August Wrap-Up!

Wow! It feels like I’ve been away from blogging for ever, but it has been just over two weeks. So, what happened in August? Well, an epic-ish fail for my reading journey! But, my summer has been a success as I’ve managed to switch off from teaching and enjoy reading, my holiday, Netflix, shopping … Of course, now I’m regretting not doing more work …

I’ll start with my epic-ish fail! I was taking part in the #20BooksofSummer Reading Challenge, an annual event hosted by Cathy at 746books.com. I managed to read 15 out of the 20 books, but still have reviews to write for two of them – although I do have my trusty notes! And I will post the reviews – but they will be late!

These are the ten middle-grade which I read first, and had no difficulty completing! They were all brilliant reads and most have now made their way to my class library.

The other five books I read were from my YA/Adult group, and I only managed five of these, but they were a very good five! I feel slightly guilty that I haven’t posted a review for Wakenhyrst yet, as it was one of my favourite reads this summer. I also do intend to read the other five books in my list, but it will probably take me all of Autumn to catch up – or more likely, my Christmas holiday!

Now, the reason/excuse I’m using for my epic-ish fail is that, when I decided to do this challenge, I didn’t realise I would be going on a two week holiday to my favourite place: Disney World. This kind of holiday is pretty full on, and I got very little time for reading or reviewing. However, I did have the best time – drank lots of cocktails; ate lots of fab food including visiting the Epcot Food & Wine Festival; seeing fireworks and parades; and, of course, the rides. We also went to the opening day of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge which was incredible, if not rather crowded.

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My other success was that I’ve managed to complete my Goodreads Reading Challenge. This is the first year I’ve used Goodreads, so I set myself a challenge of 60 books, which I’ve now completed. I think I’ll leave the number set, and just see how many more I can read by the end of December.

As well as the books I read for the #20Booksof Summer Challenge, I did also manage to read some other books in August. These are either books I’ve bought or been approved to read via NetGalley. Altogether, I read 12 books in August: three were NetGalley approvals, five were from my #20BooksofSummer and four were books I’d bought.

NetGalley approvals read:

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Books bought and read:

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I’ve also been approved to read two other books on NetGalley which I’m really looking forward to, especially ‘The Mercies‘ by Kiran Millwood Hargrave. I’ve read all of her middle-grade (apart from The Island at the End of Everything) and her first YA, The Deathless Girls which is being published on 19th September which is a stunning read. It is so hard not to keep requesting books, but I’m trying really hard to keep my requests under control. I was disappointed not to have been approved for Amy Wilson’s new book, Shadows of Winterspell, but it’s being released on 17th October so not too long to wait – except it is!

I also came home to some fantastic holiday post courtesy of Toppsta and Usborne.

This has jumped to the top of my TBR. I absolutely loved ‘The House with Chicken Legs‘ and can’t wait to read Yanka’s story. Now, if only that pesky work would get itself done so I can make a start!

I’m just going to finish with my Netflix series of choice – honestly, I’m not procrastinating to avoid work!

My husband and I watched the fantastic ‘Stranger Things‘ seasons 2 and 3 back-to-back. We’ve also been watching ‘Dark Matter‘ which I’ve really enjoyed. I seem to be able to watch sci-fi much easier than read it.

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How did you get on if you did the #20BooksofSummer? What are you currently watching on Netflix? I’d be really happy to get sci-fi reading recommendations!