eXid #1

Remember to stay up to date with the world, listen to those facing atrocities and help spread awareness/donate where you’re able to.

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I am someone who LOVES to plan! Making lists and formulating ideas is one of my favourite things, because it feels like productive daydreaming. The problem with myself is that I never (or hardly) ever follow through.

So of course, for December I have decided to do eXid – every X (day) in december. I see this on YouTube every year, where people post a video every day in April, so I thought I would try to push myself to get back into blogging by doing the same challenge.

And I had to make it link in some way to kpop or Korean entertainment and in creating this name, I’m going to be doing several posts exploring and sharing the talents of the wonderful girl group EXID! ♥

The Perks of Being Noura created the Kpop Readathon back in May 2020 and I really enjoyed taking part. For December, I thought it would be fun to take inspiration from Noura and use songs from EXID’s discography to create prompts and use the idea for my monthly TBR.

I’m very excited to start this month long journey and I hope you enjoy coming along with me ♥

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Hot Pink

a book with a pink cover: God is Not Great; Christopher Hitchens

I’ve watched several debates where Hitchens was a fantastic, eloquent and compelling speaker. I have never read any of his books, but as I’m trying to read more non-fiction, I thought I would try one.

I’m very interested in his commentary on religion and yes I may also have been drawn to this book by it’s pink cover. In God is Not Great, Hitchens describes how God is man-made and how religion is immoral and damaging. He argues that science leads to enlightenment rather than religion and this is better for society.

🦋🦋🦋

Every Night

read a book at night: Dead or Alive + The Skulduggery Pleasant Grimoire; Derek Landy

These have been on a previous tbr.

Dead or Alive is the penultimate book in Phase 2 and I’m tired of being disappointed which is why I’ve been putting it off. Granted, I’ve heard more positive things about this instalment, but I don’t know if I can trust Landy with his own characters anymore. Honestly, I think the fun, action packed and emotional impact of the the first phase is lost in the second due to Landy’s ego and the way he shoehorns in current issues and conversations that feel forced and disingenuous. There is no subtlety.

The second phase follows Valkyrie and Skulduggery reunited several years after The Dying of the Light. We see them battle new and old enemies in the changed landscape of the magical community in Ireland. However, Valkyrie’s biggest battle is with herself and coming to terms with the destruction and havoc she has caused and has the potential of causing again.

I’m hoping I can get into the habit of reading before bed each night instead of scrolling or playing games on my phone, so I want to get Dead or Alive and the Grimoire finished in December.

The Grimoire is a mixed media book full of recaps of the books so far, character guides, bonus content and a graphic novel short story. I mainly got this as I’m rubbish with remembering stuff and it’s quite good to have a sort of encyclopaedia, plus the creative team did such a good job with this book! It looks so cool. I’m a little worried with the note inside, which basically says, “soz I rushed this so there are mistakes”, but I’m optimistic that this will be a fun way to look back at what I love about Skulduggery.

Boy

a book with a boy protagonist: Jack Flint and the Redthorn Sword; Joe Donnelly

This is another that has been on a previous tbr (more than one I think). This has been sitting on my shelves for over 10 years and I feel that when I complete this I will have such a sense of accomplishment, even if I choose not to read the other books in the series.

Jack Flint and the Redthorn Sword follows a 13yr old boy and his best friend Kerry who, upon finding a circle of stones, are drawn into a world of celtic myth and magic. The pair, along with Corriwen Redthorn, embark on a quest that will ensure their safety and could give Jack the answers to his own past.

🦋🦋🦋

Only One

read a standalone: Small Pleasures; Clare Chambers

I realised when trying to pick a book for this that I don’t own enough standalones novels. This is a newer purchase for me and I’ve heard a lot of mixed things!

In a suburb in 1957’s south east London, a local newspaper journalist – Jean – is disappointed in love and her humdrum life. However, her life gets turned upside down when her path crosses Gretchen, a Swiss woman who claims that her daughter is the result of a virgin birth. This story sweeps her up and threatens to change her life forever.

I’m definitely intrigued by the plot. Although, I’m realising I didn’t listen very thoroughly to reviews as I thought this took place in a small town in America.

🦋🦋🦋

Better Together

a book with characters who are their best selves when together: Once Upon a Crime; Robin Stevens

I read the entire Murder Most Unladylike series this year and I really enjoyed the characters and the crimes our leading ladies solved. Hazel and Daisy are wonderful girls and they have the potential to be great on their own, however, they make each other so much better. I love Hazel, but without Daisy she wouldn’t have blossomed into such a confident and skilful detective. And without Hazel, Daisy wouldn’t have as much heart as she gains through their relationship. They are both able to hold each other up when needed.

Once Upon a Crime is a short story collection and I’m so happy to be able to throw myself back to early 1930’s England to watch my girl’s solve crime.

🦋🦋🦋

Thrilling

read a thriller: The Devotion of Suspect X; Keigo Higashino

This book is highly rated and has several accolades. Even the bookseller at Waterstones was really excited when I got to the till with this book.

This book follows Detective Kusanagi of the Tokyo Police, who finds himself intertwined in a puzzling and mysterious criminal investigation.

I really love watching crime dramas and documentaries about crime, however, I don’t tend to read as much about detectives in a thrilling capacity. They tend to be more of the “cosy” variety. I’m certainly intrigued and a bit scared as I am a wimp, if this gets psychological I will need to stop reading and hug my dog for a while!

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What are your thoughts on these books? Are there any you love, hate or are on your tbr’s too?

Let me know what you’re reading this month!

Thanks for reading!

I hope you’re having a lovely day and staying safe ♥