Core Light Healing by Barbara Ann Brennan

Core Light Healing: My Personal Journey and Advanced Healing Concepts for Creating the Life You Long to Live by Barbara Brennan

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This book is by Barbara Brennan, one of the 'classics' that you'll often hear about (or at least, I did) when trying to find books that deal with more esoteric teachings and energy healing, specifically.

I believe her other book, hands of light, was better. but it's been several years since I read that so I am going to reread it just to be sure.

Was a bit disappointed in this one, but it was okay. I wouldn't recommend it for a novice, or really anyone? Although, I guess I did learn something so there's that.



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Book Review: Crafts of a Kitchen Witch by Rachel Patterson

Kitchen Witchcraft: Crafts of a Kitchen Witch
by Rachel Patterson
Publisher: Moon Books (John Hunt Publishing)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Date of Publication: February 16, 2013

Pull up a chair, have a cup of tea, sit back and take a glimpse into the world of Kitchen Witchcraft. This little book will give you an insight into what a Kitchen Witch is, what they do and how they do it. It gives an overview of the Sabbats, working with the Moon, the elements and candle magic. Packed full of ideas for crafting such as washes and smudges for your home and your body, witch bottles, incense, medicine bags, magic powders and offerings. Take a stroll through a Kitchen Witch's garden and discover what you will find there and finish up with some lovely meditations. 

I cannot tell you how amazing this book is.

First of all, it's incredibly straight forward and easy to read. I actually read it the first time in one sitting - I was mesmerized.

Second of all, it's a great reference book for beginners.
Although I came into it with prior knowledge, it didn't feel 'dumbed down' or watered down in any way (for those of you who are more advanced in your knowledge of esoterica). It's precisely the right amount of information to get you started with whipping up your own magic in your kitchen.

I think this is an absolute fabulous way to empower yourself as a woman. You are taking your life into your own hands and creating. We are, after all, masters of our own fate.

By using many of the most common kitchen ingredients, Rachel empowers us to open the cupboards and start! Just, begin!

Many of the books on witchcraft involve complicated ingredients and supplies. The thing is, you don't always need that. It depends upon you, your personality, and your style. Now, if you're new to this, you probably don't have a style yet. This is exactly why you should read a book like this! You can become a kitchen witch, and honestly, it's so creative and freeing.

I hope she writes more books, because I would gobble them up (ha ha). It's incredibly easy to read and covers an enormous amount of subjects and ailments. There is certainly something for everyone.

The Twelve Faces of the Goddess by Danielle Blackwood

The Twelve Faces of the Goddess: Transform Your Life with Astrology, Magick, and the Sacred Feminine by Danielle Blackwood

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Explore cross-cultural myths associated with each goddess, delve into astrology from a groundbreaking feminine perspective, and discover the personality, archetype, and correspondences of each zodiac sign to unlock a deeper understanding of yourself as the heroine of your story. Work with the specific guiding goddesses in your birth chart, learn how astrology is connected to the seasonal turning points on the Wheel of the Year, and much more. The Twelve Faces of the Goddess is a reminder that connecting with the sacred feminine is an empowering and radical act that can guide you on your journey.

What a truly magnificent book.

I am still in awe...I don't know what I was expecting, but I got more than what I was expecting.

I will definitely be keeping this book and referring back to it; my copious kindle notes/highlights/and bookmarks will serve me well although if you read both ebooks and physical books this is one you will want on your shelf.

This is a book written for women...feminine spirits who truly wish to know about the goddess myth in its entirety divided into 12 facets that mirror astrology. Each astrological sign has a complete profile. Everything you want to know. Things you didn't know you wanted (needed) to know! Crystals, essential oils, the patron goddess, the ruling planets, the history and a little fantasy written...completely a breath (lungs-full breath) of fresh air. I truly hope others read this book, it contains wisdom that we all need.

Thank you to the author for writing such a beautiful book and bestowing the sacred knowledge upon us. 

thank you to Llewellyn Publications for providing me an advanced electronic copy for review consideration





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May is Lupus Awareness Month!

Were you expecting, perhaps, another meme? :P 

As a woman who suffers from SLE Lupus, May is very important to me. Lupus is one of the most mysterious diseases, and most people that learn I suffer from lupus immediately ask me, "what's lupus?" 

So this month, take the time to learn a bit about Lupus. Chances are, you know someone who has it. If you don't, well, you know Selena Gomez, right?! ;) 

10 Things You Didn’t Know about Lupus

Source: The Lupus Foundation of America

Lupus is a mysterious and complicated illness that is difficult to diagnose and challenging to treat. Despite its widespread prevalence, about two thirds of the public have little or no knowledge of its effects. This Lupus Awareness Month, you can help spread knowledge and bring us closer to a future free from lupus. 

1.             Lupus is an unpredictable autoimmune disease that can affect the heart, lungs, skin or kidneys.

2.             A lupus patient’s average medical and loss of productivity costs are roughly $20,000 per year, and can increase to $63,000 per year if he or she has kidney complications.  

3.             No special diet has been found to cure lupus or cause it to go into remission. 

4.             In certain cases, people with lupus are treated with cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy drug commonly used to treat cancer that suppresses the immune system.   

5.             The steroids used to treat people with lupus are the same ones that body builders and some professional athletes have been known to use.

6.             While lupus affects people of all races and ethnicities, African Americans — as well as Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, Pacific Islanders and Native Americans — are diagnosed with lupus 2-3 times more often than Caucasians.

7.             Lupus is not contagious. It cannot be “caught” or “passed on” to anyone, no matter what symptoms are showing.

8.             Sensitivity to UV light (present in both sunlight and artificial light) affects as many as two thirds of individuals with lupus. This is known to cause fever, debilitating fatigue, joint pain, and rashes.  

9.             Lupus is not a form of arthritis, but many people with lupus do suffer from joint and/or muscle pain.

10.          It is estimated that more than 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus.

Visit [Lupus Awareness Month] to learn more about how you can take action this Lupus Awareness Month. 

Calling all followers...!

Hello my beloved followers,

I am reaching out with this post as a desperate blogger in need of your assistance!

As you know, I have happily birthed and raised this blog since its infancy in 2014. These four years, and all that has come from this wonderful blog are not something I want to give up! After all, did I give up when I was in grad school and had no time for blogging?! No!

So now I am faced with the truth: the blog has been slowly dying for awhile now and is on its last legs *cries*

To survive, the blog needs to change and evolve! To do that, I need assistance with content and design, and I actually feel like expanding upon the main theme of the blog itself.

Of course it will remain a book blog, but I'd like to speak to more of what I am all about these days. Things have varied drastically over the years, more so in this past year as far as my reading tastes (they have changed a lot), and the things I like to discuss on here.

Nonfiction books, books centered on spirituality and esoteric thought are already making an appearance on here (organically). However, I really feel I need assistance with the content, and I need assistance with the design.

So here is where YOU come in: 100% of you who follow me, if you are reading this (you are!) please comment on this post:

Let me know if you:

• Wish to assist with creating original content on a fresh re-branding of Diamond's Reads
• Have any recommendations for how to find individuals who are open to assisting with content and being a presence on the blog
• Have any recommendations for designers who can do a blog design relatively straightforward and low cost (my budget is very low, but I know what I want/can make a simple template work well but I need help no time to do it myself)
• Any input regarding content and changing direction of a blog

I know many of you are bloggers yourself, so I really need all the feedback I can get! 

Please just take a moment and write me something -- anything! Web design templates, designer recommendations, content recommendations, etc!

I will randomly select a commenter to win a book from my collection (very vast collection)!

Thank you my darlings! I really appreciate your help :)

Quick Review: Llewellyn's Complete Book of Divination

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Divination: Your Definitive Source for Learning Predictive & Prophetic Techniques by Richard Webster
Date of Publication: December 8, 2017
Publisher: 
Source: eARC via Netgalley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Answer Questions and Predict the Future with this Comprehensive Collection of Proven Tips and Techniques -- Explore the Profound Wisdom and Fascinating Secrets of Divination


Richard Webster, one of the world's bestselling new age authors, explores the incredibly wide variety of divination systems from around the world. Discover in-depth information and how-to instruction for more than thirty divination practices, including:
Tarot - Astrology - Palmistry - Numerology - Pendulums - I Ching - Automatic Writing - Candle Reading - Coin Divination - Flower Reading - Dowsing - Runes - Scrying - Geomancy - Bibliomancy - (&more)
Llewellyn's Complete Book of Divination also features helpful tips for choosing the best form of divination for your specific needs and preparation methods to practice before a divination session.

Learn about the history of divination and the historical figures who could see the future. Find out how raising your intuitive skills can improve nearly every aspect of your life, from relationships and health to money and career.

Whether you're just getting started or are a seasoned expert, this thorough guide holds sacred wisdom and wonderful surprises for you.

Really amazing and informative book. Covers every single kind of divination I have ever come across/heard of/ and then some

Highly satisfied with the amount of information I received in this book! I feel like I made 100 bookmarks on my kindle just because it's just such a great reference. I know I will be coming back to refer to it for years and years to come. I also put a hard copy version on my wishlist, because I can see the value in having this handy when doing any sort of psychic work.

To sum this short review up: I cannot recommend this book enough! It really is great for beginners or advanced practitioners. It may be a bit overwhelming for beginners due to the sheer amount of material...but it's easily identifiable the way it is laid out and the Table of Contents is thorough as well. I skipped several chapters and then would go back and finish them. I did end up reading the whole thing, though! 

Are all the Llewellyn books this good?



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Excerpt: Twin Flames Rising - The Book of Angels by Maya El, activist and author

Today I am sharing an excerpt from an indie book I am very excited about! I am excited for two reasons; one, it's been awhile since I have gotten to share a really good and exciting indie story with you all. secondly, the subject of the fictional story has to do with Twin Flames! 
The concept of twin flames is something that has captured my imagination since I was a small child. I remember my father teaching me about ascension and twin flames, soulmates, and karmic partners when I was just a girl. I dreamed of my twin flame as a child, somehow knowing he was in California and that my life would take me back there. That is another story, though. Perhaps for another time...
For today, please enjoy this excerpt and if you like, comment with your thoughts or musings! Here are some non-affiliate links: def check out the book trailer, as well as the books' Amazon, Goodreads and the authors' Facebook page. 

Sending you all love and light~~Diamond

2018 Upcoming Titles - Spirituality/Meditation

Lately I've really gotten more into nonfiction books. (Shoutout to my friend who called this years ago....😒)

I recently read the really really amazing book, The Way of the Lover and WOW. It just was the most amazing book I have read in YEARS. Legit! It's a book written about Sufism; an old spiritual practice that dates back to early and pre-Islamic times. I have been studying more of Sufism in the past year, and this is really the best book I've read so far on the subject. It was easy to understand, and very very great for sources (as far as other reads in various subjects that were touched upon in the book). It wasn't so much focused on love, as the name suggests, but it was more that it focuses on self-love and the basic tenets of what is needed to truly love someone unconditionally.

I noticed that there are a bunch of really great titles coming out in 2018! More so than usual, and I suspect because a lot of subjects that were typically deemed to be too "New-Age-y" just weren't circulating in popular charts and online booksellers like how they are now. It's  kind of becoming 'trendy' and it's weird for those of us who grew up with it not being 'trendy' and are used to hiding things (like the fact that I have crystals and tarot cards).

Now my whole life I have been around crystals as my dad and his side of the family actively believe in the power of crystals. So I was educated about their properties, and grew up surrounded by them. This was something I definitely didn't volunteer freely, because people would generally give me open words of 'advice' not to take that 'stuff' too seriously. Now, since about this year or maybe 2016 - crystals have actually become "popular" and not taboo at all. So yes I did bring several crystals to put on my office desk.

This trend marks the shift into popular culture regarding 'alternate lifestyles' where mindfulness, spirituality, and intuition are not seen as scary or kooky things--but rather as facets of the self which some individuals seek to explore.

If you're new to all this stuff, try not to get too overwhelmed. Pick a few things that you are more drawn to; such as yoga or perhaps walking meditation practices. Then go from there! 2018 definitely has a ton of titles being released regarding these subjects! If you have one you don't see on here let me know!

Happy Winter Solstice - Shabeh Yalda

Image Background: Dr. Trita Parsi (NIAC)

Iranians (or those of Iranian descent) around the world look forward to the celebration of Shab-e Yalda. It's a celebration of our ancient culture, a celebration that dates back to pre-Islamic times. Staying up late and reading Hafez’s poetry, munching on deliciously crunchy and sweet pomegranates, and most importantly, spending time with our friends and family. We celebrate the warmth of friends and family because Shab-e Yalda falls on the Winter Solstice which is the longest night of the year. 
There is a particular synchronicity this year as Saturn returns and shifts into Capricorn (after spending two years in Sagittarius). The planets are shifting, politics are traumatizing us every day (Americans). For many of us 2017 has been a very dark year. The open hostility and hatred towards our community employed by this administration and pointedly, the Muslim Ban impacting our friends and family. While some of us are lucky enough to celebrate this holiday with our loved ones, there are many among us who do not have this luxury. If you are in a prosperous place, please consider donating to a community organization that assists refugees or other communities who support those who need it most. I personally support the NIAC, you can find out more about supporting them here.

If you would like to contribute to the NIAC, you can contribute via Paypal here.

Book Review: A Spiritual Look at the 12 Signs: An Introduction to Spiritual Astrology by Joseph Polansky

A Spiritual Look at the 12 Signs: An Introduction to Spiritual Astrology
by Joseph Polansky
Publisher: Dodona Books
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Date of Publication: 

A spiritual perspective on the 12 signs of the zodiac, the horoscope, healing and spirituality. People's quirks and idiosyncrasies have deep spiritual roots. The horoscope shows us what they are. What are seen as flaws are really strengths deeply disguised or not used properly. Every sign is in essence a spiritual force and function and denotes a person's deepest urges. This book explains these urges. It also contains meditations for each of the signs, and the herbs, colors, gems and reflexology points that will most benefit each sign. There are chapters on the unique spiritual path for each sign and the healing modalities that are best for each - and much more.

This was a really interesting read! I can definitely see why 'Spirituality' was in the title - it provides way more than your standard astrology book with something for each sign that is a variation of what is often found in those books.

For instance, all the signs are depicted at a roundtable in the clouds sort of thing, where each sign appears and is described in detail (from their appearance, to the words they use, etc.) claiming what is the "meaning of life" (most important facets of life) according to each sign. I thought this was a really clever and creative way of delving into the more spiritual aspects of the signs and how they all make up a 'wheel' that symbolizes the evolution of the soul in different incarnations. Definitely a great way to explain how the signs are different yet different evolutions of 1.

This book is succinct and highly original where there was a mix of really philosophical insight and also great explanations about what each sign represents (Aries - the Infant, etc). This volume contains a high number of very new concepts yet was easy for me to grasp (although I do recommend reading it twice, or at least parsing through it more than once to gain what you probably missed during the first read).

Book Review! Real Life Guidance on How to Get Along and Be Friends with the First Sign of the Zodiac by Mary English

How to Appreciate an Aries: Real Life Guidance on How to Get Along and Be Friends with the First Sign of the Zodiac 
by Mary English
Publisher: Dodona Books
Date of Publication: 2013
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This thin volume is the perfect read for any astrology-lover or learner looking to understand each sign directly and in great detail.

If you're like me, you've read several astrology books up until this point. I think I've only read one other book/series that goes into each sign with its own book. I really like how she has different titles for each one; titles that she was determined 'fit' each zodiac sign. She even goes into detail in the beginning chapter about coming up with the title and the email exchanges back and forth between several different Aries....It was brilliant! We got so much out of those and I think it really helped me contextualize what is sometimes very repetitive behavior descriptors (enthusiastic, driven, selfish, etc). What does that look like IRL? Mary English shows us.

I do wish it was a bit longer, actually. I think there could have been more in there about the main personality run-off situations; like the 'shy' Aries, or the Aries who suffered trauma as a child and taks the form of ___.

I'd love to read her other works and compare. I think next I will try to read the Aquarius one. It's always more telling how well the author writes your own sign...😅

If you are an Aries, or are looking to understand an Aries close to you in your life, I definitely recommend reading this book!It's short and sweet, but very dense.
You may have to read it several times (like I did) to get the full amount of information she is conveying!

So go ahead and read it, you can thank me later :)

*note* Thank you to Dodona Books who granted my request for a review copy.

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Books on my Office Desk:1st Edition: Digital Preservation for Libraries, Archives, and Museums

Here goes the first in what (may) be an ongoing series.....

Books on my office desk! 

You know those few volumes you keep in your office or work space? Not more than an arms length reach away, perhaps? Or maybe they're on a bookshelf in your office? 

For me, I'm a 'new' working professional in my field (Information Science) and even though I just finished my schooling I found myself faced with the task of combing through millions of PDF course reader material....or finding a book that provided me with the basic standards and practices of materials, organized amazingly and with an extensive bibliography, reference page, and glossary at the back. GOLD, baby, GOLD! 

So here's the first in what may become more.... books on my office desk. This is more of an Archival, Information professionals editions...but I'm definitely open to having more 'editions' and broadening it up to other fields! 

Non-Fiction Review: Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by
Author: Chris Voss
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Publication: kindle ebook loaned and recommended by friend

This was a good book. I thought it would be like pulling teeth to read due to the subject matter but the way its written is actually quite thoughtful and he really uses the time in the introduction to get me hooked.

I'd recommend reading the entire introduction, then looking carefully over the table of contents and starting in the beginning, but don't feel bad shuffling around the book in non-chronological order!

So it's definitely the type of book you don't really sit and read from cover to cover. But I like that, and I know that's pretty typical from non-fiction (my best friend is a non-fiction book lover fiend) He tells me that is the way it is. I believe him, who am I to judge anyway? Sounds fun and like something different. Can't wait to read more non-fiction actually! It ain't that bad.

Check out more info about it on Goodreads

-- again apologies for the state of the blog - we still have some minor changes to fix! If anyone can help me that would be great. Get in touch w/me via email and we'll chat :) 

Diamond’s Dreamy Reading Spaces

Reading, reading, reading. For us booklovers, we are used to bringing books (or our phones loaded with books) everywhere we go. However, there’s quite a special charm to have a special reading spot … a special place where you can curl up with a book and some tea and snacks. For hours on end, it’s great to just check in one spot (basically it’s also insurance that your bum is comfy) and a throw blanket nearby and you’re basically describing heaven. 
So, what would my heaven be? Oh, it’s the most fun to think about. I think that’s part of the reason it took me so long to compose this post, (besides the fact that we were having major design and technical difficulties alll last week).
I found quite a few dreamy reading space ideas on Pinterest. I’m going to share my two favorite spots, although i would tweak them a bit (of course) to fit my personality.

Dream Reading Spaces 

image found via Pinterest

Okay I really like this one! The main two reasons are because of all the natural light (plus I have those exact same curtains :)

I also really love that style of reading chair — what is it called? I can’t recall the name but I like it because I can’t sit in a chair with my legs hanging down like that and be comfortable for hours on end (unless we have a good ottoman to go along with it). Still I feel like this is the best position for reading..and I like the throw and the pillows. Those would definitely be in my dream reading space.
Not a fan of the side table or the tray that is on the floor? My cat would be all over that and yeah not a good idea… also the color of the rug is gross I would change it to a primary color shag rug. I’m sure my kitty would be comfortable on that while I read she can lay in the sun and sleep!

click on image to be taken to pin

Here’s another space I really like. I love the slanted ceiling, and of course that chair …. perfect! I love the little pillows and this rug is much much better. 

I would probably change the lighting though. I really love moroccan style hanging lights. Or, some of the old lamps that I bought in Bosnia last summer would work great here! I know it’s not really practical to fly across the world for some beautiful hanging lamps…but I did find some really cool ones from Arhaus. They have tons of unique lighting fixtures that could shed some beautiful and unique light in your reading room.

This was so much fun. If you’re curious about my other reading spaces check out the full board. I am definitely inspired to create a reading space in my home. I have a corner (next to a window, too) that is just begging for that transformation. I’ll definitely keep the blog posted :)

Please Excuse Our Mess!

Please excuse the mess that is the blog right now! 

Photobucket just changed their policy so all the images that my designer used on her photo bucket are now not available to us. 

Please excuse the mess while we sort this out with the designer! 

And thank you for following despite the troubles. We promise to be back online soon! 

Love,

Diamond + Alex

Diamond:Graduation, What’s Next?

In 2016 I began the Master’s of Library and Information Science program at UCLA. I went from wanting to be a YA Librarian, to answering a calling I felt in my soul to study Archives and Informatics. Now, in 2017 I finished my program and will be obtaining my Master’s diploma in a few months time! (disclosure: I still need to present my portfolio (it’s a different version of a thesis: intended for those of us who plan to join the workforce ASAP - ME! )

What’s Next?

As funny and odd as these hats are, I felt like a G wearing the regalia: the hood, sash, oh and the gown had extra long sleeves (we put our iPhones in there!)

Most of all, I just wanted to THANK YOU all who have been there these past two years. My family and friends (internet friends included, duh) have put up with countless tears, angry texts that don’t make sense, screams of I AM STRESSED I HAVE TO WRITE 8 PAPERS and I HAVEN”T SLEPT. You know ;) grad school stuff. I am forever grateful to all of you who have supported me and accepted that I have been more absent in your lives due to this program and school. 

Especially with my beloved blog…I was lucky enough to have a superhero as a friend. She lives in NY and she’s a feisty smart wonderful young woman who you know as ALEX!!!!! 

How can I thank her enough, seriously?! For keeping the posts going, while she maintains her amazing and FULL and goodie-paced blog…. I’m just so proud of her and thankful that she has been here helping keep this blog alive. 

and for those who followed despite our absences, waiting patiently for us to return, THANK YOU!

I don’t know what will become of the blog now. I may receive several emails after this post goes live, with offers to co-blog or guest post on here (I would love that!) 

Now my journey includes scouring Los Angeles (and beyond) for a job position. I can’t believe I am finally, actually … starting a career that I am excited about and ready to take on! Digital archivist, preservation, and all sorts of exciting positions are worth exploring in my book.

Let’s hear it for the Archives and the Libraries!! ^_^

GIF Book Review: The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee

Title: The Thousandth Floor
Author: Katharine McGee
Pages: 448 pages
Release Date: August 30th, 2016
Source: Hardcover from Novel Tea Club box
Genre: Young Adult
Rating: 4/5 stars

NEW YORK CITY AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE.

A thousand-story tower stretching into the sky. A glittering vision of the future where anything is possible—if you want it enough.

WELCOME TO MANHATTAN, 2118.

A hundred years in the future, New York is a city of innovation and dreams. Everyone there wants something…and everyone has something to lose.

LEDA COLE’s flawless exterior belies a secret addiction—to a drug she never should have tried and a boy she never should have touched.

ERIS DODD-RADSON’s beautiful, carefree life falls to pieces when a heartbreaking betrayal tears her family apart.

RYLIN MYERS’s job on one of the highest floors sweeps her into a world—and a romance—she never imagined…but will this new life cost Rylin her old one?

WATT BAKRADI is a tech genius with a secret: he knows everything about everyone. But when he’s hired to spy for an upper-floor girl, he finds himself caught up in a complicated web of lies.

And living above everyone else on the thousandth floor is AVERY FULLER, the girl genetically designed to be perfect. The girl who seems to have it all—yet is tormented by the one thing she can never have.

Amid breathtaking advancement and high-tech luxury, five teenagers struggle to find their place at the top of the world. But when you're this high up, there's nowhere to go but down....

Buy it now! 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

I feel like the synopsis could have been condensed into a few short words: GOSSIP GIRL SEASON 7. Hell yeah! New York City, night clubs, drugs, drama, lies and characters from different spectrums of the social hierarchy? YES PLEASE. COME TO MAMA. 

I apologize, lately, for all the short reviews. I just haven't had the time to sit down and write some really long reviews so today, instead of rambling on and on about how much I loved this book, I'm just going to express my love in the only way I know how to- with gifs! You ready?

Ahhh. Classic Blair Waldorf. We quite literally had many characters drinking (or smoking, rather) away their sorrows. If I had a nickle for every time someone in this book hid their problems instead of facing them, I would be as rich as Blair Waldorf. But I kind of loved it! These characters pushed aside their problems and that led to the build up of lies and deceit. We all know how great that plays in any book! 

The burning romances! Let's just say some characters had trouble saying three words and eight letters. 

Boy oh boy, there were a lot of one night stands. 

Characters make mistakes that will haunt them forever. 

Deep-rooted friendships. 

Yes, there's a Lonely Boy and a Serena van der Woodsen dynamic! Don't you worry. 

And perhaps... several losses of identity.

Don't worry, it's not a spoiler but someone does fall off a building O.O

The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R. Carey | PERFECT FOR HALLOWEEN

Title: The Girl With All The Gifts
Author: M.R. Carey
Pages: 460 pages
Release Date: June 19th, 2014
Source: Paperback from Barnes & Noble
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic
Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars

Melanie is a very special girl. Dr. Caldwell calls her "our little genius."

Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant Parks keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don't like her. She jokes that she won't bite, but they don't laugh.

Melanie loves school. She loves learning about spelling and sums and the world outside the classroom and the children's cells. She tells her favorite teacher all the things she'll do when she grows up. Melanie doesn't know why this makes Miss Justineau look sad.

Buy it now! 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

World War Z meets Warm Bodies in this action-packed thriller.

From the title and synopsis, you wouldn't think "this is a book about zombies". At least that's not what I assumed. The rude awakening came to me as I watched the UK trailer for the movie, which to my chagrin, showed quite a lot of gore and mindless zombies. I was embarrassed to say that I didn't realize early on that this was going to be a 'zombie book'. But even then I was wrong. After reading the book, I've come to a realization that this is not your average zombie book. Zombies are just an added bonus. This is a story about monsters and humans; and how the bond will help nurture a hopeless world.

The world has been overrun by a ruthless fungi, Ophiocordyceps, that consumes the human brain and turns it in a brutal killing machine. Humans become mindless, flesh-eating monsters. Fortunately, the fungi epidemic can only be spread through blood and saliva. In an enclosed boarding school, there are kids who have contracted the deadly fungi but don't process it the way others do. You see, these kids have the ability to learn, laugh, talk and even love. The story follows a girl named Melanie who realizes she's different but she doesn't know how. All she knows is that she'll do anything to protect her beloved teacher, Miss Justineau. 

I'm going to start with my gripes against this book since I didn't particularly dislike anything other than what I'm about to state. I understand that this is post apocalyptic, but I felt like the author could've given us more background on how the fungus came to be. Most of it was revealed in the end, and I just thought it'd be better if we knew more about the fungus prior to the explosion of the boarding school. That way the reader would be able to put two and two together and try to solve the mystery him/herself.

TGWALT was not a 'zombie' book, in the strictest sense of the word. I don't think the author wrote this book with an intention to scare people with the idea of zombies running around. The main reason this post is so unique different from any other zombie book on the market is because the ending doesn't leave with you with a single though of exterminating all the zombies. Killing isn't always the answer, people! So you may flinch at the gory scenes but just remember that in the end, it all comes down to one thing -- evolution. Evolution is what you should fear the most. The zombies were only a side effect of evolution. I don't think you realize you should be fearing evolution as much in the beginning but it's made quite clear in the end.

The story is told from a multitude of character's perspectives in third person POV. This way we don't know what the characters are thinking, just what they are feeling and how they react to a certain situation.

My favorite chapters were from Miss Justinaeu. I liked Melanie's too, but for some reason Miss Justinaeu's were more relatable. She is the school teacher in the boarding school who learns to love the kids she teaches even though they are blood-thirsty animals. In a world where it's every man for himself, she puts her life on the line to save these 'zombies'. In fact, she's only one of the only few who've shown a shred of compassion for the zombies. In some way, she's the hero of this story. She can save the human population from dying out, even if it means teaching these kid-monsters.

I like a fast-paced, gory zombie thriller as much as the next person, but the fact that this book had a underlying moral took a toll on the pacing. It wasn't extremely slow but it wasn't super fast either. I'd say this book is more of a roadmap for our future. The world works in mysterious ways. We will evolve, even if that means killing off the entire human race to make room for a greater species.

Fall Titles we are waiting for! {Waiting on Wednesday #27}

Back to School, Back to Reality. It is all harsh and terrible and leave me alone I am drinking my coffee black at the moment…

But, lets just remember that we are book lovers, after all… so Fall also means lots of shiny new books to buy for school and maybe a few extra for fun? Tons of great releases every fall, especially in the MG and YA spectrum.

I have selected a few of the most promising titles that I have for review consideration or eARCs I have amassed recently that I am super super excited about! ^_^

Fall titles we are waiting (impatiently) for

Diamond’s Waiting for …

Magic can save you.
Magic can kill you. 

Students at the Magisterium are supposed to be safe. Under the watchful eyes of the mages, they are taught to use magic to bring order to a chaotic world.
But now the chaos is fighting back. Call, Tamara, and Aaron should be worrying about things like pop quizzes and magic contests. Instead, after the shocking death of one of their classmates, they must track down a sinister killer… and risk their own lives in the process.
As Call, Tamara, and Aaron discover, magic can only be as good as the person who wields it. In evil hands, it has the capacity to do immeasurable harm, unless it is stopped in time.


In this striking third book of Magisterium, bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare present us with a school where anything, good or evil, can happen, and the only way to unlock the truth is to risk everything to find it.

Magisterium: The Bronze Key by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Are you kidding me?! I can't wait to read this next installment in the series! And I love that both covers, best believe I'll be pre ordering it off The Book Depository.. :L 

Had to include the American cover too...which do you like better?

Glitter by Aprilynne Pike 

I mean okay, this one is pretty much solely cover lust in full effect... :L *dontjudgeme* *okjudgeaway*

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Aprilynne Pike comes a truly original new novel—Breaking Bad meets Marie Antoinette in a near-future world where the residents of Versailles live like it’s the eighteenth century and an almost-queen turns to drug dealing to save her own life. 
Outside the palace of Versailles, it’s modern day. Inside, the people dress, eat, and act like it’s the eighteenth century—with the added bonus of technology to make court life lavish, privileged, and frivolous. The palace has every indulgence, but for one pretty young thing, it’s about to become a very beautiful prison.
When Danica witnesses an act of murder by the young king, her mother makes a cruel power play . . . blackmailing the king into making Dani his queen. When she turns eighteen, Dani will marry the most ruthless and dangerous man of the court. She has six months to escape her terrifying destiny. Six months to raise enough money to disappear into the real world beyond the palace gates.
Her ticket out? Glitter. A drug so powerful that a tiny pinch mixed into a pot of rouge or lip gloss can make the wearer hopelessly addicted. Addicted to a drug Dani can sell for more money than she ever dreamed.
But in Versailles, secrets are impossible to keep. And the most dangerous secret—falling for a drug dealer outside the palace walls—is one risk she has to take.

Some more I'm waiting for but have to end the list sometime... ;)

Back from Europe! Diamond’s Summer Wraps up (SADLY)

So this post is pretty much the wrap of my literary and television discoveries (and failures) this summer...it feels a little incomplete perhaps, since there is no mention of Bosnia or anything.

Should I do a post about my time in Bosnia? 

I feel like I should...but I also feel like ya'll may be sick of Bosnia and my posts all over social media... hmm...let me know in the comments below! I would totally do some pictures and a recap if you guys wanted. I'm so sad to be back... lol. :c  I loved it there. 

I got to see so many countries.... and I really like that part of Europe. The people are so nice and I find it honest. Not to mention the food is excellent... *sigh* 

The only thing that is cheering me up right now is that I am going on my last year of graduate school and THEN I will be free to pursue a career in whatever country I desire! And in the meantime, this year I can and will do some more traveling. Now that I know how to travel cheaply and safely...*I feel safer traveling alone now* I mean, whats to stop me now xP 

Books read this summer… 

Hands down my favorite book this summer *one of the favs all year* 

It kept me laughing out loud, and I was so interested in the topic too. Ansari is so funny though...if you like him even just in Parks and Recreation, you are a fan. Also, the topic was so relevant to me. Yes, I am the tinder generation...an active participant. And as a single lady I admit I ate this shit up! So fascinating to me how, from a sociological perspective, dating has changed with the technology and how we look for our soulmates in a different way which marks this greater shift in our culture to marry later and later... plus that fear of divorce. 

Wow, I think I just wrote a mini review on this! haha..

GUILTY PLEASURE ALERT

Do you sense a theme here? Yes, this summer my heart was healing from a breakup....and these books were just the trick. Rational thinking always helps me heal after the incredulity that a breakup always inspires. 

And this was just bliss. So cute. OMG. >.<

  

DNF...yet

For some reason I was never in the mood for Magnus Chase :( I didn't read more than 1 page the entire summer... but I'm not giving up on this series!! I do miss Percy Jackson tho :c

also didn't finish lumberjanes and never started the graphic novel, Giant Days... not yet anyway.

TV Shows 

I *discovered* this summer 

Thanks to Netflix in Bosnia (US Netflix doesn’t have Rick and Morty O_o 

 Definitely, Rick and Morty is a show people have begged me to see. They all say, you’d love it! Somehow though, I never got around to watching it until I looked at my drastically different Netflix screen in Bosnia this summer.
Now,  Ididn’t spend a lot of time in my apartment, (i mean, adventure called!) the city of Sarajevo was much more alluring than Netflix (and yes, even books! eek!) But don’t worry, I brought books with me anyway…and got some reading it haha :P

Back in US and I'm already hooked on the Netflix original series: Marco Polo, btw. Which, although I didn't discover while abroad it is still technically summer sooo gotta throw it in there :O







 Currently Reading 

Pretty Good..not sure if I can finish it though. I am remembering a lot of the problems I had with the first book that I had forgotten. Thanks to the repost of the review last week I had an "aha" moment with that. Lol, but thats okay. Not all books can be finished. 

So cute so far. That's all I can say :rainbow

(some) Recently Acquired Review Books

 

Thank you Delacorte Press* and Random House for thinking of me and sending these for review consideration (The Secret Horses of Briar Hill and If the Magic Fits).

The Secret Horses of Briar Hill --> I can't wait to read Megan Shepherd's foray into middle grade! You know, the fabulous author of The Madman's Daughter trilogy I love? :L

Leave a comment below!