April – June Book Haul: “Treat Yo’ Self” Edition
It’s July which means time for the third book haul of the year. I did a lot of Spring cleaning including my entire book collection which means unhauling a lot of books. So, while I did acquire a lot of new titles for this haul I have unhauled about 30 (or more books) at the time of this post. I’ve also been prioritizing backlist reads by utilizing the library more and reading more from my own shelves. It feels good to make so much progress and discover all the book gems in my collection.
I ended up acquiring more books as I did a bit of traveling to new books in my home state (more on that later in a separate post). I love discovering new indies to visit!
Let’s get onto the book haul!
Bought
Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon – Yoon has become sort of an insta-buy author for me so I was excited to find this novel as a discount. The story follows Evie has the power to see other people’s romantic fates and now her own fate as well.
All You Knead is Love by Tanya Guerrero – Been in Middle Grade mood lately so I love to add more novels of this kind to my collection. The story is about a twelve-year-old multiracial Filipino and Spanish girl who goes to live with her grandmother for the summer and gains confidence through a newly discovered passion for baking.
The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson –This novel was one of those Barnes & Noble café $5 book deals. This story is about a group of misfit kids who spend an unforgettable summer investigating local ghost stories and urban legends. Sounds like a story I would love plus it’s giving me Stranger Things vibes.
Hooky Vol.2 by Miriam Bonastre Tur – I still need to read Volume One of this series, but I picked up Volume Two since it was on sale at Walmart. The story follows a brother and sister as they travel through their fairy tale world in search of how to be the best witch and wizard they can be.
The Love Con by Seressia Glass – The cover art caught my eye, so I decided to pick up this romance novel. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance mixed with cosplay, and a convention.
Ghost Stories by M.R. James – Saving this book for spooky season for sure! This is an omnibus collection of ghost stories by English author M. R. James’, published in 1931, bringing together all but four of his ghost stories.
The Haunted Mansion & The Nightmare Before Christmas – This is a nostalgia buy for me plus I’m a huge Disney fan. The prices for these meant these purchases were such a steal.
Emma Dreams of Stars: Inside the Gourmet Guide by Emmanuelle Maisonneuve, Julia Pavlowitch, and Kan Takahama – If you know me, I love stories about food so I couldn’t resist picking up this graphic novel. The book is about a glimpse into the inner workings of The Michelin Guide, and the grueling yet rewarding life of an undercover professional foodie.
How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by K. M. Jackson – This novel has such a wacky plot that it intrigued me. The novel is about a woman named Bethany and her BFF Truman Erikson desperate to convince Keanu to call off the take a wild road trip to search for the elusive Keanu.
My Neighbor Hayao: Art Inspired by the Films of Miyazaki – As a long-time Ghibli fan I decided to snag this book when visiting Vault of Midnight. I love art/coffee table books and this book has work from more than 250 artists in celebration of the acclaimed Japanese filmmaker and animator.
Christmas Is Coming: Traditions from Around the World by by Monika Utnik (Author), Ewa Poklewska-Koziello – A beautifully illustrated book about traditions about the most popular, exciting, contemplative, and unique Christmas customs and legends from around the world. I honestly bought this book just for the artwork.
A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison – A middle grade fantasy about three sisters–adventurous Betty, curious Charlie, and proper Fliss–who go on a quest to break the curse that’s haunted their family for generations.
Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono – I love the Ghibli film so I thought I would pick up the original novel and read it!
Hallows Eve by Al Sarrantonio – Also saving this novel for a spooky season read! This novel follows Corrie Phaeder is returning home to Orangefield, the last place in the world he wants to be. Orangefield is a town of nightmares, where the impossible and horrific happen all too often.
Ophie’s Ghosts by Justina Ireland – A 12-year-old Black girl in 1920s Georgia learns she has the ability to commune with ghosts—and goes on to help solve a mysterious death. I’ve heard such good things about this novel so I can’t wait to read it.
Black Love Matters (edited) by Jessica P. Pryde – A intersectional essay anthology that celebrates and examines romance and romantic media through the lens of Black readers, writers, and cultural commentators.
The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis – I heard this novel is Westworld meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this fantasy adventure story. I don’t know too much about it though.
Gifted
Almost There: A Twisted Tale Novel by Farrah Rochon – This was given to me from my good friend Yali! This Disney novel is a set in The Princess and the Frog universe and follows Tiana makes a deal that changes everything. I can’t wait to read it!
ARCs/Review Copies
The Name Drop by Susan Lee – I really enjoyed Lee’s debut novel Seoulmates so I was very excited to delve into The Name Drop. Lee’s novels feel like reading through a K-drama plot in the best way! (Review)
Dragon Whisperer by Vanessa Ricci-Thode – Dionelle is unique: she was born immune to fire. Shortly after marrying Reiser and moving to his ranch on the outskirts of a large city, a corrupt noblewoman forces Dionelle to work with dragons in order to keep the peace in her kingdom. (Review coming soon!)
What books have you hauled recently? Let me know in the comments?
I read The Good Luck Girls a while back and thought it was a decent first book but didn’t love it. The protag didn’t work for me, I think, but the world was interesting. It’s like a fantasy western.
Good to know! The western fantasy aspect is what piqued my interest to purchase the book.
Ooh, I’ll be interested in your thoughts on Black Love Matters, I have it on my wishlist but I’m not sure I’ll be familiar with a lot of the writers they discuss. I just went to the book shop locally to buy a particular book as a treat (I had an unpleasant medical test in the week, got the all-clear immediately and wanted to celebrate with Esme Young’s from The Great British Sewing Bee’s memoir, as that show finished on Wednesday; they didn’t have it, I ordered it, and I still managed to buy Angela Hui’s “Takeaway” which is about life as a British Born Chinese person, which OK was on my wishlist but how did that happen? Also bought a book on editing to encourage the author, who I know via editing social media …
Thanks Liz! Maybe I’ll include a mini review/or full review on Black Love on the blog soon. Takeaway sounds like such a great novel. And there is a Great British Sewing Bee show? I had no clue, but I’m definitely intrigued.
Yes, there have been five or six series now and it’s great, a lovely diverse mix of contestants and different themes that showcase all sorts of clothing.