Hello everyone! In case the title isn’t a dead giveaway, it’s my birthday today. I’m 33 years old, and I’m kind of loving it. I finally feel like I’m becoming the person I’m supposed to be—a grueling, but lovely journey.
It’s also one of my best friends’ birthday as well ( Happy Cake Day, Amanda! ) . So, it’s an extra special time of shared celebrations & quiet reflections.
To celebrate this year, I thought I’d do the Birthday Book Tag. I don’t normally do these, but I wanted to share my day with all you lovely bookish peeps. What better way than to gush about books? Before we dive in: The Birthday Book Tag was originally created by Antonia at Always Books.
Birthday Cake — a book with a plot that seems cliché but you adore it anyway.
On surface-level, there is probably nothing special about Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews. I could see that plot coming from miles away! That said, I’ve re-read this book half a dozen times and absolutely love the series. The characters, world, and high-stakes tension peppered between quiet, vulnerable moments make this an undeniable favorite of mine.
Party Guests — Your most anticipated book release for this year.
I’ve never read anything by S.A. Barnes before, but anyone who plugs their book as a sort of Dead Space Sci-fi Horror immediately has my attention. Because I am insta-trash for a good Sci-fi Horror story, video game, film, etc. Though I haven’t read the book yet, it’s one of my most anticipated reads this year.
Birthday Presents — A book that surprised you with how much you loved it.
This is one of those books that completely caught me off guard. I don’t even remember why I picked it up. But, it resonated with me so deeply, and it was surprising because I normally don’t like YA contemporary fiction. We Are Okay hit close to home for me, speaking to so many experiences I’d had transitioning from foster care to normal life. Things that most people never have to think about. And I still remember sitting on the rooftop of my apartment building, turning the last page, and silently crying. It was such a surprising experience.
“Happy Birthday” Song — A book that certainly deserves all the hype it got.
I’ve been witness to all the complaints and praises surrounding A Discovery of Witches. It’s one of those stories you either love or hate, but rarely both. While it does lean heavily into exposition and world-building, I found myself captivated by the dark academia vibes, twist on supernatural creatures, and its complex characters. I can completely understand why it got a TV adaptation!
Happy Music — A book with some very beautiful and truly memorable quotes.
The Lord of the Rings is a series I always find my way back to. Not because I’m a Tolkien fan (totally am!). Rather, when life becomes a little too dark, it offers a hint of light. There are so many quotes within the story to remind me of all the things worth fighting for in life: friendships, love, justice, honor, loyalty, and freedom. It’s one of the few books I can quote from memory, and one of the only film series I retreat to for a sense of comfort.
Getting Older — A book that you read a long time ago, but you think you would appreciate more if you read it as a more mature reader.
I read this book when I was about 13 years old. It was the cover that drew me in first, but the story was equally compelling. It was a story about loneliness, extramarital affairs, betrayal, love, lies, motherhood, and death. It was utterly perplexing to me at the time. I understood the gist of the tension and the plot. But there were layers of emotional nuance that went over my head like paper planes. And I knew nothing of sex or romantic love at that time. It’s one of those books I feel would take on new meaning if I read it now.
Sweet Birthday Memories — A book that kept you incredibly happy during a sad or demanding period of your life.
A stranger had loaned me the first book in this series, and that was all it took to get me hooked. The story is akin to being launched down a rabbit hole. Then, just when the chaos feels normal, thrusting you into a multi-dimensional center of the universe where all the Gods/Goddesses of old have been chilling out. I spent years trying to find the 12th book, only to stumble across it by chance at a yard sale. Trying to finish the series was a good disctraction and adventure!
And that’s it for the Birthday Book Tag! Sadly, I can’t have any cake this year (stupid liver), but I am sending you guys all the cake and wine GIFs 😀 Thank you for stopping by to celebrate my birthday with me!
Happy birthday! I hope this year brings only the best and most wonderful things your way <3
BTW I loved The Discovery Of Witches. Cannot wait to check out the TV series adaptation too!
Thank you ^_^ and yes! I loved A Discovery of Witches. The show was so well done (imo) and I hope you get to watch it soon 🙂
Happy birthday, Love!!
May you have another great year surrounded by books 💫
Kristina recently posted… Top Ten Tuesday ~ Seasonal TBR books I haven’t picked up yet..
Thanks! I hope it’s a year a many great stories to read!