Bookish Things I’m a Grinch About | Top 5 Wednesday | Blogmas Day 8

 

Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly meme, GoodReads group here with all the topics + discussion!
T5W is currently on a hiatus so no new topics. So I’ll be revisiting old ones 🙂
Today I’m going to do the Bookish Things I’m a Grinch about prompt!

1) Stickers on Books

WHY. WHYYYYYYYYY.

Bane of my entire life. I hate it when the sticker doesn’t come off properly and you’re left with paper and glue stuck to the front.
Stop. Putting. Stickers. On. Books. I. BEG.

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2) Love Triangles

Love triangles just don’t sit right with me 95% of the time. It’s usually just someone cheating on someone else/ two dudes fighting over a plain girl?? Stop.
Some love triangles are just plain ridiculous and over the top and instead of the character falling out of love the writer just turns the first person into a ‘bad’ character. *cough* Shatter Me *cough* ACOTAR *cough*

The only love triangle I can get behind is the one in The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E Pearson. Writers: Take note. This is a well-done love triangle.

 

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3) Tissue paper thin pages

I HATE it when publishers make the pages thinner to make a book seem smaller!!
I get scared to read the books in case I rip the pages! SO annoying.

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4) Book ‘adaptations’ that ignore the book

Do I need to explain this one?
Everyone’s seen a favourite book ruined on screen, right? Heartbreaking.
Use. The. Material. Source.
Why adapt a book if you’re only going to steal the title? Infuriates me.

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5) Misleading blurbs/synopsis

You ever read the blurb/synopsis and think ‘WOW that sounds great!’ – then you read it and it’s nothing like what it claims. WHY. This annoys me to no end.
Recently this happened with Kingdom of Souls. Sigh. It was very disappointing.

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What bookish things are you a grinch about?

 

Books I Want to See as TV Shows| Top 5 Wednesday

Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly meme, GoodReads group here with all the topics + discussion!

It has been FOREVER since I did a Top 5 Wednesday; I miss it. But, alas, T5W is still on a hiatus, so no new topics; I’ll be revisiting an old one today!

The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E Pearson

I read this series during the summer and it quickly became a favourite. I would die for a tv show of it! There’s so many elements to the story, it would be SO good as a tv show.

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The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

I know this show is actually in development but it isn’t out and there hasn’t been any updates in a while! I neeeeeeeed this show! If done right it could be absolutely incredible.

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Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

I’m pretty sure everyone knows how bad the film adaptations of PJ are. Does not do the books an ounce of justice. Rick Riordan is a GENIUS. The story is amazing. In my opinion: there’s just too much for a film, it would work so much better as a TV show! If done right, with a good writer and a good cast, it could be insanely good; I wish this would happen!

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The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

This series is so incredible, it needs an adaptation ASAP. I think it would make such a fun, entertaining TV show!

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I’m not the biggest Evelyn Hugo lover. *gasp*
The story is interesting enough, I just honestly think it would work better in a visual format. It reads like it should be a documentary. I think it would work so well as a TV show, in the style of a documentary!

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What book would you like to see as a TV Show?

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200th Post! – Favourite Minor/Side Characters | Top 5 Wednesday

Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly meme, GoodReads group here with all the topics + discussion!
T5W is currently on a hiatus for the summer, so no new topics. So I’ll be revisiting old ones. Today I’m doing: Favourite side/minor characters!

Hey guys!
This is my 200th post on my blog! I literally cannot believe I have written that many posts, it’s crazy! I never imagined I’d get this far, I didn’t think blogging would become such a big (and enjoyable) part of my life.
Thank you to everyone who read my blog! It means the world.
Onto the actual post – My favourite side characters:

1) Elide and Lorcan from Throne of Glass

Credit: Star of Velaris

I kinda cheated here, picking two people, but they’re both from the same series. (That’s my excuse anyway) I LOVE ELIDE!! She’s literally my fave – she doesn’t come into ToG until midway through the series but she quickly became a fave. Lorcan – loveable asshole. He’s awesome. Elorcan is my fave ship in all of ToG!

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2) TenSoon from Mistborn

Credit: BotanicaXu

TenSoon is such an amazing character. I love him and the Kandra. Such a fascinating, unique race of creature. I love his sidekick thing he has going on with Vin.
(There are SO many great side characters in Mistborn, it was hard to pick)

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3) Nikolai from Shadow and Bone
Official art by Kevin Wada

If you’ve read my reviews for the trilogy you know how much I dislike it. However, my love, Nikolai was worth it. He was such a great character, full of personality and life. He made those books for me. I will forever appreciate his amazing, entertaining presence in the dire books.

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4) Zuzana from Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Credit: BlackbirdInk

Zuzana is such an amazing friend! I love her relationship with Karou, it’s so lovely!!
She’s such a badass too, despite being a human. I’d love to be friends with her, it would be so much fun. She’s the best. So underrated!

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5) Ella Malikova from The Illuminae Files

Gemina is my favourite book in The Illuminae Files – Elle was such a cool character.
She’s so underrated and underappreciated. Her relationship with Nik is adorable. I love her personality and humour. She’s one of my favourite characters from the whole series!

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Who are your favourite side/minor characters?

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Authors I NEED To Read More From | Top 5 Wednesday

Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly meme, GoodReads group here with all the topics + discussion!
T5W is currently on a hiatus for the summer, so no new topics. So I’ll be revisiting old ones 🙂

Happy Wednesday!
This week I decided to do: ‘Authors You Want To Read More From’ – which is basically me making my TBR even more unachievable! Woo.

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1) V.E Schwab

I’ve read the Villains duology and City and Ghosts and now I want to read everything V.E. Schwab’s ever written. I have The Near Witch and The Dark Vault to read, which I hope to get to this summer, then I want to get to the Shades of Magic trilogy! I’m super excited to read more of her stuff. I really love the characters and worlds she creates and I’ve heard nothing but great things about her other works too!

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2) Maggie Stiefvater

I absolutely adored The Raven Cycle! I love her writing style and I love the characters she created in TRC. I’ve heard mixed things about her other stuff which is why I haven’t gotten around to reading them. I hope to give them a go one day and see if I enjoy them.
I will be for sure reading her new series centred around Ronan from TRC! Cannot wait for that.

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3) Brandon Sanderson

I mean, Brandon Sanderson is my favourite author, so when will I not want to read more from him? I still have to many books to read by him. Man is a machine!! He releases so many books, I feel like I’ll forever be behind. I really want to catch up on The Cosmere books, that’s my priority, then I want to read more of his YA stuff. After reading Skyward I am now even more interested in his YA Sci-fi series The Reckoners. 
I also kinda want to reread all the books I’ve read by him.

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4) Sebastien De Castell

I’ve read all of the Spellslinger series – which I LOVE so much. I cannot wait to read the final book later on this year, super sad the series is ending but can’t wait to see how it concludes. Since I loved Sebastien De Castell’s YA series, I’m sure I will love his Adult Fantasy series: Greatcoats. The reviews are great for this series and I seriously need to pick them up!

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5) Jay Kristoff

I have only read the first two Illuminae books and love them! I’m finally going to read Obsidio this month and complete the trilogy. I plan on catching up with the Nevernight Chronicles this summer before the final book comes out. I’ve heard such great things about those books I seriously need to get on it! I love Jay Kristoff on twitter/insta, he’s so entertaining. I also want to pick up the Lifelike series by him – though it probably won’t be this year since I have a million books to read.

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What author(s) do you want to read more from?

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Books I DNF| Top 5 Wednesday

Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly meme, GoodReads group here with all the topics + discussion!
T5W is currently on a hiatus for the summer, so no new topics. So I’ll be revisiting old ones 🙂
This week I decided to do: Books I DNF (Did not finish)

1) The Power by Naomi Alderman

I feel like every female-centred dystopian novel is now dubbed the ‘new’ The Handmaid’s Tale and they never live up to it. This is the perfect example of that.
This was impossibly boring, I couldn’t get into it at all.
Snoozefest.

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2) The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

Everyone was raving about these books a few years ago, so I decided to pick it up at my library. Boy, am I glad I didn’t buy this book. I found this SO boring and difficult to get into, I think I made it around 20% in before I completely gave up. This was years ago I DNF this but I remember thinking the writing was terrible and the characters were unlikeable.

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3) Switched by Amanda Hocking

This is honestly one of the worst audiobooks ever, ironically one of the first audiobooks I tried to listen to. (Luckily didn’t put me off) It was seriously bad. Laughably bad. It about a changeling Troll – TROLL. They call themselves Trylle – I just couldn’t cope with this. I couldn’t take it seriously and I hate every single character.

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4) The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu

This is probably one of my biggest disappointments. I’ve heard so many great things about this series, I was totally expecting to love it. However, I did not understand a word I was reading. I don’t know why – I just had no idea what was going on. It was odd and boring. I couldn’t connect to the plot or the characters. Eventually, I gave up trying.

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5) The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

This is the most recent book I DNF.
This one I don’t feel bad about, at all. It was required reading for uni but honestly, it was so bad I just couldn’t put myself through that. I knew I wouldn’t write on it in my essay so I just gave up. It is seriously one of the most boring and confusing books I’ve ever read.

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Have you read any of these? What did you think?
Let me know a book you DNF in the comments!

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Favourite LGBTQ+ Reads | Top 5 Wednesday

 

 

Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly meme, GoodReads group here with all the topics + discussion!
T5W is currently on a hiatus for the summer, so no new topics. So I’ll be revisiting old ones 🙂

This week I picked to do LGBTQ+ Reads in honour of Pride month!

1) Simon vs The Homo Sapien Agenda by Becky Albertali

(Gay MC)
I adored this book! I read it in one sitting, it had me captivated from beginning to end. It was the perfect light afternoon read.
I still haven’t watched the film adaptation of this. What is wrong with me?!! I need to correct this asap.

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2) Vicious/Vengeful by V.E. Schwab

(Asexual MC)
Victor is ace, it’s kinda hinted at in book one, but becomes canon in book two, I believe. (Correct me if I’m wrong!)

I love these books so much. It has such an interesting plot, it’s kinda X-Men in regards to powers and it’s friends to enemies – which is a trope I LOVE.

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3) The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

(Gay + Bi MC)
I’m pretty sure Adam is bisexual and Ronan is gay.

Adam and Ronan are freaking adorable! I love this series, it’s one of my favourites and Pynch is definitely one of my top ships!

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4) Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

(Bi, Gay and Ace MC)
Kaz is ace, I believe. Jesper and Wylan are either Gay/Bi and Nina is Bi.

I’m definitely due a reread on this series but I remember really enjoying it! It has a great cast of diverse characters.

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5) The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan

(Apollo is Bisexual)

I love that Rick Riordan caters to EVERYONE.
His has a wide range of diverse characters, which I think is really important in MG/Kids books.

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Honourable mentions:

Girl Meets Boy by Ali Smith
Out of the Blue by Sophie Cameron

Not my favourite books but they’re still a good read!

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What are your favourite LGBTQ+ reads?

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Books Featuring Mental Health | Top 5 Wednesday

Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly meme, GoodReads group here with all the topics + discussion!
This week’s topic is: Books Featuring Mental Health

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1) Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas
(PTSD, Anxiety etc)

After all things Aelin goes through in this series, it’s no wonder she’s suffering from a few mental illnesses. I love that SJM included Aelin’s struggle. A lot of fantasy novels have a tendency to skip over mental illnesses – despite the traumatic and live changing things characters go through. I appreciate mental health rep in all genres, it’s something that needs to be talked about and represented across the board.

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2) The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater
(Trauma, grief, abuse, anxiety, depression)

There are quite a few themes of mental health running through this series. I think it is done really well and accurately. Most of the characters suffer from some kind of mental illness/problems and are very relatable and realistic. I think some of these aspects are overlooked the majority of the time but I think they’re really important to point out.

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3) A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard
(Selective Mutism)

Before reading this book I had never heard of Selective Mutism before. It is a severe anxiety disorder that affects a person’s communication skills. This actually hit home quite a lot with me, despite never hearing about this before, I could relate to the main character. I, as a child, could not communicate with people outside my very close family. I’m not self-diagnosing here – but I felt as though this character felt close to how I felt as a young child.
It’s also such a cute, fluffy YA contemporary! Lovely story, highly recommend.

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4) Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
(ADHD + Dyslexia)

(Unfortunately, I do not own copies.)

I love that Rick Riordan chose to include these mental illnesses in his books. It is so important for kids to learn about mental health and normalise it! He does it in such a lovely, positive way too.

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5) Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig

Thought I’d include a non-fiction book in here too, I don’t read a lot of non-fiction but anxiety and depression is something I personally suffer with so I’m definitely interested in reading about it. Notes On A Nervous Planet is such an excellent read for people with depression and anxiety. It made me more self-aware and realise a lot of triggers and things around me causing my mental health to be bad. I highly recommend this to people with anxiety/depression and anyone who knows someone with it. I feel this would be great for learning how others suffer.

 

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There is a serious lack of mental health books in my life.
Comment below and recommend me a book featuring mental health!

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Favourite Sci-fi/Fantasy BFFs! | Top 5 Wednesday

Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly meme, GoodReads group here with all the topics + discussion!
This week’s topic is: SFF BFFS

5) Scott and Stiles
(Teen Wolf)

I hardly ever mention TV shows on here, so I thought I’d throw in one of my fave friendships from a TV. Teen Wolf!! One of my favourite shows. I’m currently rewatching the whole show, which is why this sprang to mind instantly.
The best part of the show: Scott and Stiles. I bloody adore their friendship that is so close they’re basically brothers. It’s such a lovely genuine friendship, they bounce off each other and always look out for each other. I miss this show!!

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4) Dorian, Chaol + Celaena/Aelin
(Throne of Glass)

I love the ToG series, one of the best parts of the beginning of the series is Dorian, Chaol and Celaena. I love the OG ToG gang. It’s what I missed most in the later books was their interaction. The reunion in KoA is beautiful though. That book made me full on sob so many times!

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3) Kelsier and his crew
(Mistborn)

I love the friendships in Mistborn.
I love Kelsier and his crew! I love it when Kelsier takes Vin in and makes her part of his crew. Their friendship is so lovely! I really want to reread the books so I can see the gang again. (And have my heart ripped out again, evidently)

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2) Cinder + The gang
(The Lunar Chronicles)

A recent favourite of mine, after reading The Lunar Chronicles this year I just had include the whole gang! I love their friendship and interactions. I particularly love Thorne and Cinder, I love their banter. Basically, Thorne with anyone, he’s hilarious and my fave!

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1) Hiccup and Toothless
(How To Train Your Dragon)

Is there anything more beautiful than friendship between human/pet?! Especially dragons! I bloody adore this film series, so sad it ended. I will forever love Hiccup and Toothless, what a beautiful friendship. *sheds a tear*

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Who are some of your favourite SFF best friends?

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Favourite Mother Figures | Top 5 Wednesday

Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly meme, GoodReads group here with all the topics + discussion!
This week’s topic is: Mother Figures
(Apparently, it’s Mother’s Day in the US this week?)

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1) Maura Sargent (+ basically all the ladies at 300 Fox Way)
The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

These ladies are AWESOME.
Psychic trio. Weird and cool.
Imagine growing up in this household?! It’d be so much fun!

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2) Sally Jackson
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

I love Sally! What a babe. She seems like such a cool, chill mum!

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3) Cersei Lannister
ASOIAF/GoT

A complete bitch Cersei maybe, but she loves her children. I admire that about her, at least. (She’s also a super interesting character)

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4) Ferius Parfax
Spellslinger by Sebastien De Castell

She’s more of a mentor to Kellen but I’m going to include her anyway. They definitely become like family and she cares for Kellen like a parent. It’s such a lovely relationship!

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5) Issa
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

I love Issa and Karou’s relationship! It’s so adorable. I love how all the Chimaera raised Karou and they have a weird but lovely family!
Issa is a great mother figure to Karou. So adorable!

*None of the art belongs to me. Credit to the rightful owners*

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Who are your favourite mother figures?

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Bookish Things I Changed My Mind About| Top 5 Wednesday

 

 

Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly meme, GoodReads group here with all the topics + discussion!
This week’s topic is: Bookish Things I’ve Changed My Mind About

1) Audiobooks 

I was never into audiobooks and never thought I would be. I started listening to them around 2 years ago and still didn’t think it’d be a regular thing for me. However, I’ve had a change of heart, lately, I’ve been mostly consuming my books in audio form. It’s so convenient! I used to struggle to focus on the story while listening, I think it’s definitely something you get used to/ learn to do over time.

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2)  Book Series: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

I initially liked this series. I read the first book and liked it, read the second and like it, though less than the first. I got to book three and I was immensely bored. I don’t even know how I managed to finish it. I did plan on reading the final book, to complete the series but I lost interest. I now have no plans to pick up the last book because I literally couldn’t care less about the story or the characters.

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3) Book Series: The Lunar Chronicles

I wanted to read this series years ago when it was really hyped it. I put it off for years and years and basically thought I’m never going to read these books. However, Cinder became available at my library on audiobook and I decided to give it ago. I’m so glad I did! It’s now one of my favourite series and I regret putting it off for so long! To think I wasn’t even going to read it…

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4) Character: Aedion from Throne of Glass
**SPOILERS from Kingdom of Ash**

When Aedion was first introduced I didn’t like or hate him. I was pretty neutral; I didn’t care enough to have an opinion. After reading KoA, I can say I now have strong feelings of hatred for this character. He was awful. He’s an ass throughout the entire novel and treated Lysandra like crap. He definitely didn’t deserve to marry her in the end, the things he said/did were unforgivable, in my opinion.
LYSANDRA DESERVED BETTER.

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5) Genre: Dystopian 

Dystopian was never a genre I gravitated towards. I’ve never read/seen The Hunger Games and I’m not the biggest fan of The Maze Runner. There was a lot of Dystopian films/books going on around that time and I was kinda sick of it. However, after reading adult-dystopian like The Handmaid’s Tale, I’ve grown to like the genre more. I plan on picking up some more YA Dystopian, to see if I can get into that too, but adult dystopian is definitely better! (So far)

*Pictures are not mine. Credit to the rightful owners!*

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What are some bookish things you’ve changed your mind about?

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