Book – Page 25 – World of Bai

Book Review: “The Collective” By Alison Gaylin

This book was a November Book of the Month pick that I initially skipped over. This was a mistake! Once people received this book reviews were coming out so fast that I couldn’t keep up and each of them were raving about how amazing this book was. So naturally I added it to my December box and sure enough finished it within the week.

“They need to be punished to feel guilt, and then they’re never punished, so they never do.”
Direct quote from book, page 139.

About The Book

Author: Alison Gaylin

Publisher: William Morrow

Publish Date: November 2nd, 2021

Main Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery

Page count: 352 Pages

GoodReads Rating: 4.07

“Nothing’s guaranteed- Not future plans or justice or love or goodwill or the integrity of groups to whom you swear your allegiance. Not the good guys winning or the truth prevailing and certainty not life, the least guaranteed thing of all.
Direct quote from book, page 266.

Synopsis

Five years after her daughters death Camille is still struggling through her grief. The one thing that keeps her going is knowing that her daughters killer is still living a happy and normal life and that her daughter needs justice.

After a drunken misstep at a college awards ceremony for her daughters alleged killer a video surfaces on the internet and brings light back to her daughters case but bad publicity isn’t ideal.

When a strange lady hands her a card with one word “Niobe” listed on it, she goes down a rabbit hole that leads her in the end to the dark web. She finds a community full of grieving mothers looking for justice for their children but when fueled hatred meets a sisterhood, words become action.

Walking a thin line of justice and criminality, Camille’s forced to face the truth of how far is too far?

Rating

Review

* Possible Spoilers *

I am a huge sucker for thrillers and mysteries, throw in a twist that I didn’t see coming and you have a fantastic read!

I had high hopes for this book and honestly the first half of the book I was a bit skeptical because this felt so morally wrong but you can understand where these woman are coming from. I found myself very upset with the tasks the main character was sent to do and I would end up screaming at her to stop because it is just wrong! But then you hear her talk about all the horrible things these people have done and then you think “Yeah, He should die.” Ugh, I was torn!

Towards the end of the book the main character becomes aware that what they are doing is probably not the best thing to be participating in which was probably my favorite moment in the book. However, (Major Spoiler, don’t read this if you don’t want to know…..) the ending of the book was so good! I love a depressing ending where the main character doesn’t get the fairytale ending they wanted. These endings are so rare but that is what makes them feel like a breath of fresh air. Does this make me a monster?

This book is in the running for the best book of the year? Can this beat out two romance novels? I guess you will have to wait and see my final rankings for the year.

QOTD: What book had the best twist?

Book Review: “Crave” By Tracy Wolff

Let me start off by saying I am typically not a huge fantasy reader, let alone a book about vampire’s. I really have no desire to read Twilight and honestly that could be because I have already seen the movies, I hate Robert Pattinson and I think it is way too popular (is popular the word I am looking for? Probably not.) I found this book all over Booktok for a fun YA Romance Vampire read and I was already not super stoked about it but like I said, I saw it everywhere! So I decided to purchase the first book with low hopes and jumped in.

About The Book

Author: Tracy Wolff

Published Date: April 7th, 2020

Publisher: Entangled: Teen

Main Genres: YA, Fantasy, Romance

Page Count: 592 Pages

GoodReads Rating: 3.77 Stars

Synopsis

When Grace’s parents unexpectedly pass away due to a car crash she must leave hot and sunny California and move to cold and snowy Alaska to attend her uncles Boarding school. But when she arrives she can tell something is off about this school. Every student belongs to a clique but she just can’t seem to fit in to any of them. She can’t even make it to her first class without her life being threatened. The worse part is that everyone seems to be keeping secrets from her. How could a boarding school be so mysterious and dangerous?

Rating

Review

I have read so many mixed reviews about this book ranging from five stars to one star. I have seen comparisons to twilight (which I haven’t read yet) and I have seen people stating it was super cringy.

Did I think parts of this were cringy? Yes, the romance aspect of this book felt very strange but then again it is a fantasy novel based in a high school age group. Thinking back to my high school romances I guarantee we were this cringy and awkward. So I feel like for a YA romance read this was suitable. The main character and her love interest also started off hating each other and just a few short days later can’t keep their hands off of each other which seemed fast until you read the whole book and the author I felt tied it together nicely.

As for this book being a knock off of Twilight, I guess I can see where these people are coming from but then again it still had its own storyline. I can see a few similarities just from what I have seen of the Twilight movies but honestly, I found this book and plot more interesting. Maybe I should read the Twilight series before I make the assumption that this is better. However i have no desire to read that series.

I gave this four stars rather than five stars because I honestly found the main character grace annoying more often than not and towards the last fourth of the book I did get a little bored but the ending pulled me right back in. I also felt like this book did not need to be 600 pages long, but even so I read it in a week and that is very impressive on my end.

I am very excited to read the rest of the books in this series and I really hope they just continue to get better.

QOTD: Should I read the Twilight series or just call it good?

November Wrap up

This month I actually feel pretty good about what I read! I have done so poorly the past few months and have dropped off the face of the Erath I feel. I love that I have actually read a few more books this month and have read things that I actually enjoyed.

This month I also didn’t make a hopefuls list because honestly, I never stick with them in the first place and I was in such a slump I didn’t want any pressure for this month. Do I think I will do hopefuls again? Probably, just because I think it is fun to make a plan, I am just terrible at sticking to it!

What I Read

“Branded” by Neva Bell

Chloe and Chelsea are twin sisters ready to leave for college, but not just any old college, Livingston is a college for witches! In order to go to this witch school you have to be branded first with either a white dove or a black hawk to decide what you will study.

When Chloe gets a brand that no one was expecting her and Chelsea’s life changes drastically! This brand becomes a dangerous mark and both of the girls lives are at risk. Werewolves are the witches biggest threat and when a surprise attack goes in the werewolves favor Chloe is forced into a dangerous path of revenge.

Full Review

“The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood

Olive is a Ph.D student who has never really been a romantic person. However, in order to keep her friend happy she finds herself kissing a random stranger in the middle of the night.

This random stranger ends up being the schools most hated professor, Adam Carlson, and Olive immediately feels like her world is about to fall apart. The biggest surprise is when Adam agrees to keep the kiss a secret, but even more surprising was the fact he was willing to keep up this charade and fake date Olive to help benefit the both of them. Olive, to help her friend find love, and Adam, to convince the school to release his research funds.

After all, it is a win win situation with a deadline. What could possibly go wrong?

Full Review

“In A Holidaze” by Christina Lauren

Two families get together ever year for Christmas at a house in Park City Utah. The kids all grew up being very close with one another and Maelyn has had a huge crush on their friends oldest son Andrew but wait, there’s a love triangle including the other brother Theo. Theo and Maelyn have a little too much eggnog on Christmas eve and after one very awkward make out session all seems lost for Maelyn. Theo treats her as if she doesn’t exist, Andrew saw it all go down, and worst of all they have to sell the house! Many years of Christmas memories are about to be washed away and the final year would be left in ruins. But one wish and an accident can change the course of nature.

Full Review

Mini Review

“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

I haven’t typed up a big review for this book because I feel like most people who haven’t read this yet have probably seen the movie(s) already or already know what’s going on in the book.

I needed a fast book to read to try and get my reading goal reached for this year and this is the shortest book on my shelf. I am not someone who likes to read classics and honestly this book reminded me why. This book is short, yes, but it took me forever to get through. I even tried listening to the audio version and I was just consistently bored. I do not think my review is a fair review to be honest.

I feel like I dislike classics so much that my subconscious just didn’t give the book a real chance. So yes I might have rated this book low but it wasn’t a terrible book, just not to my liking. I might get some hate for this and to be honest I am ok with that. I did like the narrators voice a lot the writing of the book is just older and my brain can’t concentrate for too long.

So please do give this book a try, especially you are into the classics!

Conclusion

This was honestly a great month. I finished four books and I liked most of them! I feel like I have been becoming a harsher critic the longer I have been reading, but that is ok! I think I am also really over romances for a bit, I am just drained!

Life Updates

Me and Noah have officially been together for three years as of today! I am so proud of how far we have came in these past few years and I am so excited to see what adventures await us in the coming years.

I wouldn’t have this blog without Noah so I am beyond grateful for him. He is my biggest supporter and he is always reading these blogs as soon as they come out, he proof reads them too, thank goodness!

Book Review: “In a Holidaze” By Christina Lauren

This is a Christmas book that I started before Thanksgiving and finished on Thanksgiving day which honestly felt really strange. I was very excited to dive into this book and I just didn’t even think about what season I was in which normally wouldn’t bother me but for some reason not having snow on the ground and thinking about turkey really threw me for a loop.

This book is set in Utah which is my home state which made this book kind of a fun read! I was just worried that the Author would skip over some details that might have bothered me, but to be honest I don’t know much about Park City Utah to do any fact checks.

“You can’t erase mistakes. You just have to figure out how to fix them.”
Direct Quote from book. Page 268.

About The Book

Author: Christina Lauren

Publisher: Gallery Books

Date Published: October 6th, 2020

Total Pages: 307 Pages

Main Genres: Romance, Holiday, Fiction

GoodReads Rating: 3.76

Synopsis

Rating

“My biggest fear in the car before the accident was the prospect of things changing. But isn’t that what I wanted when I threw that wish out to the universe? For everything to change?”
Direct quote from book. Page 122.

Review

I don’t do half star ratings so this was pretty hard to decide between three stars or four stars. I did a lot of deep thought before posting this review to finally come up with which way I wanted to lean. I finally landed on four stars based on a few facts. Why don’t we dive in?

I feel like I have read so many fake dating romances lately that this Groundhogs day type book was quite refreshing. Even though Maci did have to repeat a few days a couple of times it didn’t get repetitive. The author wrote this in a way that Maci did something completely different on each restart so it felt like a new storyline.

Another plus was that it was based in Utah and I liked the familiarity of that. I may not be up in Park City very often because lets be frank, it is a complete tourist trap, but honestly it is also super expensive and bougie. I live about 45 minutes away and that’s good enough for me. However it is really cool to see places you are familiar with being referenced in books.

I really liked Maelyn and Andrew being together for the most part. Maelyn has always liked Andrew and honestly it reminded me of all my childhood crushes. I love getting a nostalgic feel when I read. However, I do believe it is also the reason its not a five star rating though. They have known each other their whole lives so they have “cute” (Honestly gross) nicknames for each other and it felt really childish and awkward reading. Also the steamy scenes were worded really weirdly and I just felt awkward reading them. I have said it once and I will say it again, I think it is impossible for an author to write a steamy scene without using awkward phrasing. I need these steamy scenes to start coming together and leaving me speechless rather than wanting to close the book and move on from the moment.

Maybe I have just read way too many romance reads recently that I am becoming too picky about the stories I am reading. I am not sure to be honest. I had high hopes for this book and for the most part it was really good! I loved the whole story of her trying to find what makes her happy and trying to save the house, but the romance of the book was kind of meh to me.

Over All

If I did half ratings I would be giving this three and a half stars but because I don’t I weighed out my options and decided it deserved the full four stars. I think this was a cute and cozy holiday read and I would recommend this to someone who is looking for a Christmas read this year.

QOTD: Have you read a book that was based in the area you are from?

Part Two: Top 10 Christmas Gifts For a Bookworm

My first top ten Christmas Wishlist was such a big hit that I decided to post a second one! This way you now have 20 Ideas and you definitely can not go wrong! Once again Black Friday and Cyber Monday are almost upon us so it is time to start shopping. I am giving you plenty of ideas and so their should be no excuses now.

I would like you to know that I don’t own the rights to most of these pictures. I also am not affiliated with any of the links unless I post a code under the photo.

Christmas Wishlist part one

Gift Idea #1

Book Lamp

This is so cute! Why have a bulky lamp when you can have a book that opens up to be a light? This is such a cool idea and I am in love!

This is just a cute little lamp that could come in handy for every day situations. A practical gift is always a good route to go.

AuroraHomeLights

Gift Idea #2

Bookmarks

Bookmarks might seem like the most obvious thing you can buy a bookworm, honestly you would be correct because everyone needs more bookmarks in their lives!

The best part is that these are the best stocking stuffers around! There are also an unlimited choice of designs which can make shopping so easy! Look at all these fun Etsy shops.

CourtsBookmarks

Use code Baibooks10 for 10% off!

ArtisticRehab

Resin bookmarks are so cute!

ophisleather

I love the Idea of my name being put on a leather bookmark!

Gift Idea #3

Reading Journal

People who like to read tend to like a way to keep track of all the books they have read or would like to read. Yes we all probably have GoodReads but having something physical we can write in is always the best option.

I know some people are super creative and artistic so they make their own bullet journal pages to keep track of things but some of us just aren’t that talented and we need a guideline. That is where reading journals really step up to the plate.

writindstudios

PurpleTrail

PeanutButterTaco

Gift Idea #4

Annotating Supplies

You might be wondering why someone would want annotating supplies. This isn’t college, you don’t have a big text book you need to remember. Well most of us readers like to mark things that seem important or things that pull at our emotions.

Marking my books have really helped me keep my thoughts cohesive so I can write better reviews and reference the book directly.

SaritasBookshop

Gift Idea #5

Mugs or Wine Glasses

Every reader has a drink that they love to accompany with reading. Whether it is coffee, soda, or a glass of wine, we are always in need of a clean glass to put them in. You can never have enough glasses! Why not have a cute one that is perfect for reading time?

Gift Idea #6

Book Jewelry

Look at how cute these earrings are! I feel like book jewelry is such a cute and sentimental gift! You can find their favorite book or just get a generic looking piece of jewelry and no matter what they are going to love it!

Gift Idea #7

Book Sleeves

I love my book sleeves! This is such a great way to bring your books along for a drive or even a trip so you can protect your book from any scuffs or bent pages!

There is a design for every reader and so many cute ones at that!

Gift Idea #8

Gift Cards

If you are struggling to pick out a gift that is totally ok! Gift cards are a great option to fall back on. You can put as little or as much as you want on these and the person will love it just the same.

So many options for this as well. Kindle, Amazon, Target, Barnes and Noble, Etsy….The list goes on and on!

Gift Idea #9

Bookshelf

I know bookshelves can get expensive so I totally understand that this wouldn’t be at the top of your shopping list. However, you can always find some fairly cheap shelves or even small ones that can be placed on a dresser.

this is a necessity for book lovers because we never have enough space for all our books.

Book Shelf From Amazon

Gift Idea #10

Book Subscription Box

There are so many book boxes out there in the world that it can be hard to choose from but I have a few favorites I can share with you.

These are great gifts because you can choose from sending a single box or getting a few months for them. They will love this gift and will probably continue the box after their subscription ends. It is the gift that just keeps on giving!

One Night Stand With A Book

Use code BaiBooks20 for 20% off your whole order

Book Of The Month Club

Use the link above to give a gift or use this link to start your own account.

Once Upon A Book Club

I don’t have a subscription to this box but I have been dying to start one!

Conclusion

Between this post and my previous one, you now have 20 Ideas for the perfect Christmas gift for your friend or loved one. These gifts are not only high on my Christmas list but many of the other bookworms out there. I hope you all have a happy holiday this year!

Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas For A Bookworm

Can you believe that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a little over a week away? I can’t, this is so crazy to think that the year is already almost over! I figured now would be a better time than any to start (Dropping Hints) showing you all the best way to surprise your book loving friend or family member this holiday season.

Just a few reminders I do not own these pictures. Also I will post links to these items but I am not affiliated with amazon or any of the companies I get the links from. I just want to make it easy for everyone to track down these items. I suggest clicking on the Etsy links or small businesses before Amazon. Remember to try and shop small this year!

Gift Idea #1

TBR Cart and Cute Decals

I have been dying to get my hands on one of these carts! This probably at the top of my Christmas list this year. It is just so cute and practical that I think everyone needs one of these in their households.

The best part is the super cute decals you can buy for them! You can make these carts personal to you which I think makes this gift one of the best ones you could buy someone.

JustALittleBookedCO Etsy

This is a great Etsy link for the cute picture above!

Book Cart From Michaels

Book Carts are actually crafting carts but who said they had to be used for that purpose?

Gift Idea #2

Thumb Page Holders

I have had my eye on these page holders for a very long time! They can be resin or wood and come in so many cute designs! I highly suggest doing an Etsy search and find the best one for your bookish friend.

I think my personal favorites are the resin ones. I mean look at how cute that picture is! Every resin pour comes out different but it is also so easy to customize!

DeannaMarieCreations

thewrightring

KnitDecorGifts

Gift Idea #3

Candles

I am obsessed with candles! I always have one burning in my house or at least a Scentsy going in my office while I work.

I know setting the ambiance of the room when you sit down to read makes or breaks a good reading session. In no particular order; find a comfy spot, get a glass of wine or your preferred beverage, grab a fluffy blanket, and of course light your favorite candle.

When I don’t have a good setting for my reading I get so distracted and my reading session honestly ends up pretty short. I will talk more about ambiance and comfort items a little later on in a different post. Also maybe I am just strange and most people could just sit straight down and read but I personally can’t. Even if you can read anywhere and anytime who doesn’t need a good smelling candle in their life?

Down below will be a link for an Etsy shop that I have seen everywhere for bookish scented candles. I have been dying to try these because I have heard so many wonderful things about their business. I will be putting my order in soon!

FrostBeard: Book Lovers Candle Etsy Shop

Fresh Rain-Ginger-Lavender

Coffee-Chocolate Pastry

Butterscotch-Caramel-Rum

Gift Idea #4

Book Stamp/Embosser

Do you or your bookish friend have a book that you absolutely love and will never get rid of? Better yet, do you and your friends lend each other books? If so, this is the perfect gift!

With this stamp you will be able to always keep track of whose book is whose!

Etsy has hundreds of different stamps and embossers to choose from but this is one that I think is super cute! Remember these can be customized!

PaperPeachShop

Gift Idea #5

Reading Pillow

I know that while I read it is very easy to get into an uncomfortable position and that can be one of my main reasons to stop reading for the night.

A reading pillow is a great way to stay comfortable and honestly can you ever have too many pillows?

I don’t have one of these yet and I am regretting it!

Amazon Reading Pillow

Gift Idea #6

Favorite Book Merch

Even if you know nothing about books I guarantee you know your best friends favorite book. They are probably constantly trying to get you to read this book, constantly talking about the book or they probably already have some of the merch related to their favorite book. Check out these super cute Esty shops Full of cute bookish merch!

CreationsbyHallows

Daisychains66

DollySparklesFinds

Gift Idea #7

Book Scratch Off Poster

This is a super fun and interactive gift that will just keep giving for the rest of the year!

Being someone who can never decide on what book to read next, something like this would come in handy! I also really love surprises and scratching off things.

There are so many options out there for these but this is the one that caught my eye.

bookbundlesbyviv

Gift Idea #8

Book Ends

Anyone who owns a book knows how hard it is too keep your books organized and looking pretty. I have books just stacked on top of each other on my dresser because my shelves are so full! Having some book ends would be a dream come true to anyone like me.

Gift Idea #9

Special Editions of Favorite Books

I love that there are so many different covers for books! I think most of them are so gorgeous. I know a lot of people who own three or four of their favorite book just to have a couple different covers. A lot of the limited or special release books come out for specific reasons like special anniversaries, so to someone who is a die hard fan of a book these are a big deal!

“The Great Gatsby” Amazon

Gift Idea #10

Kindle Products

If you have a little bit of cash to burn and you are wanting to be the best gift giver this year, you can not go wrong in getting them a new Kindle product!

EReaders are such a popular item these days and I know how much I love my Kindle Paper White. I couldn’t imagine not having it.

Kindle Oasis

Kindle Paper White

Wrap Up

This Christmas, treat all your bookish loving friends and family to some of the best gifts out there! These are all in my opinion some of the best gifts you could receive this holiday season. I know a lot of these are at the top of my Wishlist! I hope you all enjoyed this list and I hope I was able to give you some good ideas.

QOTD: What is at the top of your Wishlist this year?