My Unexpected Hiatus and My (Hopeful) Return To Blogging

I don’t know if you noticed, but I was MIA for most of January. I was all set to get back to blogging after the Christmas holidays. I had a wonder visit with my family and received lots of books for presents. I read so much over the holidays. I even had new posts planned and so many ideas churning in my head, but then stuff happened and I just needed a break.

My hiatus was a mix of several things, I was finally done my classes, worked way too much, and then my uncle and his wife passed away and I just didn’t feel like blogging. We weren’t close, but I needed a little break after all that. I thought I would be back sooner than this, but I just didn’t have any urge to even read over the past month. I mean I didn’t even read a single book in January. I mean not one. Sure I picked up a book a few times, but I couldn’t even read five pages before putting it down. So I figured don’t push it you will only regret it and blame the book.

This weekend I read a whole book in one day. So now I want to read again. I want to blog again. I want to be back into this lovely blogging community that I have rudely ignored for the past month.

2013 Recap - A Year In Review

Hello everyone! Happy New Year. I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and New Year’s. I was able to go home and visit my family for a bit, which was nice because I don't get to see them as often as I would like as they live hours away. The trip there was long due to an ice storm, but I eventually arrived after a thirteen hour train ride that was supposed to only be six hours. One the best parts of my trip was that I got to take care of my uncle's puppy for a bit!

I took a mini break for the holidays, but now I'm back and ready to get back blogging. 2013 was a crazy busy year for me. I started my blog (best part of the year), went back to school part time, and continued to work two jobs. At times I wanted to cry because of the stress of school and working, but I persevered and made it through (and aced all my courses!)

I thought it would be fun to take a look back at my reading for 2013 and my challenges (oh and there will be charts and graphs!)

My most popular post of 2013:

1. Review: The Bride Wore Size 12 by Meg Cabot
2. Guest Post: Shalini Boland, Author of The Perimeter
3. Review: Left Drowning by Jessica Park
4. Review: The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
5. Top Ten 2014 Release I'm Dying To Read

Reading

Overall, I was really happy with my reading outcome. I ended up reading 112 books (some which were novellas). I thought my reading was going to take a back burner to school, but I still managed to find time to do so. It definitely helped that I only had to take one course at a time, but sometimes it felt like I had no time to read.

Books Read: 112
Words: 33591
Books Reviewed: 89

One of my goals for next year is to branch out and read different genres. I love my comfort zone with my science fiction books, but I know there are some amazing books in other genres that I'm missing. If you have any suggestions let me know!

Best Books Read

Worst Books Read

2013 End Of Year Book Survey

1. Best Book You Read In 2013?

I can't just pick one so here's my top picks:

Horde by Ann Aguirre, Crash Into You by Katie McGarry, Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor, Ashfall by Mike Mullin, If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch, Attachments by Rainbow Rowell, Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis, and This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales.

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

The Shade of the Moon by Susan Beth Pfeffer. I was so excited when I saw there was going to be a fourth book. When I got my hands on a review copy I was even more excited, but sadly it was not even close to the greatness of the first book.

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2013?

This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales. I just started reading it before bed one night without really thinking or having any expectations on the book, but it turned into one of my top reads of 2013.

4. Book you read in 2013 that you recommended to people most in 2013?

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell or the Razorland Trilogy by Ann Aguirre. I just simply love these book. I push it on people constantly.

5. Best series you discovered in 2013?

It would have to be Daughter of Smoke & Bone, The Grimoire Saga, or Pushing The Limits series. All three were superb.

6. Favourite new author you discovered in 2013?

Katie McGarry and Emily Murdoch.

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor. I'm not a big fantasy genre person, but this book was amazing and beautiful. It was everything I was missing from this genre.

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2013?

Facade by Nyrae Dawn. I couldn't put it down. It was one of my very late into the night reads.

9. Book You Read In 2013 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

I don't re-read a lot of books, but I probably will re-read Attachments by Rainbow Rowell again.

10. Favourite cover of a book you read in 2013?


11. Most memorable character in 2013? 

Celaena Sardothien. She was clever, strong, funny, arrogant, and could kick everyone's butt. Maybe it's because I just finished reading Throne of Glass, but Celaena was one of my favourite heroines this year.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2013?

Ignite by Erica Crouch. This book was perfect and was written so beautifully.

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2013?

Daughter of Smoke & Bone. It made me realize that I do like some fantasy/paranormal books. It was just such a fantastic book that it opened my eyes to a whole new genre that I just cast aside.

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2013 to finally read?

Unwind by Neal Shusterman. That book blew me away.

15. Favourite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2013?

"We don’t ever have to be together, Kara, if that’s not what you want. It doesn’t have to be that way. But I will always make certain you are safe.

I’ll do my best to respect what you want, Kara. I just want to be nearby. Someone has to catch you when you trip."
Braeden - Treason by S.M. Boyce

"What’s wrong with me that nobody wants to keep me?"
Isaiah - Crash Into You by Katie McGarry

"I’m an angel, and so are you. You’ve fallen, sure, but you are still an angel. I can feel who you are, your true spirit. I can see the soul you believe you lost. It’s still there inside you.”
Michael - Ignite - Erica Crouch

"It's real, Six. You can't get mad at a real ending. Some of them are ugly. It's the fake happily-ever-afters that should piss you off."
Sky - Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2013?

Shortest: The New World by Patrick Ness at 24 pgs
Longest: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers at 576 pgs.

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

Umm...the ending of Allegiant. I was so careful (and successful too) to avoid spoilers for this book. That when I finished I had to wait forever to talk to someone about it. I had a book hangover for a very long time after that one.

18. Favorite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2013 (be it romantic, friendship, etc).

Romantic: Although, the series isn't my favourite. I love Aria and Perry together from Under The Never Sky series.

Friendship: Celaena  and Nehemia. I don't see a lot of really great female friendships in young adult books lately (which is a shame), but Throne of Glass had the perfect friendship. Even though they had their ups and downs Celaena and Nehemia still supported each other.

19. Favorite Book You Read in 2013 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

The Bride Wore Size 12 by Meg Cabot

20. Best Book You Read In 2013 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else:

Ignite by Erica Crouch. I wouldn't have read it if it wasn't for Chiara from Books For A Delicate Eternity.

21. Genre You Read The Most From in 2013?

No surprise here. It was science fiction.

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2013?

Isaiah from Crash Into You by Katie McGarry and Chaol from Throne of Glass.

23. Best 2013 debut you read?

It would be a three way tie between Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis, If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch, and This Song will Save Your life by Leila Sales.

24. Most vivid world/imagery in a book you read in 2013?

Lichgates by S.M. Boyce and The Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor.

25. Book That Was The Most Fun To Read in 2013?

Poison by Bridget Zinn.

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2013?

Allegiant by Veronica Roth, Horde by Ann Aguirre, Facade by Nyrae Dawn, Hopeless by Colleen Hoover.

27. Book You Read in 2013 That You Think Got Overlooked This Year Or When It Came Out?

Ashfall by Mike Mullin. This book doesn't get nearly enough love. You honestly need to read it.



1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2013?

I found so many new blogs that I love this year. In Italics, Book Rock Betty, Books For A Delicate Eternity, Another Novel Read, and Paper Riot. I could go on for such a long time with all the new and great blogs I discovered this year.

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2013?

Elite by Rachel Van Dyken. This book threw me through the ringer and I didn't even know how to put into words the absurdity and fun I had reading it.

3. Best discussion you had on your blog?

I haven't written a discussion post yet on my blog. I have been meaning to, but it's just one of those things I have put off.

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else’s blog?

I've read so many good discussion post this year. I liked Daisy Chain Book Reviews' Has Book Blogging Fallen out of Fashion? post, Jamie @ Perpetual Page Tuner always has great discussions, and I love Arial's discussions @ In Italics.

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

I didn't go to any events this year as my city never has any, but I really enjoyed participating in The Broke and The Bookish's Top Ten Tuesday.

6. Best moment of book blogging/your book life in 2013?

Starting my own blog. I started The Book Addict's Ramblings in late January of this year and I am so happy I did.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

My review of The Bride Wore Size 12 by Meg Cabot. It got the most views.

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

My reviews. I get lots of comments on my Top Ten Tuesdays and Waiting On Wednesdays, but hardly any comments on my reviews.

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

The book blogging community. It was such a welcoming group and made being a newbie so much easier.

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

Yes! I may have signed up for too many challenges, but I just love doing them. I finished And So It Begins Challenge, 2013 eBook Challenge, 2013 End of the Series Challenge, 2013 Dystopia Reading Challenge, and my Goodreads reading challenge.

For the second year in a row I failed miserably at my TBR Reading Challenge. I only crossed four off my list this year.


1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2013 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2014?

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I loved Obsidian, but haven't taken the time to read the rest of the series. I even have Onyx sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read. I've heard amazing things about this series, so I'm making it a priority to read this book!

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2014 (non-debut)?

Too many. Here's the books I'm dying to read in 2014, but Sunrise by Mike Mullin tops the list.

3. 2014 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige and Half Bad by Sally Green.

4. Series Ending You Are Most Anticipating in 2014?

Again, Sunrise by Mike Mullin. I've waited so long for this final book and I can't wait to get my hands on it!

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2014?

Start discussion posts on here and participate more in the blogging community.

2014 Blogging & Reading Goals

2013 flew by and we are almost 2014 is almost here. I'm looking forward to 2014 as my blog is turning 1 in January/February! I'm not quite sure of my blogoversary date, so I better look into that!

• Get my Netgalley feedback to approval ration to above 80%. This is my #1 goal for 2014. I made a newbie mistake when I first started blogging and requested too many review copies, and I want to clear up my review TBR list for 2014.
  
  
• Don't request as many ARCs on Edelweiss and Netgalley.
  
  
• Complete three 2014 blogging reading challenges. I love challenges, so this shouldn't be a problem! I've signed up for four so far (2014 Series Challenge, 2014 Standalone Reading Challenge, Lucky No 14 Reading Challenge, and Dystopia Reading Challenge), and I know I'm going to find more.
  
  
• Be more active in the blogging community and twitter. I feel like I hardly interact on twitter and I want this to change.
  
  
• Hit 400 followers
  
  
• Comment on more blogs
  
  
• I want to start doing discussion posts. I have all these ideas floating around in my brain, but I never do one!
  
  
• Host a giveaway!

• Read at least 100 books. I should have more time next year as I won't be in school, and we a little luck I will be able to quit my second job. If the latter happens I will have so much more time to devout to reading and blogging.
  
  
• Read at least 35,000 pages
  
  
• Read five books outside my normal genres.

What are your goals for 2014? What would you like to see more or less of on The Book Addict's Ramblings?

A-Z Book Blogger Survey

This survey took a lot longer than I thought it would to answer, but here goes.

Author you’ve read the most books from:

MaryJanice Davidson. I have read 16 of her books! MaryJanice's books always have me laughing and are great for a quick, light read.

Best Sequel Ever:

Son of Shadows by Juliet Marillier. I love this book even more than the first. It is also one of my all time favourite books.

Currently Reading:

Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis. It's so good. I can't wait to finish it at lunch today.

Drink of Choice While Reading:

I normally forget to eat or drink while reading. Sometimes I will drink tea, but only if I make it prior to picking up a book.

E-reader or Physical Book?

This is a toughie. I love good physical books, but I think I like the convenience and the features of my ereader better. I have a Kobo and man do I love it! Highlighting, having several (hundred) books at my disposal at once, small carrying size, borrowing library books while still in my PJs, etc. I literally could go on for hours about how I love my Kobo. It's definitely worth the price.

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated In High School:

This is super hard to pick since most of the characters I read aren't my "type." But if I were to date a fictional character now it would be Lincoln from Attachments. I know that's not high school, but that's my answer :)

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance:

The Moon Dwellers by David Estes. Usually I skip over indie reads, but I'm definitely glad I gave this book a chance.

Hidden Gem Book:

Ashfall by Mike Mullin. I can't wait for the final book next spring. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe these books.

Important Moment in your Reading Life:

Finding Goodreads and buying my ereader. After discovering Goodreads a few years ago I start back up with reading. After college I slowed down as I had too much going on, but once I discovered the world of reading again I found so many different books I would have never picked up if it wasn't for Goodreads.

Just Finished:

Gravity by Melissa West. Spoiler: It was awesome!

Kinds of Books You Won't Read:

Non-fiction, horror, crime, etc.

Longest Book You’ve Read:

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin at 737 pages and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling coming in a close second at 734. Two series I have also not finished, and mostly because of the length of them.

Major book hangover because of:

The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorensen. My mouth was left hanging over and it took me awhile to process that ending.

Number of Bookcases You Own:

3, but I need way more. I have books piled in several places throughout my apartment.

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:

This is kind of embarrassing, but Can You Keep A Secret? by Sophie Kinsella. It just makes me laugh so much. I read it every winter.

Preferred Place To Read:

In bed or lofting about on my sofa. It's a close tie since both places are super comfy.

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:

"But I also felt like an eggshell that had gotten a tiny crack. You can't repair something like that. All you can do is hope that it sticks together, hope that the crack doesn't grow until all your insides come spilling right out." This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales

Reading Regret:

Not reading as much in my early 20s.

Series You Started And Need To Finish(all books are out in series):

Way too many! Harry Potter, The Dwellers, Chaos Walking, etc.

Three of your All-Time Favorite Books:

Son of Shadows by Juliet Marillier, Can You Keep A Secret by Sophie Kinsella, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.

Unapologetic Fangirl For:

David Estes series The Dwellers. Yes, it's from an indie author, but I freaking love his books!

Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others:

Allegiant by Veronica Roth. How does it end? I need to know. Just another reason why October is my favourite month. October please get here now!

Worst Bookish Habit:

Peeking at the end of the book, late library books, my refusal to not DNF a book not matter how bad, etc.

X Marks The Spot: Start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book:

High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

Your latest book purchase:

Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas, Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers, Gone by Michael Grant, Hopeless by Colleen Hoovers, Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr, Fallen by Lauren Kate, Shine Shine Shine by Linda Netzer, Tempest by Julie Cross, Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, and After The Snow by S.D.Crockett . It was a big haul at the bookstore, but in my defence Chapters was having a great sale and I just couldn't pick one. That wouldn't be fair to the other books!

ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late):

This happens more often than I care to admit, but my most recent zzz-snatcher book is Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis.