism and the differences between autistic men and women. It covers some issues in the tests for women. It also features 4 autobiographies about their lives and diagnosis. I loved hearing about their experience with the diagnosis. In fact sometimes autism can be confused with anxiety, depression.

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Reading Habits Book Tag

Hi everyone!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
I saw this tag @BOOKISHHBIBLIOPHILE and decided to join even if no one tagged me 
So these are my answers!

Do you eat or drink whilst reading?

Yes, I  love eating too, so every book is the perfect excuse to make myself a good cup of tea and pair it with some biscuits 

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Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop after a chapter/a certain amount of pages?

Well, I could if I wanted to… but let’s be real, if I like the book I’ll read as much as I can in one sitting.
For example I stayed up until 2 a.m. two nights to finish Words In Deep Blue and I had the alarm at 7 a.m. both of the times.

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an accurate representation of me reading way past my bedtime

 

Breaking the spine or keeping it like new?

KEEPING IT LIKE NEW! My poor babies!
Actually one year ago I would cry if I broke the spine… I’m getting better, but I still cringe when people open my books…

 

Bookmark or random piece of paper?

Random piece of paper, for sure… I actually have lots of cute bookmarks and they’re all neatly organized in a mug at the end of my bookshelves, but I don’t use them sorry not sorry

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Do you read ahead or skip pages?

If a certain paragraph is boring I usually skip it, then regret it, and read it again.

 

Multitasking: Music or TV whilst reading?

WHY WOULD I DO THAT? I can’t enjoy both of them at the same time!

also like one of my actual role models said…

https _mashable.com_wp-content_gallery_book-lovers_reading-icarly

 

Do you write in your books? 

Yes (I’M SORRY) I actually love it! When I start writing a review I love rereading my notes and the passages I loved!

 

One book at a time or several?

It depends, if they’re different (for example one is poetry and the other is a YA) I can read two at a time.

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Read out loud or silently in your head?

Silently, is there anyone who reads out loud?

 

Do you have a certain place at home for reading?

I usually read on the bed because it’s cozy and none disturbs me 🙂

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Reading at home or everywhere?

Everywhere! Sometimes I have to take the train for one hour and that’s when I read a LOT! I love reading on trains, it’s so peaceful and inspiring.

https _mashable.com_wp-content_gallery_book-lovers_101-dalmations-books

 

 

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I TAG ALL OF YOU!

 

What about you? Where do you like to read?
Do you write in your books?

 

 

Thank you for reading,

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Review: Book Love by Debbie Tung

Hi everyone!

I’m back! I’m drowning in homework and I don’t how long it will be before I post anything else, but I promise I’ll try as hard as I can. Another problem is that I’m in a reading slump and this is a book blog, soo you know I need to read books.

By the way I’m also doing other projects: I have an art instragram @arvenig_art and soundcloud @arvenig. So if you like art or music please check them out!

First of all thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It’s been raining all day here, so I decided to procrastinate with my homework and read this cute and heart-warming graphic novel by the lovely author Debbie Tung!

 

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Book Love by Debbie Tung

Genre: Graphic Novel, Books about Books
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Expected publication: January 1st 2019 by
My rating: Screen Shot 2018-10-28 at 16.50.27 4.5 out of 5
 

PLOT: Bookworms rejoice! These charming comics capture exactly what it feels like to be head-over-heels for hardcovers.
Book Love is a gift book of comics tailor-made for tea-sipping, spine-sniffing, book-hoarding bibliophiles. Debbie Tung’s comics are humorous and instantly recognizable—making readers laugh while precisely conveying the thoughts and habits of book nerds. Book Love is the ideal gift to let a book lover know they’re understood and appreciated.

ADD TO GOODREADS   AMAZON

 

 

Review

I was browsing some books on Netgalley and as soon as I saw this book I recognized the author’s style and immediately downloaded it!

This book is an adorable collection of comics about book lovers: our daily struggles, moments of joy, bad habits, etc. It also features some great book recommendations, advice for reading slumps and a list of things book can teach all of us. more “Review: Book Love by Debbie Tung”

Friday Lines #7: Sister BFFs by Philippa Rice

Hi everyone! sister Bffs

Friday lines is a weekly meme where I post both Book Beginning on Fridays hosted by Rose City Readerwhere you share the first sentence of the book and Friday 56 hosted by Freda’s Voice where you grab a book and turn to page 56, find any non-spoilery sentence(s) and post.

 

This week’s book is ….

39296111Sister BFFs by Philippa Rice

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Series I’d Like To Finish Someday – Top Ten Tuesday

TTT-NEW

Hi everyone!
This is my first time writing a “Top Ten Tuesday” post and I’m so excited!

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week there is a new topic for bloggers to choose and list their top ten. This week’s theme is Series I’ve Given Up on/ Series I’d Like To Finish Someday.

So I’m a bit ashamed of this, but I have a lot of series that I like (and sometimes love too) that I just didn’t finish.
Series scare me a little bit, especially when they’re more than two books because I’m so bad at reading series I just stop even if I love the books.

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Series I’d Like To Finish (someday…)

1. Shades Of Magic by V.E. Schwab22055262

I loved the first book and the beginning of the second too! But then I just stopped, probably got into a reading slump, and know I’m still debating if I should skim the pages I already read or just start where I left, meanwhile I keep procrastinating. more “Series I’d Like To Finish Someday – Top Ten Tuesday”