Happy November! It’s a new month, which means a new “To-Be-Read” pile.
November is an emotional month for me, so I decided to stick to reading a few of my favorite books to help ease some of that sadness. I have already read all of these books, but sometimes you just need to go back to reading a book that you know is good and will help you cope with hard times.
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Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme created and hosted by The Bionic Book Worm.
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Before I started blogging, I remember reading Fangirl and loving it. I adored the romance aspect and I was ecstatic that it took place in a college setting.
I was so afraid that I wasn’t going to love this book as much as everyone else raved about it. But I am so glad I pushed myself to read it last year, and I’m excited to give Scorpio Races a reread this autumn (it’s definitely an autumnal read).
Fantasy is one of my favorite genres to read, and The Storyspinner did not disappoint in that category. I read this book a few years ago, and I would love to dive back into it someday.
This fall I am planning to reread a few of my favorite witchy and horror books. Practical Magic is one of my favorite movies, and I am looking forward to diving back into the book again (it’s probably been over 10 years since I read it) and possibly doing a comparison post on the differences between the book and the movie.
You probably know by now, because I never shut up about it, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE A Million Junes by Emily Henry. And when I finally do a reread, I cannot wait to swoon and laugh and cry; this book has all the feels!
Welcome to my monthly recap post, in which I fangirl over the books I read in the last month, bookish items I acquired, book events I attended, bookish news, and/or subscription boxes I received this month.
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Thank you to Fierce Reads/Macmillan for an ARC of To Kill A Kingdom.
A huge thank you to Sarah Barley and Flatiron Books for The Hazel Wood tote bag and an ARC of I’m Not Missing by Carrie Fountain.
Thank you to Jaime at Fiction Fare for the trade. I read The Cruel Prince immediately and loved it.
Icey Designs created an Uprooted themed candle and it smells so good.
My friend Shannon gifted me this beautiful book sleeve that is A Million Junes themed. EEKKK…THANK YOU, SHAN!
Title: The Scorpio Races
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Published by: Scholastic Press
Publication date: October 18, 2011
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Synopsis:
It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.
At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.
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How did I go six years without reading this book? HOW?! You guys, I loved every page of The Scorpio Races. I love the story. I love the family dynamics. I love the conflicts. And most of all, I love Puck and Sean.
To me, The Scorpio Races was mainly focused on the importance of family and sacrifice. Puck, the main character, is not trying prove a feminist stance that girls should be allowed to compete in her island’s highly praised and traditional, dangerous water horse race. Yes, it does help that she is a woman defying the odds in her misogynist community, but she is racing to keep her and her brothers under one roof. I won’t give too much away about the plot, but Puck is one of the fiercest female characters I have read, and she had me rooting for her cause throughout the novel.
And, ohhh, do not get me started on the swoony chemistry that develops between Puck and one of her fellow competitors, Sean. Sean’s situation made my heart ache throughout the novel. I loved every page that allowed a friendship to develop between him and Puck. Both of these characters have a heartbreaking past; however, they are both bold and willing to do anything to change their future. And one of my favorite aspects of each of these characters is their understanding that nature is not something to be reckoned with. They respect their horses and only want the best for them.
Will I ever read The Scorpio Races again? You bet I will. I don’t know if I will wait until next autumn to read it again (the book takes place in October/November), but you better believe I want to gallop back into this book so I can be captivated once again with the slow burn romance and heartfelt story about sacrifice and love. I cannot rave enough about this book, and if you have not read The Scorpio Races yet, stop what you are doing and pick up this book now.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NOTE: I was not provided a copy of this book by the author or the publisher in an exchange for a review. I bought this book with my own funds and reviewed it at my own discretion. All statements and opinions in this review are mine.
rants and raves of a bibliophile 