Category Archives: Bookish Babble

Here you will find my reading roundups, as well as book related quotes, facts, jokes and memes that I find on the big bad web and are too good not to share.

Quotes Collection Part Five

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The below is a quote from a Q&A by transgender writer and activist, Nevo Zisin, that I shared on this blog back in May 2017.

Go back and read it again. When I first read that sentence I actually examined out loud something along the lines of: Yes Nevo, HELL YES!! And this quote is just from Nevo talking about their book! 

Meet Nevo: girl, boy, he, she, him, her, they, them, daughter, son, teacher, student, friend, gay, bi, lesbian, trans, homo, Jew, dyke, masculine, feminine, androgynous, queer.

Nevo was not born in the wrong body. Nevo just wants everyone to catch up with all that Nevo is.

Personal, political and passionate, Finding Nevo is an autobiography about gender and everything that comes with it. It is Zisin’s powerful and brave account of their journey to transgender, and all the stumbles, victories and life-changing moments along the way.

“A gorgeous coming of age story about one person’s journey to discover themselves. Zisin is a compelling storyteller with a delightful and exciting new voice.” Clementine Ford

Released on May 1st 2017 by Black Dog Books this book touches on the themes of transgender, queer, family, acceptance, self-discovery, bullying, weight issues, and change.

Links: Nevo Zisin full Q&A | Goodreads | Booktopia | Bookdepository | Black Dog Books

Thanks for visiting The Adventures of SacaKat.
Until next time, enjoy your shelves 🙂 .

Bookish Babble: Quotes Collection Part Four

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I have Quote File where I write down sentences/paragraphs that for whatever reason at the time I was reading them jumped out of the page at me. It might’ve been because I was having a bad day and something the character said encapsulated my emotions perfectly or I just loved the poetic way a sequence read or the imagery it inspired etc.

You can’t tell me that isn’t one of the most beautiful sentences you’ve ever read. It’s whimsical and magical and all sorts of wonderful.

I read and reviewed Strange the dreamer via an e-ARC back in April 2017. I enjoyed it/was haunted by it so much that I bought my mum a paperback once it was released to force her into reading it. As soon as she finished it she rang me up to find out when the sequel was coming (Muse of Nightmares is to be released this October).

Laini Taylor’s writing is immaculate and beautiful. Strange the Dreamer is an enthralling story. And the cliffhanger ending is EPIC!

Oh, Lazlo. I Weep for you.

My Review of Strange the Dreamer | Strange the Dreamer on Goodreads

Links to my other Quote Babbles: Part Three | Part Two | Part One

Thanks for visiting The Adventures of SacaKat.
It you want to make my day, just Like this post, simples.
Until next time, enjoy your shelves :-).

Quotes Collection Part Three

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The Cruelty by Scott Bergstrom – Chapter 7, Gwendolyn contemplating:

“…if no one else is going to act for me, then I have a choice: remain a child and do nothing, or become an adult and do it myself. That, it seems to me, is the difference between the child and the adult, the difference between the girl hunted by wolves and the woman who hunts them.”

The Cruelty by Scott Bergstrom – Chapter 23, Bohdan to Sofia (Gwendolyn):

“A woman who seeks to rise in this world must be crueller than even men.”

I read the YA action spy thriller The Cruelty back in March 2017. I enjoyed reading it and was feeling the killer girl vibe at the time. I was drawn to these strings of words so much that I wrote them down in my Quote File and now i’m sharing them with you. These quotes still resonate with me. I believe that; unfortunately in the world we live in, most girls have to grow up way too soon and women need to be ten times stronger than the men to succeed.

My Review of The Cruelty | The Cruelty on Goodreads

Thanks for visiting The Adventures of SacaKat.
Until next time, enjoy your shelves :-).

Happy New Year Everybody!

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I sat down to do a Fave Reads of 2017 post, but have realised it is going to be way too hard to narrow a few down. I gave 31 five-star reviews on Goodreads this year (94 read all up).

I will say that The Simple Gift by Steven Herrick, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, Marsh and Me by Martine Murray, No Stars to Wish on by Zana Fraillon, No Limits by Ellie Marney, Never Again by Lily Luchesi, Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor and Fence #1 & #2 by C.S. Pacat (Author) & Johanna the Mad (Illustrator) were highlights,

 but there were also many more.


I am Super excited for continuation of Fence in 2018.

And have already pre-ordered Lynette Noni’s February and May new releases.

Bring on 2018.

Happy Reading Everybody.

 

Thanks for visiting The Adventures of SacaKat.
Until next time, enjoy your shelves :-).

Quotes Collection Part Two

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I read The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout back in March 2017. The following quote is from Chapter 9 where Mallory is describing Rider’s smile.

Ah, nothing like being punched in the chest by a man’s beauty – ummm what! For whatever reason, back in March, I was drawn to this string of words so much that I wrote them down in my Quote File.

The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout ia a story about abusive foster homes, social labels and second chances.
Mallory and Rider, the two main characters live in the same foster home as youngsters and are each others worlds. Separated by a horrific turn of events, they are then reunited in their late teens.
While the romance/plot of was rather predictable and the pace was a little slow at times, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and it did touch on some deep issues.

And in March I was obviously loving the idea that a person could be so beautiful it causes physical harm. Or something like that.

Thanks for visiting The Adventures of SacaKat.
Until next time, enjoy your shelves :-).

Quotes Collection Part One

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This year I started a word document where I’ve been keeping quotes from the books I read. I intend to do the same thing next year, the year after and so on. I’ve decided to start sharing them with you week by week. Obviously, whatever is going on in my head and home at the time I’m reading a book makes a big difference to what words grab me and I find this interesting to look back on – I hope you do to.

I really wish I’d thought to start doing this years ago (the quote collecting word document thing). Other than a quote about needing a cunning wizard, the opening lines from Pride & Prejudice and some Dr Seuss, I can’t verbatim remember any quotes from books I’ve read.

It seemed fitting to share the “cunning wizard” quote that’s been randomly popping into my head since 2015 for the first post. The quote is from a book I read in September 2015, The Soul Thief by Majanka Verstraete.

It’s a little too long ago for me to remember what was going on in my life at the time. One could assume my husband was really pissing me off? Or maybe I was taking part in some dangerous underworld activity (ok we all know my life’s not that extreme). Whatever the reason these words hit me hard while I was reading, so hard they’ve never left me.

Thanks for visiting The Adventures of SacaKat.
It you want to make my day, just Like this post, simples.
Until next time, enjoy your shelves :-).

July 2017 Round Up

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Books Read: 7

Where the Wild Mums Are by Katie Blackburn & Sholto Walker [Goodreads]

Sometimes I really want to go where the wild mums are for a month or 12. My mum bought me this book, intuitive woman she is, must have been able to tell the water has been right at my eyes lately. Or maybe it was just that I was so feral she always wanted to run away from me. ANYWAYS, Wild Mums is an amusing re-write of the classic kids’ tale “Where the Wild Things Are”. It made me smile and I’m sure I’ll read it again.

Saga #44 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples [Goodreads] Fantastic as always. “Whether we like it or not, most of our deepest-held beliefs come straight from the people who made us. Even when we turn against them, our parents still help define exactly what kind of ‘rebels’ we’ll be.” I’ve repeatedly read this quote over while mulling on my own teenage rebelling – no definite conclusions yet, but I think Vaughan maybe onto something.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas [Goodreads] Beautiful, powerful and brilliant! Full review to come 🙂 ❤

Pookie Aleera is not my boyfriend by Steven Herrick [Goodreads] A super cute story with a beautiful message behind it. It was an absolute joy to read.

The Lost Hero: The Graphic Novel by Rick Riordan (Author/Creator), Robert Venditti (Comic Adaptor) & Nate Powell (Illustrator) [Goodreads] Having read the actual book before, this was a quick and fun way to revisit the story 🙂

The Bad Book by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton (Illustrator) [Goodreads] While I did find this book amusing, it is designed for a much younger audience. I think kiddlets from 6-10 would find it hilarious.

The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl by Melissa Keil [Goodreads] More #LoveOzYA gold! Cinnamon Girl is a humorous, feel good story of growing up, friendship and the almost end of the world.

♥♥♥♥♥

Until next time, enjoy your shelves 🙂

June 2017 Round Up

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Things have been a bit slow for me on the reading/blogging front since I went back to work. So, I’ve lumped May and June together in my round up. Only problem with that is, I have to stretch my burned-out brain back to May to think up a few sentence to say. Damn I wish I had thought to pre-write them.

Books Read: 9

Blueback by Tim Winton: This “ecological fable” was absolutely beautiful. I borrowed a copy from my local library, but intend to buy a copy for my sons to read when they are older. Blueback was a joy to read and one I promise you’ll want to re-read. A book with heart and a message that needs to be heard.  [Goodreads]

To Betray My King (The Betrayal Legacy #1) by Kayla Lavan: I enjoyed stepping into Ms Lavan’s medieval world of Sol and meeting the magic weavers she has filled it with. I read a review copy that I found to be a little rough around the edges at times, but never the less a light and fluffy read.  [Goodreads]  [Review]

The Simple Gift by Steven Herrick: The Simple Gift was beautiful. I actually hugged the book at the end. I borrowed a copy from my local library and am now thinking that I need to try and buy Steven’s whole back catalog for myself and the boys when they are older, as the three borrowed books of Steven’s I have read I have adored. The Simple Gift is a story of friendship and second chances, of healing and new love.  [Goodreads]

Homies by David Gonzales & Elliott Serrano: Homies is a collection of four separate stories featuring (for the most part) the same key characters. I read a review copy and once I warmed up to the characters I found this comic to be a quick and enjoyable read. The later two stories being my favorites.  [Goodreads]  [Review]

Play by Jez Alborough: Seriously, I have read this book to Riley every night since it arrived and he is still in love with it 6+ weeks on. We read a review copy and found it to be a fantastic story told mainly through the art. The images are magnificent, coming off colourful and clear on the high quality paper used. [Goodreads]  [Review]

Night Swimming by Steph Bowe: An adorable feel good romp about first love, true friendship, growing up, finding your inner strength and a place in the world. [Goodreads]  [Review]

Counting to D by Kate Scott: While the story is rather light and fluffy it touches on a lot of extremely important topics beautifully; peer pressure, social acceptance, learning disabilities and self-worth. It is a heart-warming, fun and fast read.  [Goodreads]  [Review]

Last Rites (Paranormal Detectives, #5) by Lily Luchesi: In book five we get to delve deeper into Harriet’s past, see Danny and Angelica get married, meet the first ever Vampire and experience the epic end of an era.  [Goodreads]  [Review]

Saga #43 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples: After a short break SAGA is back with a new a new story Arc and it didn’t disappoint.  Bring on issue 44!!!   [Goodreads]

* * *
I’m back at work full time, Riley’s just turned Four years and Ethan Six months. We are starting to figure out a routine. We’ll get there and hopefully that’ll mean more read time for me. I knowingly didn’t give myself a big target this year, so i’m still ahead in my Goodreads challenge LOL.

Until next time, enjoy your shelves

Bookish Babble: April 2017 Round Up

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Books Read: 8

Slice by Steven Herrick. Five Stars. I adored this book. The character of Darcy is wonderful and his friendships with Noah and Audrey are beautiful. [Goodreads] 

A Bloody Legacy by Lily Luchesi. Five Stars. A Bloody Legacy is short but intense. A fast paced, sultry and enticing read. [Goodreads] [MyReview]

Rocket Raccoon (Free Comic Book Day Special) by Joe Caramagna. Three Stars. A quick fun read, full of Rocket hijinks. [Goodreads]

Walk the Edge by Katie McGarry. Four Stars. Good girl meets misunderstood bad boy, a well used trope, but the writing was good and I really did enjoy it. [Goodreads]

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. Five Stars. THAT ENDING! I still haven’t recovered! Fantastical Awesomeness. [Goodreads] [MyReview]

Charmed #2 by Erica Schultz & Maria Sanapo. Three Stars. Still had the TV show feel to it, but was a little lack lustre. [Goodreads]

Another Night in Mullet Town by Steven Herrick. Four Stars. A snapshot of growing up in a small Aussie coastal town. [Goodreads]

Finding Molly: An Adventure in Catsitting by Justine Prado. Four Stars. A story of growing up and discovering one’s groove. [Goodreads] [MyReview]

Books I added to my TBR list this month: 19

Blog Posts: 10

Until next time, enjoy your shelves

Bookish Babble: March 2017 Round Up

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Posts:Read: 8Image result for Rocket Raccoon: Grounded #1 Rocket Raccoon: Grounded #1 & Rocket Raccoon: Grounded #2. Both are quick and amusing reads that follow Rocket as he gets himself in and out of trouble, tries to find a way to get off Earth, and just ends up getting himself in even more trouble. Goodreads View #1. Goodreads View #2.The Limbo TreeThe Limbo Tree by T.N. Suarez. If I had to sum the book up in one word I would say it was HAUNTING. An unreliable narrator and a reality that continues to twist and change. You think you may have figured out what is going on and then everything twists again and you’re flailing around confused right alongside the main character Sam. Goodreads View. My Review.34396859I’m Australian Too by Mem Fox. This book makes my heart sing. It celebrates Australia’s multiculturalism, promotes racial equality and shines a spotlight on refugees. All this is wrapped up as a fun and colourful sing-song story. It is truly beautiful and a must read for young children. Goodreads View. My Review.34510261Charmed #1 by Erica Schultz & M.L. Sanapo.  I enjoyed reading this as it still had the TV show feel to it. I was a little disappointed when I realised it was a reimaging and that it wasn’t a carry-on from the Zenescope comics that were season 9 and 10, carrying on the TV show season 8’s set up storylines.
Never the less I’ve pre-ordered Dynamite’s Charmed #2 and I’ll be giving their whole first story arc a go before I pass final judgement. Goodreads View.26721568The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout. A story about abusive foster homes, social labels and second chances. The pace was a little slow at times and yes, the romance was predictable, but sometimes we need that happily ever after and overall I enjoyed it. Goodreads View.33791316

The Cruelty by Scott Bergstrom. I really enjoyed this book. From bitchy rich girls to deadly crime rings, Gwendolyn goes up against them all. Sounds over the top but I found it to be rather captivating story. Goodreads View. My Review.29753111When Michael Met Mina by Randa Abdel-Fattah. A book with an excellent message! Mina came to Australia by boat, a refugee from Afghanistan, while Michael’s always been on Sydney’s lower north shore. I enjoyed experiencing Michael wise up to his parent’s racists ways and grow into a much more caring and well-rounded young man. Goodreads View.

New additions to my TBR: 13

Bookish Instagram:Until next time, enjoy your shelves