Book Girl Thoughts: My thoughts on what fandom stuff I'd miss while on an online break and other stuff

Happy Monday!

I took a week long online break, so I know I missed a lot of fandom stuff. So, this morning I was trying to get caught up. Some of things I saw, was that the Supergirl movie wasn't doing well at the box office. And it's also getting mixed reviews with more leaning towards negative. I'm still not sure I want to see it in the theatre, I might just wait for it to be released on DVD. And that's mainly because when I watched the trailer it felt like I was looking at another Guardians of the Galaxy movie. Although I love watching the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, I don't want to see a Supergirl movie masking as one. It just didn't feel like I was seeing anything different from a Guardians movie. Maybe the movie is better than what's shown in the trailer but for now I'll probably just wait for it to be released on DVD to watch it.

Let's see, I also saw where some of the cast from 9-1-1, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. were at the Saving Lives Convention in Paris over the weekend. I love going to conventions, so hopefully the fans and the actors had a lot fun. From a few videos I saw, it looked like fun chaos.

(Photo Credit: Empire Conventions)

And finally, during my break, I watched a few movies and started a few shows that I have been planning to watch but never got around to it. I also watched a few episodes of Downton Abbey which totally rekindled my love for the show. It's been a while, maybe I'll rewatch the entire series and the movies. And throughout my weeklong break, I was also reading my book, Body and Soul Food by Abby Collette. I should be finished soon. To avoid reader's block, I have just been gradually reading a little bit everyday. I've also been trying to declutter and reorganize my reading nook. I really want to use it but I still have a bunch of stuff taking up space. So that's one of my projects. Aside from the watching movies and shows and reading and organizing, I was trying to find a new hobby. And one that I was looking into was crochet, it's something I want to try. I've been trying to find a beginner's kit but so far I haven't gotten one yet.

Well, that's just few a thoughts I had and wanted to share. I hope everyone had a good week. I can't wait to get back to posting.

Book Nerd Problem: I Need to Finish Reading "To All The Boys I've Loved Before" Book Series

Happy Saturday!

I was watching the trailer for the new third season of XO, Kitty and it made me realize that not only I have not watched any season of XO, Kitty but I also haven't finished watching the To All the Boys I've Loved Before movie trilogy (I watched the first movie). My book nerd problem is that I want to finish reading the To All the Boys I've Loved Before book series by Jenny Han (I read the first book) before I finish watching the rest of the movies and the XO, Kitty TV series. It's been a while since I've finished a book series, which is why I'm so motivated to finish reading the last two books in the series. I'm not sure if I'll read the second book P.S. I Still Love You after I finish reading the Catwoman novelization by Elizabeth Hand. But I will be reading it soon.

Book Girl Thoughts: Current Events

With the current state of events and the world, it was difficult to write about books, entertainment and fandom stuff which is why I haven't posted until now. The United States joining forces with Israel to start a war with Iran and for some reason not expecting Iran to retaliate. The United States has no right to tell another country how to rule when this administration is actively doing everything they can to harm the people. From trying to take away our rights to funding and operating concentration camps to covering up a large scale pedophile ring to all the nonstop corruption. This administration can not judge other countries and with that said, make sure you're registered to vote. Hopeful after the midterm elections there can be a change to impeach and get rid of as many of these horrible people in this administration.

Book Girl Thoughts: Thank You

Happy Wednesday!

I feel like I haven't said this enough, but I truly mean it, thank you for being here and reading my blog, Book Girl and my other blog Truly Outrageous Buck and Eddie (which I need to update). I want to thank you for your support, for reading my posts about books and my book reviews, for reading my geeky lifestyle posts which I hope are helpful, my posts about shows and movies and for posts about life. With time being so valuable, I am so grateful that you choose to visit my blogs.

So, thank you so much.

~ Book Girl

(Photo Credit: Martha Stewart)

Book Girl Thoughts: Movies, Reading and 9-1-1 Rewatch

Happy Wednesday!

How's everyone's day going so far? My day is pretty good and I wanted to post some thoughts. I'm most excited for tonight because I'm going to see I Know What You Did Last Summer with some friends. We still haven't decided if we're going to get something to eat before or after the movie. Anyway, have any of you seen it? I really can't wait to see this movie. I also want to see Jurassic World Rebirth and Superman as well as Fantastic Four which is out this weekend. Along with so many other movies.

Anyway, moving on to reading. Surprisingly I haven't been experiencing any reader's block. Which has been wonderful not having to deal with, that's for sure. I've been finding time to read almost every day. For so long, I had been dealing with reader's block which is why it took me so long to read my last two books. It just feels so amazing not to be dealing with it and I've been reading almost every day. Yesterday, I went to the library to see if History Lessons by Zoe B. Wallbrook. The good news, they have it. The bad news, it's checked out and there's over 20 people on the waiting list to read it. I didn't add my name to list just yet. We'll see.

I started my 9-1-1 Rewatch, and so far I've watched the first four episodes from the first seasons. I forgot how much the first season had such a different vibe from the rest of the series. I've been writing some notes and thoughts, not sure if I should post them at the end of each week. Or after I finished the rewatch. I'll figure it out.

I guess that's all the thoughts I have for now.

Book Girl Thoughts: Cluttered Reading Nook

Happy Tuesday!

It's been a while since I've posted a Book Girl Thoughts but here I go. I must confess, my reading nook, which is in my bedroom, has turned into a cluttered mess. My chair and ottoman are unfortunately full of clutter (clothes and other random stuff and knick-knacks). I guess I had not been paying any attention to the space until now. I've just been tossing my stuff there and not thinking about it. And now there's tons of stuff but I'm going to organize it and get everything all sorted. So, I'm going to start clearing out the area today. Because I really want to use my reading nook again.

Despite the cluttered reading nook, I did read over this holiday weekend as well as this morning. I made a cozy spot on the sofa and enjoyed reading my book while also enjoying a relaxing mug of hot tea. It was nice these past few days spending the earlier part of the morning reading Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi. I'm nearly finished with this book. I really want to make more time to read and I'm going to make sure I find that time. Especially since there are so many interesting books (including a couple I just bought) that I want to read. But between dealing with several bouts of reader's block, I just want to get my reading back to how it used to be.

Anyway, I'm just sharing my thoughts.

(Picture Source: Melina Souza)

Book Girl Thoughts: What Kind of Reader Am I

Happy Wednesday, Bookworms! I've been seeing this What Kind of Reader Am I poll/quiz going around and thought I'd answer it:

Are you a morning or evening reader?

I can read at any time of the day but I enjoy reading in the morning the most.


Do you prefer physical books, audiobooks or ebooks?

My first choice would be a physical book. I just love holding a book and turning the pages. I don't mind reading ebooks (I do have a reader) or listening to audiobooks. But I would choose an ebook over an audiobook and that's because as a visual learner, I find reading a book (whether physical or ebook) a better way for me to engage with the story.


Do you prefer paperback or hardback?

I love both. I love how sturdy a hardcover is as well as I love how floppy and convenient and easy to carry a paperback is.


Do you like new or old releases?

Again, both. My main interest is the story so it doesn't matter if it's a new or old book.


Do you like dramatic, emotional or happy stories?

I guess it depends on what I want to read. I love reading all types of books. The book I'm currently reading is a Young Adult book that's a little dramatic/emotional but mostly fun and light-hearted.


When reading do you prefer silence or noise?

I prefer silence but I guess it depends on what I'm reading. Because if it's a regular book, I don't have a problem reading if the TV is on or there's music playing or if there's any noise outdoors. However, if I'm reading a reference book that I need to concentrate on then I prefer silence.


Do you prefer to use bookmarks or to dog-ear pages?

I definitely use bookmarks. There's nothing against dog-earing pages, I would just rather use a bookmark to save my page.


Are you a mood reader or go by your TBR (To Be Read) list?

I guess both. I know at times I like to pick a book based on what I'm in the mood to read. However, there are time when I go by TBR list and pick a book from that.

On My List: July 11th

Happy Thursday!

I just wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing? I thought I would post a mini On My List.

Reading:

I forgot to post that I finished my 30 Day Reading Challenge on Saturday (July 6th). During those 30 days I not only read From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon but also five reference books (that I need to have read). I finished one of the reference books and I'm nearly finished with From Twinkle, With Love (I'll have the review up soon).

One of the reasons, why I wanted to do the challenge was to help with my reading. It had become so bad and I was constantly getting reader's block. I think the challenge helped because I was reading daily. I'm trying to continue that but I'm okay taking a break for a day or two as long as I continue with my almost daily reading. My reading is still not like it used to be but it's better than it was. And I at least like where it's currently at.

Aside from my daily reading, I did buy two new Young Adult books: Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney and A Novel Idea by Aimee Friedman. I'll post those at another time.


Watching:

TV

For some of my regular Book Girl readers, this might be a surprise...I finally started watching Bones. I know can you believe it. I've had the complete series sitting on my shelf so long that I don't even remember when I bought it. And for so long, I kept saying I was going to watch Bones but I had never seemed to get around to watching it. That is until now. I'm on the first season and so far, I've watched the first eight episodes. Forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan and F.B.I. Special Agent Seeley Booth are an interesting duo and so are the cases they investigate. Along with Dr. "Bones" Brennan, I think the other scientists are just so quirky and weird and smart but I like them all. I can't wait to continue watching this series, I'm really enjoying it. I'm not mad, I didn't start watching it earlier but I am happy I'm watching it now.

Another show that I've been watching is the classic 1980's series Cagney & Lacey. I'm on the second season and I've been really enjoying this show. It follows NYC Police Detectives Mary Beth Lacey and Christine "Chris" Cagney as they investigate various cases and deal with their personal lives. What I found interesting about this show is that the first season had actress Meg Foster playing Cagney. The role was recast with actress Sharon Gless for the second season. Both actresses portrayed the character as sort of tough, rough around the edges and tomboyish, so at least that was kept that the same despite the change.

Well, I just wanted to post a mini On My List to let you know what I've been reading and watching. What are you reading and watching?

What are you currently reading?

I'm currently still reading From Twinkle, with Love by Sandhya Menon. I'm really enjoying reading this. Twinkle really loves all things about movies and making them. As someone who loves watching movies and shows (as well as reading books), I can relate to Twinkle being very passionate about her interests. Aside from her love of movies, she also has a few love interests: Sahil and a secret admire. The more I read, I think I might know who her secret admire is. I can't wait to see if its truly who I think it is.

Aside from those two, she's really hoping Sahil's twin brother Neil will be the one to steal her heart. Where I'm currently at in the story, I don't think Neil really sees her. To him she's just another student at school. Maybe something will happen between them as the story moves along and it shows that he actually likes her. I don't know? With Neil being super popular I truly don't think he's who she should be crushing on. But the heart wants what the heart wants. I can't wait to see how this story ends.

So, what book are you reading?

Book: From Twinkle, with Love by Sandhya Menon

Description:

Three starred reviews for this charming romantic comedy about an aspiring teen filmmaker who finds her voice and falls in love, from the New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met Rishi.

Aspiring filmmaker and wallflower Twinkle Mehra has stories she wants to tell and universes she wants to explore, if only the world would listen. So when fellow film geek Sahil Roy approaches her to direct a movie for the upcoming Summer Festival, Twinkle is all over it. The chance to publicly showcase her voice as a director? Dream come true. The fact that it gets her closer to her longtime crush, Neil Roy—a.k.a. Sahil’s twin brother? Dream come true x 2.

When mystery man “N” begins emailing her, Twinkle is sure it’s Neil, finally ready to begin their happily-ever-after. The only slightly inconvenient problem is that, in the course of movie-making, she’s fallen madly in love with the irresistibly adorkable Sahil.

Twinkle soon realizes that resistance is futile: The romance she’s got is not the one she’s scripted. But will it be enough?

Told through the letters Twinkle writes to her favorite female filmmakers, From Twinkle, with Love navigates big truths about friendship, family, and the unexpected places love can find you.

Book Girl Thoughts: A Quick Update

Happy Tuesday!

I just wanted to pop in and say hello and sorry for not posting. I took a two-day break from being online and during that time, I've been working on few interesting posts which I hope to post soon. I've also been watching plenty of shows and movies (that I can't wait to write about) as well as finishing up reading The Fever Code by James Dashner. I should have my review up this week.

I think it's good to take a little break from the Internet every now and then. It gives you a chance to recharge and think of new ideas.

~ Book Girl

(9-1-1 season 4 episode 3: Future Tense)

What are you currently reading?

Happy Wednesday!

I was wondering what are you currently reading? Well, I'm reading The Fever Code by James Dashner, it's the second prequel in The Maze Runner series. Although it has a different pacing from the first prequel, it's still very interesting. Lately, I have been finding it a little difficult to focus on my reading (anyone else?), despite that I have less than a hundred pages left. So, I should have my review up very soon.

Total side note, but why must I suffer from reader's block? Yeah, sorry for being overly dramatic. However, this time I've been doing a lot better with it, because I have been continuing to read in spite of it. Maybe I'll write something about how to focus or re-focus on reading.

Book: The Fever Code (The Maze Runner book #5) by James Dashner

Description:

All your questions are answered in the fifth book in James Dashner’s #1 New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series. The story that fans all over the world have been waiting for — the story of how Thomas and WICKED built the Maze — is finally here. You do not want to miss it.

Once there was a world’s end.

The forests burned, the lakes and rivers dried up, and the oceans swelled.

Then came a plague, and fever spread across the globe. Families died, violence reigned, and man killed man.

Next came WICKED, who were looking for an answer. And then they found the perfect boy.

The boy’s name was Thomas, and Thomas built a maze.

Now there are secrets.

There are lies.

And there are loyalties history could never have foreseen.

This is the story of that boy, Thomas, and how he built a maze that only he could tear down.

All will be revealed.

A prequel to the worldwide Maze Runner phenomenon, The Fever Code is the book that holds all the answers. How did WICKED find the Gladers? Who are Group B? And what side are Thomas and Teresa really on? Lies will be exposed. Secrets will be uncovered. Loyalties will be proven. Fans will never see the truth coming. Before there was the Maze, there was The Fever Code.

Book Girl Thoughts: Nex Benedict and 9-1-1

I've been reading about the terrible news about Nex Benedict, a 16 year old nonbinary student who died after being severely beaten by classmates in an Oswasso High School's bathroom. Why is there so much hate towards the LGBTQ+ community? It's truly sad that incidents like this keep happening. There is so much hate and divisiveness in this world. From politicians to everyday people, it feels like hate is everywhere. It's so sad that Nex is dead and so far it doesn't seem like anyone has been changed with this crime. The students who did this, should turn themselves in but I doubt they will. I wouldn't be surprised if they will ever be charged?

This is why I have been so disappointed with the executives who run ABC and the 9-1-1 TV series for continuing to have that transphobic actress on the show. Why are they choosing to stick with someone with such a hateful point of view towards trans people? As well as continue to ignore fans' complaints about it?

Anyway, if you would like to contact ABC, you can leave feedback. Here is the link to ABC's Programming Feedback. You can also call, here is the phone number for the ABC Viewer Feedback: 1-818-460-7477.

Book Girl Thoughts: A Reminder about Holiday Stress

Just wanted to post this quick reminder, during these holiday seasons I want you to remember to take time for yourself. Use the time to take care of yourself especially if you find yourself feeling tired and overwhelmed. Take a deep breath, relax, slow down and take your time. Don't feel like you have to do everything all at once or for everything to be perfect. Have fun and enjoy this time of the year and don't let the holidays stress you out.

This reminder goes for myself as well.

Happy First Day of Fall!

Happy Saturday!

It's the first day of fall and all I did today was relax. I did get in a little cleaning but other than that I just enjoyed the day. It was still nice and sunny today so it doesn't feel like fall just yet. But I'm sure within the upcoming days and weeks, the weather will start getting cool. By the way, I love this fall artwork, it's so cute.

Artwork: It's Fall! by Little Spooky Studio

Happy Last Day of Summer!

Happy Friday!

It's the last day of summer, how are you going to spend the day? I was thinking of wearing one of my cutest summer outfits especially since it's supposed to be warm and sunny. Maybe a cute dress, I'll see what I'll find when I go looking through my closet. Then at some point today, I want to go to the bookstore and browse through the aisle. Maybe, I'll buy a new book (or two) as a way to celebrate the end of summer.

And since the weather is going to be really nice today, I'm definitely going to find some time to read outside. I want to finish reading Star Wars: Fatal Alliance by Sean Williams because I want to have a review up at least by Monday. I've been dealing with reader's block off and on throughout the summer. But it's a good book and I want to have it finished so I can read something new for fall.

I also might do a little pre-fall cleaning, I have a few area I need to declutter. I don't know, maybe I'll save it for the weekend (since it will be fall). It'll give me plenty of time to really take my time going through my stuff. Anyway, happy last day of summer!

Do you like to read one book or multiple books at a time?

Happy Thursday!

Why does it feel like August totally slipped away. I can’t believe summer is almost over! And not to mention Fall and Halloween are already starting to be pushed and promoted when it's still summer. At the moment, I'm not mentally ready for fall, I’m still enjoying summer. Anyway, I have a question for my fellow book nerds, do you like to read one book or multiple books at a time?

I used to read multiple books at a time which is probably why I was reading and review hundreds a books per year. But I'm not sure exactly when that changed because for some time now I've only been reading one book at a time. I do miss reading multiple books at a time. But after dealing with quite a few reading blocks, I want to make sure I can get back to reading at the speed and pace that I used to before trying to read more than one book at a time.

Book Girl Thoughts: On the Writers' and Actors' Strikes

As with the Writers' Strike, I totally support the Actors' Strike, neither group should have to deal with terrible working conditions and being offered a terrible contract. I still can't believe that Deadline article where one of the Studio executives stated the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) evil plan of wanting the writers to run out money which will lead to the them losing their homes. And once that happens they will then be willing to go back to negotiating with the writers and can offer them a terrible deal. How evil are these overly paid CEOs of these studios that they are gleefully okay with people losing their homes? They probably feel the same way about the actors as well.

And now you have the Disney CEO stating that these strikes are disruptive and what the writers and actors want are unrealistic. However, I'm sure he has no problem excepting all the money that Disney gives him. I'm so glad that both the writers and actors are striking and I hope they win because the AMPTP could have ended these strikes before they even started by truly offering both groups better contracts.

I just wanted to post my thoughts and if you would like to show support to the writers and actors striking (as well as the teamsters and IATSE members affected by the strikes), please make a donation to the Entertainment Community Fund. Although there are some big names in Hollywood, there are so many more writers and actors who barely make do which is why they are fighting for a better deal.

Update on my Disney+ Shows and Movie Watch

I wanted to post a little update to my question about What soon to be removed Disney+ shows and movies are you watching? So, I finished watching all two seasons of The Mysterious Benedict Society and I watched the Artemis Fowl movie. I have to say that I loved both of them and it made me want to read the book series both the show and movie were based on.

So after that, I started watching The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, I'm currently on the second season. And again, this is actually a really good show. And it's totally rekindled my love of The Mighty Ducks movies, the second one is still my favorite and is the best out of the franchise. And once I finish The Mighty Ducks, I still have six things left on my lists that I hope to watch before they're removed.

What are you reading this weekend?

I'll be honest, I have hit a reading block for my Tackle Your TBR Read-a-thon trying to read Nancy Drew: The Haunted Showboat by Carolyn Keene. And that's because it's a hard read. Not story wise (although the mystery is rather weak in this) but writing wise. Let's just say this old book is truly a product of it's time. So, I'm not sure if I want to force myself to finish reading it to write up a review. Or simply pass on it and read the next book on my list. I'll figure it out.

Book: Nancy Drew: The Haunted Showboat (Nancy Drew book #35) by Carolyn Keene

Description:

Bess and George invite Nancy on a trip to New Orleans, to help their relatives solve a mystery. Their uncle wants to restore an old showboat, the River Princess, but no one will go near it! Mysterious occurrences are making everything believe the boat is haunted. Can Nancy uncover the truth?

I'm Not Watching Tonight's Episode of 9-1-1

I debated whether to post the trailer for tonight's episode of 9-1-1 but decided not to since I'm not watching it tonight. I'll probably watch it at some point just not tonight. I'm tired of the writers constantly baiting Buck and Eddie only to put them in relationships with random love interests. I don't feel like watching an episode live that's going to be pushing new love interests. As much as I want to see Maddie and Chimney possibly get engaged, I don't want to watch Buck and Eddie get stuck in more lackluster and random relationships.