Hello sweet friends! If you read my last post from a few days ago you’ll know I have wanted to implement a few changes and have started with the easy ones. First, I have stepped back from social media, specifically Instagram/ my bookstagram. It’s funny, I used to work in social media and was so deeply ingrained in the culture of it that I’d have never thought I would take big periods away from it. Especially my cozy book IG page. But as I’ve gotten older, and changed careers away from marketing and social media, I want to spend less and less time on it but you know how it is. It has such a strong pull to be on it, to not feel like you’re missing out, etc. So lately, I have spent way too much time on it, scrolling precious time away and left feeling less than, that I am not doing enough or don’t have this or that. So I decided to pull a hard stop for myself. To give me a much-needed break from it and its small contribution to the burnout I’ve been feeling. That’s a long-winded way (are you surprised it is me lol) of saying I do want to share about books still and my absolute love for them and thought I would do so here.
If you are new here, I am a HUGE bookworm, work in children’s library, and just adore being a book girlie. To me, there are few greater joys in life than getting lost in a book. I adore filling my home with books and book stacks, bookshelves, book decor, old and new versions of books. It brings me so much happiness! Do you like to read let me know! Lately, I have fallen deeply for middle-grade and children’s literature. Which isn’t a surprise, since it’s what I recommend daily when I work at the library. I always felt like I am much too old to be reading children’s literature surely.. but decided to pick up a few so I could better recommend them for work and fell in love with the writing, the wholesomeness, and the adventures. And dispelled the idea that you are too old for any book. Read what makes you happy.
I just finished The Hedgewitch & Woodwitch by Skye Mckenna, book 1 & 2 in the Hedgely series and absolutely adored every minute of them. The way the author writes is so descriptive and cozy. They’re perfect for young readers but also even adults can enjoy the adventures these books take you through and set in a magical small English countryside town. I was hooked! Book 3 comes out at some point in 2024 and I will be delighted to pick it up then.
Lastly, this isn’t a middle-grade book but adult fiction and it’s called The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft, also a new series. Oh where to begin with this book, the only way I can describe it is a fantastical and magical Sherlock Holms & Watson mystical adventure story. At times it feels a bit absurd and wildly whimsical but the main characters, a husband and wife duo (the hexologists) that solve magical mysteries together are an absolute delight. I listened to it on audible and highly recommend it, as the storyline has many many little details and characters that it is easier to grasp when listening to the story, also Isolde and Warren (the husband and wife) will make definitely you laugh when you hear them discuss their findings. It was a fun and very interesting story, I have never read anything like it, and couldn’t recommend it more.
Now, what shall I read next? I hope to read at least 3 more books this month as I like to read about 6 every month but we shall see no pressure is being put on myself! 🙂 And part of not being present on my bookstagram is not to feel pressured to hit a reading goal or read every new book that’s been released. So I will be reading for pure pleasure.
Speak to you soon,
M
Whimsy & Willow 