Getting back into Bookstagram

Last year I wanted to try combining two of my favorite hobbies: reading and photography.  It was fun, but quickly became overwhelming, as I had much more on my plate than anticipated.  I couldn't invest much time on trying to rebuild a new social media account and I quickly ran out of unique creative ideas, so the account was put on hold.  One day, just last month, I woke up and wanted to start it up again!  I feel like I'm getting better everyday, and I love seeing what others in the community are posting.

Here are some of my recent Bookstagram posts!

If you would like to follow, you can find me here, at thehollowcupboards!

If  you bookstagram as well, I would love to follow you.  Please leave your links below!

What I've Been Watching: Thirteen Reasons Why

(No Spoilers)

Season 2 of the controversial Netflix show, Thirteen Reasons Why, released just a couple weeks ago.  With the way that Season 1 got me hooked, I knew that I had to continue watching, just to see where they could possibly go from there.  The thing about season one, if you haven't seen it, is that it covered what happened (and then some) in the book, written by Jay Asher.  Season 2 is a completely new story to all viewers, so that's partially what reeled me in so fast.

One thing you will notice going into this season is that each episode holds a message from the cast regarding reaching out for help, making sure to leave the suicide hotline, and urging younger viewers to watch with a parent or guardian.  This season goes into more about the characters, or the "reasons" Hannah died.  In season 1, we heard her side of the story, but season 2 is all about the secrets she kept and the court battle between Hannah's parents and the school.

I may be the only one, but I was feeling some serious Pretty Little Liar vibes this season, because it had a lot to do with trying to find out the secrets of a dead girl.  The producers really took the viewers on a journey this time around.  While we've already gotten to see the aftermath of losing Hannah, delving deeper into each characters feelings and them trying to heal is an important part of this story.  I do have to say, there were scenes where it felt that the creators were reaching for that shock-factor.  I can certainly empathize, and I know there are teenagers going through many experiences similar to these every day, but there were certain things that I didn't feel necessary to include in the development of certain characters.

Overall, yes, I still consider this show among one of my current favorites!  It's edgy and pulls you in from the very start.  I like that they're not afraid to discuss and portray real issues.  If you like drama and mystery, this is definitely going to be a show for you.

Have you watched both seasons yet?  

Let's discuss in the comments below!

Currently Reading and June TBR

Where is the time going?  I can barely get one book read before the month is over; it's been such a busy year!  Hopefully now that it's summer, things can slow down and I can enjoy life.  June is my birthday month, and this year I'll be turning 26!  Every summer I get in the mood to read cute, fluffy contemporary romances, and this one is no different!

Currently reading:

Leah on the Off Beat by Becky Albertalli

It's taking me a LONG time to get through this one, only because I don't normally listen to audiobooks, and I keep forgetting to put it on when I'm cleaning and/or driving!  So far I'm enjoying it, though.  It's nice to be reacquainted with all of the characters from Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda.

Saga Vol 2-8 by Brian Vaughan and Fiona Staples

After falling in love with the first of this series, I knew that I had to get my hands on the next few volumes.  My best friend was able to loan me the copies she had, and I went ahead and bought the rest.

June/Summer TBR

 

Love, Life, and the List by Kasie West

By Your Side by Kasie West

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo

Mariam Sharma Hits the Road by Sheba Karim

Invisible Ghosts by Robyn Schneider

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon

Summer screams the names of authors like Kasie West and Morgan Matson to me, and since there are a few Kasie West books I need to catch up on, I'm going to try and do that this month!

I've also heard great things about Sandhya Menon's books, so I decided to pick them up ASAP.  I can't wait to get started on When Dimple Met Rishi!  

And who doesn't love a good roadtrip book?  Mariam Sharma Hits the Road is about a cross-country trip to my favorite place, New Orleans!  Since I can't take my own roadtrip there right now, at least I can join these characters on theirs!

What are you hoping to read this summer?

Stacking the Shelves: May 2018 Book Haul

Bought

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Haunted Heartland by Beth Scott & Michael Norman

Saga, Vol. 1 by Brian K Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Review

Nothing Left to Burn by Heather Ezell

A Date With Darcy (Bookish Boyfriends #1) by Tiffany Schmidt

Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne

Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe by Preston Norton

The Beauty that Remains by Ashley Woodfolk

Between the Blade and the Heart by Amanda Hocking

From the Earth to the Shadows by Amanda Hocking

Strange Stars by Jason Heller

How Hard Can It Be? by Allison Pearson

The Falling Between Us by Ash Parsons

What I Leave Behind by Alison McGee

Gudetama's Guide to Life by Brian Elling

Eggistential Thoughts by Gudetama the Lazy Egg by Francesco Sedita & Max Bisantz

My favorite bookstore find this month was definitely Haunted Heartland, a ghost book involving stories that take place in the midwest.  My dad had this same book when I was younger, but it was loaned out and never returned.  When I stumbled upon this copy, I knew I had to have it.  Another book I'm super excited to add to my collection is Saga, Vol. 1!  Check out my mini review here!

What new books have come into your life recently?  Feel free to leave the link to your most recent book haul below!

Mini Review: Saga, Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Title: Saga, Vol. 1
Author: Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
Publisher: Image Comics
Age Group: Adult
Category: Graphic Novel/Comic
Release date: October 23rd, 2012
Pages: 160
Rating: 5 out of 5
Source: Purchased
Goodreads | Amazon | Author

When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe.

Although I remember hearing about Saga from other readers, I never looked into picking up any of the volumes until I stumbled upon Volume One at my local Half Price Books store.  I must say: for a book lover, I rarely buy myself books.  I have so many on my shelves to read that I'm certain I will never get through all of them.  Yet, here I was, book in my hands immediately upon finding it on the shelves.  I didn't even flip through it beforehand, I just knew that I wanted it. 

Saga is a tale about two starcrossed lovers, trapped in the middle of a battle between each of their kind.  There's Marko, a kind and caring soul who believes that violence only leads to more violence, and Alana, who is protective and headstrong.  Because they separated themselves from the war in order to fall in love and start a family, everyone- from each side- seems to be after them.  The artwork in this book is so strange and wonderful, it fits the story perfectly.  I must say, after reading Volume One, I absolutely regret not picking up the other volumes they had in store.  I will definitely be getting my hands on the rest of the series thus far, because I flew through this one faster than I anticipated.