Melody > Recent Status Updates

Oops, I accidentally started another romance (audio)book. This one is also campy, and the conflict is "I want to get rid of this demon I accidentally summoned, even though he's somehow the nicest (and kind of the dumbest) demon in the world. Also, we're already betrothed". But the author has brought in some tea that should actually create some tension and conflict... We'll see.

So far this is a chill book to read, but every interaction between the two main characters is my least favorite trope: miscommunication as the conflict. They don't even let each other finish their sentences, then get mad at each other because what they said could be (and is) taken the wrong way. I enjoy the premise, though, of two bookstore owners fighting to keep their own stores open, then they fall in love.

Thought I'd break up the heavy reads with a cozy one.

In my experiment to read bestsellers and new, popular books I come across at work, it's been proven time and time again that these books are popular for a reason. I've only just started this one, but as someone who's a fan of recent-ish history (this book takes place in the 1960s) and family shows like Andy Griffith or The Dick Van Dycke Show, this book is intriguing.

I'm gonna finish this today...

This book is like a trainwreck: it's sad to read but you can't look away. It's well written and makes you think about a topic that is thrown around a lot, especially recently, but not generally understood by the masses. This isn't a book about homeschooling itself, but instead a glimpse into the life of a boy named Stefan who grew up under the grips of an emotionally abusive, overbearing, and narcissistic mother.

Again, I've been so locked in on this book that I didn't realize how far into it I was until this morning.

1 day before it's returned, 4 hours and 9 minutes left to go.

I knew this book was about a magical sculptress, but I didn't anticipate the fairytale feel intertwined with Italian culture and history as well. It's an interesting mash up that's really caught my interest. There's romance, of course, and it could easily feel cheesy but it doesn't. I'd want to write a book like this and do it this well.

My book is due in two days... can I make it? Kindle says 6 hours and 50 minutes left in the book, I might have to shut myself in tomorrow evening.

Still a super funny--and sometimes cringy (but still funny)-- audiobook. It's been a while since I've been able to really lock in with an audiobook, and it still make me laugh.

This audiobook is so funny, dude. I've never laughed out loud at a book this much before.

I'm starting to drop off, not gonna lie...

I might've accidentally started numbing out to this book, but my husband can't remember the story either to ask me where I'm at in the book and outing myself. I'm still enjoying what little I'm picking up on, though.

Reading Order:
Masters of Death by Olivie Blake (406 pages) [A book pre-existing in my kindle library]
Alchemised by SenLinYu (1030 pages) [Book Page magazine recommendation]
Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson (1007 pages) [I really want to read through the Cosmere universe].

Listening Order:
Wolf of the North Series (32 hours) [Husband rec I'm enjoying].
Dungeon Crawler Carl (80 hours)[Everyone rec].

This is both cute and weird at the same time, so far.

I didn't anticipate enjoying this book as much as I have been; so much so, that I didn't realize until yesterday that I was already over halfway through the book. It's been easy to pop on during my drive home or while doing chores. It could be because I've started to become too use to listening to longer books, and usually by this time in other stories I'm only a quarter of the way through.

Trying to finish this book feels like those dreams where you're running towards something and it keeps moving further and further away...

Another recommendation from my husband that feels much like the first one so far, in that he--much like "Society of the Sword"--is weak and working towards becoming a fighter while falling for his lady friend. I do like that this one is being told like a story being told to a group of kids, because that's kind of fun.

It's getting ⭐ domestic ✨

Anna Karenina quotes out of context that slap:

"...he looked as fresh as a big shiny green Dutch cucumber." 🥒

"What a stupid piece of beef!" 🍖

"Mostly you argue heatedly only because you can't make out what your opponent wants to prove." 👀

My goal is to read 91 pages today. For the grind.