/ So Obsessed With

Return to Green Gables: Buy the Book / No. 6

Oct 6, 2015

As Anne Shirley has said, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." While every October holds its own special charm, this one is all the more precious because it holds something I've been looking forward to for ages: Return to Green Gables. Alexa from Alexa Loves Books, Rachel from Hello, Chelly and I wanted to celebrate this kindred spirit, so we've got some fun things in store for you! Be sure to visit all of our blogs during the next week as we pay tribute to the Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery.

For today, we're all giving an Anne-ish twist to features on our blogs! I'm highlighting the Anne series for Buy the Book, a monthly feature where I share a gift guide inspired by something I've read. It's a little play on "by the book" since all of the gifts come directly from quotes or scenes in the book featured and, you know, since it's all stuff you can buy. I'm including a snippet from the book for each item so you'll know why I picked it!

The Anne Series by L.M. Montgomery

Once, when nobody was looking, Gilbert took from his desk a little pink candy heart with a gold motto on it, "You are sweet," and slipped it under the curve of Anne's arm. Whereupon Anne arose, took the pink heart gingerly between the tips of her fingers, dropped it on the floor, ground it to powder beneath her heel, and resumed her position without deigning to bestow a glance at Gilbert. | ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

1. Brach's Conversation Hearts ($15.76) - There are so many items you could pick for Anne of Green Gables, but I decided to go with a "hidden gem" moment. It's not the most memorable scene from the series, but I've always loved Gilbert trying to win Anne's affection (or at least her forgiveness) with a candy heart.

"Marilla, isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"

"I'll warrant you'll make plenty in it," said Marilla. "I never saw your beat for making mistakes, Anne."

"Yes, and well I know it," admitted Anne mournfully. "But have you ever noticed one encouraging thing about me, Marilla? I never make the same mistake twice." | ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

2. Tomorrow is a New Day Anne of Green Gables Print ($16) - Rather than highlight an item specifically mentioned in the first book, I wanted to feature a print of one of my favorite quotes. I love Anne's outlook on life because she's just so optimistic! She gets into a lot of scrapes, but she always learns from her mistakes.

Gilbert had finally made up his mind that he was going to be a doctor. "It's a splendid profession," he said enthusiastically. "A fellow has to fight something all through life . . . didn't somebody once define man as a fighting animal? . . . and I want to fight disease and pain and ignorance . . . which are all members one of another. I want to do my share of honest, real work in the world, Anne . . . add a little to the sum of human knowledge that all the good men have been accumulating since it began. The folks who lived before me have done so much for me that I want to show my gratitude by doing something for the folks who will live after me." | ANNE OF AVONLEA

3. Tuscany Leather Raffaello Doctor's Bag ($269.65) - It took some time to decide what I wanted to choose from Anne of Avonlea before I settled on a doctor's bag. I love when Anne and Gilbert talk about the future - and that they're both ambitious at school. Gilbert's profession is a big decision, so this seemed like the perfect pick.

"We shall be away for two years, perhaps three. We sail in June and we shall send you the key, and leave all in order for you to take possession when you choose. We shall pack away a few things we prize especially, but all the rest will be left."

"Will you leave the china dogs?" asked Anne timidly.

"Would you like me to?"

"Oh, indeed, yes. They are delightful." | ANNE OF THE ISLAND

4. Pair of Staffordshire-Style Dogs ($35) - If you've read Anne of the Island, you know that the china dogs at Patty's Place are beloved members of the household. I loved they had names (Gog and Magog), and they are mentioned again in the series when Anne receives them as a very special wedding gift!

So I'm going to keep this hour sacred to writing to you. Though this won't be a love-letter. I have a scratchy pen and I can't write love-letters with a scratchy pen... or a sharp pen... or a stub pen. So you'll only get that kind of letter from me when I have exactly the right kind of pen. | ANNE OF WINDY POPLARS

5. Vintage Golden Brown Sheaffer Feather Touch Fountain Pen ($45) - My biggest complaint about Anne of Windy Poplars? Anne's letters to Gilbert are edited, and we don't get to read any of the romantic stuff! Either way, I loved the idea that she could only write that kind of letter if she had the right kind of pen.

Gilbert laughed and clasped tighter the girlish hand that wore his ring. Anne's engagement ring was a circlet of pearls. She had refused to wear a diamond...

"I've never really liked diamonds since I found out they weren't the lovely purple I had dreamed. They will always suggest my old disappointment."

"But pearls are for tears, the old legend says," Gilbert had objected.

"I'm not afraid of that. And tears can be happy as well as sad. My very happiest moments have been when I had tears in my eyes—when Marilla told me I might stay at Green Gables—when Matthew gave me the first pretty dress I ever had—when I heard that you were going to recover from the fever. So give me pearls f or our troth ring, Gilbert, and I'll willingly accept the sorrow of life with its joy." | ANNE'S HOUSE OF DREAMS

6. Victorian Antique Pearl Engagement Ring ($312.21) - It's established in the very first book that Anne is quite disappointed by diamonds, and I love that the sentiment appears again in Anne's House of Dreams. But I particularly adore Anne's comments accepting the sorrow of life with its joy since both occur in their marriage.

"But one evening, when late winter was listening for the word of spring, she came over to the little house for a twilight chat; and when she went away she left a small, white box on the table. Anne found it after she was gone and opened it wonderingly. In it was a tiny white dress of exquisite workmanship—delicate embroidery, wonderful tucking, sheer loveliness. Every stitch in it was handwork; and the little frills of lace at neck and sleeves were of real Valenciennes. Lying on it was a card—"with Leslie's love." | ANNE'S HOUSE OF DREAMS

7. Infant's Two-Piece Christening Gown & Bonnet Set ($225) - I decided to include another item from Anne's House of Dreams because the birth of Anne and Gilbert's first child marks a huge turning point in the series and in their marriage. They go on to have six more children throughout the series, so it's always a full house!

The dawn of the fifteenth anniversary of your wedding day and all your husband could say to you was "Twins." He didn't even remember it was an anniversary... For the first time he did not mention it; for the first time he had no gift for her. Very well, he shouldn't get his gift either. She had had ready for weeks... a silver-handled pocket-knife with the date on one side and his initials on the other. | ANNE OF INGLESIDE

8. Antique Gorham Sterling Silver Pocket Knife ($125) - Since Anne of Ingleside is the last book where you really spend time with Anne and Gilbert together, I decided to pick an item representing their fifteenth anniversary. There is some miscommunication and misunderstanding that day, which seems pretty realistic to me.

"Why didn't you put on your shoes and stockings?" asked Una.

"Hain't none to put on. All I had was wore out by the time winter was over," said Lida indifferently.

For a moment Faith stated in horror. This was terrible. Here was a little girl, almost a neighbour, half frozen because she had no shoes or stockings in this cruel spring weather. Impulsive Faith thought of nothing but the dreadfulness of it. In a moment she was pulling off her own shoes and stockings.

"Here, take these and put them right on," she said, forcing them into the hands of the astonished Lida. | RAINBOW VALLEY

9. Muk Luks Women's Black Cable Knit Over the Knee Socks ($17.99) - This might seem like a random scene from Rainbow Valley, but I thought it captured the spirit of the book. You see the kindness of the Meredith children, but it's also a moment that backfires and brings them under scrutiny. But I won't tell you why!

Rilla got the clothes–the cheap, sleazy garments the poor mother had made ready as best she could. But this did not solve the pressing problem of the baby's transportation. Rilla looked helplessly round. Oh, for mother–or Susan! Her eyes fell on an enormous blue soup tureen at the back of the dresser.

"May I have this to–to lay him in?" she asked. | RILLA OF INGLESIDE

10. Johnson Brothers Friendly Village Soup Tureen ($57) - I'm not sure if this soup tureen is large enough to hold a baby, but it was so pretty that I had to use it to represent this pick! When Rilla brings home a baby in Rilla of Ingleside, it's the catalyst for a big change in her character. I loved this part of the book!

Check out Rachel's Book Bags and Alexa's Bookish Style Files!

And come back tomorrow for three Anne-inspired discussion posts.

READ POST

Return to Green Gables: Re-Read Reflections

Oct 5, 2015

A few years ago, I decided to re-read the Anne series. It had been a while since I'd visited my favorite dreamer. I wondered if the magic would still be there as an adult. There are some books I love, no matter my age... but some don't grow as you do. I've been disappointed in the past after re-reading childhood favorites! Thankfully, I had nothing to worry about with L.M. Montgomery. There's a reason her books have remained classics - beloved by readers both then and now. So, I approached this most recent re-read with excitement. I knew I was going to love them, and I looked forward to spending time with my old friends.

I always enjoyed following Anne throughout her life and watching as she grows from a young child into a wife and mother. I think my favorite thing about re-reading the Anne series is how I can appreciate the later books in the series more now that I'm an adult. But I'll get to those books in a minute! Let's start at the beginning. Anne of Green Gables will always be my favorite book of the series. I've returned to this book most often - when I needed to laugh or to cry or to just lose myself in the magic of a great read. Anne's longing for a family, her desire for a bosom friend and her joy when she finds both never fails to move me. I think this is the most memorable book of the series, too, with so many hilarious mishaps (raspberry cordial! green hair! yelling at Mrs. Lynde!).

Following Anne of Green Gables, we have more "young adult" Anne in Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island. I loved seeing her become a teacher, and watching as she helps Marilla care for two orphan twins, Davy and Dora. That's something that's left out of the movie adaptation, but it's such a good storyline! And, of course, you start to see her wrestle with romance. As an ardent fan of Gilbert Blythe, I always looked forward to Anne of the Island because it marks a shift in their friendship. Anne is so blind to her own feelings, but it creates such delicious tension while you're reading! It's quite enjoyable seeing her attend Redmond College and live with close friends. It's fun to see her growing up but still maintaining her sense of wonder and love of beauty.

Anne of Windy Poplars is different than the other books in the series, particularly because a large part is written in epistolary format. I love that Anne was writing such adorable letters to Gilbert, but Montgomery cuts out all the best parts. I WANT MORE LOVEY DOVEY STUFF, LMM. That being said, I do love seeing Anne win over the Pringles and the prickly Miss Katherine Brooke. No one can resist Anne's charms! The only downside with this book is that Anne is so far from everyone she loves, so I always end up missing some of my favorite characters - though you definitely meet some unforgettable new ones!

There's a shift in the series with Anne's House of Dreams. Anne is all grown up and getting married! I always loved this book, even when I was younger, because Anne and Gilbert are finally together. I absolutely adore their wedding, and it contains one of my all-time favorite passages in the series. It's so sweet to see them move into their house of dreams, as Anne calls it. Anne isn't really getting into scrapes anymore, but she's still befriending everyone she meets. It's not all joy, however, as this book contains one of the saddest moments in the series (in my opinion). I ached for Anne and Gilbert, and the loss hit me harder now than it ever did before.

I'll be honest, Anne of Ingleside and Rainbow Valley are probably my least favorite books in the series. The first focuses primarily on Anne and Gilbert's children, and the second includes them but mostly focuses on the Meredith children (their neighbors). I always get frustrated in Anne of Ingleside because Gilbert's aunt moves in with them, and she is absolutely insufferable! She sucks the life out of the family, and it drives me crazy. And there's a little tension and insecurity between Anne and Gil, which is probably realistic but I never want to imagine my darlings having marital issues. Ha! I think I enjoyed Rainbow Valley more as a child because I found the Blythes and the Merediths hilarious. But I couldn't help missing Anne and Gilbert in it this time around!

Then, there's Rilla of Ingleside. It feels a little different than all the previous books because it focuses on Anne and Gilbert's youngest child, Rilla. She's almost fifteen, and she dreams of dances and romance and pretty dresses. But everything changes when the war breaks out. Nothing and no one will be the same after. It feels heavier than all the other Anne books, but it was also the most emotional read for me. I'm so attached to this family that it breaks my heart when the boys go off to war. As much as it hurts, I just love this book and this story!

I always love returning to Green Gables and to the multitude of places and people that capture Anne's heart. I feel like Anne introduced me to a new way of seeing the world. Because of her, I realized that everyone has their own story. She's the first character that I can remember who made me see the beauty in imperfect people - and the power in loving them wholeheartedly. But she's got a fierce temper and an unforgiving stubborn streak, and I was happy that she got it wrong sometimes, too. I found her at the exact right time in my life, and I'm thankful for her influence on me and my reading journey. I will always love Miss Anne Shirley.

Series Favorites

Favorite Book: Anne of Green Gables, of course. There's just something so magical about that first book! I don't think I could ever get tired of reading it. But my second favorite is Anne of the Island. I love seeing Anne at college, living with her friends, and growing into an adult. Plus, it's the most romantic book in the series!

Favorite Main Character: What kind of question is this?! Anne Shirley is clearly the best! She's the star of the series, and I just adore everything about her. I like her best as a child and young adult because she's got the most sass then, but it's lovely to watch her mature and finally have the family of her dreams.

Favorite Secondary Character: GILBERT BLYTHE. I strongly considered highlighting another character because there are some gems in this series, but it wouldn't be fair to the man of my dreams. I fell in love with Gilbert the first time I met him, and no literary hero has ever held a candle to him. He's practically perfect in every way.

Favorite Animal: Dog Monday from Rilla of Ingleside. I'd completely forgotten the dog's role in this story, but it was one of my favorite parts of the book. My heart just ached as he waited and waited at the train station for his boy to return from war... and I definitely shed some tears by the end!

Favorite Place: While I love Green Gables, I'm choosing Gilbert and Anne's House of Dreams. It was a place of love and laughter, but it held sorrow, too. But there's a beauty in brokenness - and in the way it can draw people together. Gilbert asks Anne at the end, "We have been happy here, haven't we, Anne-girl?" SOB.

Favorite Quote: "But it was a happy and beautiful bride who came down the old, homespun-carpeted stairs that September noon - the first bride of Green Gables, slender and shining-eyed, in the mist of her maiden veil, with her arms full of roses. Gilbert, waiting for her in the hall below, looked up at her with adoring eyes. She was his at last, this evasive, long-sought Anne, won after years of patient waiting. It was to him she was coming in the sweet surrender of the bride. Was he worthy of her? Could he make her as happy as he hoped? If he failed her - if he could not measure up to her standard of manhood - then, as she held out her hand, their eyes met and all doubt was swept away in a glad certainty. They belonged to each other; and no matter what life might hold for them, it could never alter that. Their happiness was in each other's keeping and both were unafraid." - Anne's House of Dreams

Favorite Anne-ism: "Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there so many of them in the world." - Anne of Green Gables

Favorite Sassy Moment: It's so hard to choose just one, but I think Anne breaking her slate over Gilbert's head will always be my favorite. It's just such a memorable moment, and it sets the tone for their relationship in the first book. I love that she has a temper... and that Gilbert tries so hard to get back in her good graces!

Favorite Sad Moment: I think the death in the first book is probably the saddest moment of the series for me. I don't want to spoil it, so I won't say more. But I always cry a little when I get to that part of the book. With this re-read, the death in the last book got to me, too. I was so sad for the Blythe family.

Favorite Sweet Moment: Gilbert's (second) proposal in Anne of the Island will always and forever be my favorite sweet (and swoony) moment in the series. I love when he tells her about his unfulfilled dream and confesses his feelings for her. And her response is just the best - "I don't want sunbursts and marble halls. I just want you."

Favorite Surprising Moment: I was surprised when Rilla brought home a baby in a soup tureen in Rilla of Ingleside. I love how the situation forces her to grow up and take on more responsibility. And it was so enjoyable to watch her fall in love with the darling baby boy!

Favorite Silly Moment: Anne is invited to dinner by her friend Trix Taylor in Anne of Windy Poplars, but everyone warns her about the family patriarch. Cyrus Taylor likes to sulk and make everyone uncomfortable by refusing to speak. Because his family is a little in awe of him, they fall silent when he's in one of his fits. Anne, in an attempt to lighten the mood, asks a loaded question... and the whole situation spirals out of control right before her eyes. It's hilarious because Anne's good intentions backfire but still somehow work out for the best.

Don't forget to visit Alexa's post and Rachel's post,

and check back tomorrow for three special features with an Anne twist!

READ POST

Return to Green Gables: Welcome!

Oct 4, 2015

My History with Anne

Before I ever met Miss Anne Shirley, I'd already fallen in love with one red-haired icon: Madeline (from the book of the same name by Ludwig Bemelmans). I had the entire book memorized before I could even read, and I was proud of the fact that I could "read" it to myself. I was captivated by her sass and spunk! Looking back now, I like to think that she was preparing my heart for my next great literary love.

There are two books that have had the most profound impact on my love for reading and have shaped me into the person and reader that I am today. One of those is Anne of Green Gables. I first met her after my aunt and uncle gave me a box set of the entire series for Christmas one year. I was still pretty young - and the books were probably a bit advanced for me - but I felt so grown up holding these classics in my hands. I can still remember reading the first book when I was in third grade. It made such a huge impression on me! I can't remember if I read the entire series that year, though I'm pretty sure that I did. Anne was more fanciful and prone to daydreams than I ever was, but I still knew I'd found a kindred spirit. She wasn't perfect, which made me adore her all the more. I laughed at her mistakes, was shocked (and delighted) by her temper, recognized her stubbornness and related to her love for learning. She had so much love to give, and I felt as though she welcomed me into her world with open arms.

It wasn't long before I became obsessed with L.M. Montgomery, too. I devoured everything I could find that she'd written, which solidified her place as one of my favorite authors. But while I loved many of her books, nothing ever came close to the joy I felt whenever I'd re-read Anne. I was charmed by the people that populated Prince Edward Island, and I wanted to see the world the way Anne did. I ADORED Gilbert Blythe - my first (and forever favorite) fictional love! I think I was swooning over him before I even knew what it meant to swoon... Honestly, I enjoyed everything about these books because they were like nothing I'd read before. And don't even get me started on the TV mini-series adaptation starring Megan Follows! I've watched it more times than I can count, and I never get tired of it. It's not always faithful to the books, but I don't even care.

Over the years, my obsession with Anne Shirley has only grown. I re-read the series many times, practically wore out my Anne DVDs, and now collect copies of Anne of Green Gables (and sometime the whole series if it's too pretty to resist). So, it's such a joy to co-host this event with two ladies who share that love! I re-read the whole series a few years ago (and again the past few weeks!) and was so pleased to find that I loved it just as much as an adult. It's a timeless story, and it's so clear to me why it's found a home in the hearts of so many readers.

My Love for Lucy Maud

As we were brainstorming ideas for this blog event, we decided it would be fun to include a little tribute to L.M. Montgomery, too. It seems only fair to recognize the person behind the pages - and the creator of this beloved character! As I previously mentioned, I've read a lot from Montgomery over the years. But it wasn't until I revisited the Anne series a few years ago that I truly became curious about what inspired her to write the book and learn more about her life. I read Lucy Maud Montgomery: The Gift of Wings by Mary Henley Rubio, and I was shocked by what I learned. It's one of the best biographies I've ever read, and I cannot recommend it enough. At almost 700 pages, it's considered the definitive Montgomery biography - and I can see why! It was a little intimidating when I started, but so worth it in the end.

She had a more tragic and heartbreaking life than I'd expected, especially for someone who wrote a character so full of joy. It was fascinating to see how her books and her life both overlapped and diverged! She was a prolific writer, publishing 20 novels and numerous short stories, poems and essays. She was highly praised when Anne of Green Gables came out but had fallen out of favor with the literary world by the end of her life. Although she was shut out of a world she dearly loved, her books eventually regained their popularity and have left a special legacy in Canadian (and children's) literature. To learn more about her, I'd recommend reading the book I mentioned above, checking out her journals (Volume I) or visiting the L.M. Montgomery Institute online.

Don't forget to visit Alexa's post and Rachel's post,

and check back tomorrow for re-read reflections and series favorites!

READ POST

September 2015: Recap + On My Shelves

Oct 1, 2015

Oh, September. This month was most notable for my complete lack of desire to blog... I barely opened my computer, even though I had plenty of post ideas. I'm hoping my blogging mojo will come back in October!

1. Most Anticipated Release - It feels like only yesterday that I was reading Heir of Fire for the first time... and yet it also seemed like I was waiting forever to read Queen of Shadows! It came out on September 1, and I actually took the day off work so I could stay in bed and read all day. IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH IT.

2. Mountain Getaway - For Labor Day weekend, Nick and I headed to the mountains! It was a little bit rainy that weekend, so we spent most of the time indoors. But it was still nice to have a relaxing few days away from home! I read, napped, pretended to watch college football, and ate some delicious food.

3. Chicago - For my mom's birthday, my brother and I surprised her with a trip to Chicago! She had been mentioning that she really wanted to go one day, and we thought it would be so fun to take her. So, we ditched the rest of the family and spent four days in the Windy City. We loved being tourists together!

4. Return of Fall TV & DVDs - It's probably silly, but I was so excited about the return of fall TV. I always look forward to when my favorite shows finally air! And I'm one of those crazy people who loves buying their favorite shows on DVD so I can watch them again and again, so I always look forward to September for those releases.

Read 14 Books | Favorites:

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson

Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (re-read)

Challenge Progress:

1 Fantasy for Flights of Fantasy Challenge

8 Re-Reads for The Re-Read Challenge

1 Diverse Read for Dive into Diversity

2 Series for Series a Month

“I spent centuries wandering the world, from empires to kingdoms to wastelands,
never settling, never stopping—not for one moment. I was always looking toward the horizon,
always wondering what waited across the next ocean, over the next mountain. But I think…
I think that whole time, all those centuries, I was just looking for you.”
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

"But there's plenty I love about my life that makes it all just fine:
the sunrise on the snowy mountain slopes, a mama and daddy who know my worth,
that sweet tingle when a gold nugget sits in the palm of my hand. And my chickens."
Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson

"If you’re my best friend and the only way I get to have dinner with you
is by traveling thousands of miles, selecting a chicken or fish option,
and wearing a dress in the same shade of lavender as six other girls,
I will do that. I won’t love it. But I love you.”
Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

[Most Popular]

Overall: Surprisingly, my TTT post below!

TTT: Top Ten Series I Want to Start

Review: Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

Discussion/Feature: Buy the Book / No. 5

[Personal Favorite]

Overall: Tune in Tonight: Jane the Virgin

TTT: Top Ten Books on My Fall TBR

Review: Tonight the Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales

Discussion/Feature: Picky Pledge Check-In #3

1. Do Tell: Peek Into My Planner by Bella from Ciao Bella - I'm a total organization nerd, so I love getting to peek into someone's planner! I have this same Lilly Pulitzer planner, and it was fun to see how Bella is using hers. I might have to steal a few of her ideas for myself, especially the idea of bullet journaling. I'm intrigued!

2. When Your Faith is Not a Christian Romance Novel by Addie from Addie Zierman - I found this post through Modern Mrs. Darcy, and it spoke to me. I grew up reading the series referenced in this blog post, but I had a similar experience when I approached them as an adult. Addie's comments on faith really resonated with me.

3. Queen of Shadows Blog Tour by The Maas Thirteen - I fell in love with the Maas Thirteen's blog tour for Heir of Fire, and they've done it again for Queen of Shadows! I had so much fun following along with each stop and seeing what creative content they'd post next. I can't choose a favorite - there's so much amazingness!

4. Book People Talk Movies: Friday Night Lights by Morgan on Bring My Books - CLEAR EYES. FULL HEARTS. CAN'T LOSE. I'm already a huge fan of Friday Night Lights, but Morgan's guest post for Lindsay's blog reminded me of all the reasons I love this show! I've been trying to decide what to re-watch, and I think this is calling my name.

Favorite Song: "Certain Things" by James Arthur on James Arthur (Deluxe Edition)
I discovered this song while watching Everlark videos on YouTube (hush, I know).
I can't tell you how many times I listened to it in September. REPEAT FOR DAYS.

Age of Adaline (2015) starring Blake Lively and Michiel Huisman - I was so excited to see this movie when it first came out, but I let time get away from me and missed it in theaters. So, I decided to pre-order the DVD with the hope that I'd love it... and I did! This movie was a delight! I loved the costumes, the story, and the cast.

Bought: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, After You by Jojo Moyes, Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez, Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson, Every Word by Ellie Marney and Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling,

"Been Coveting and Finally Caved" Purchase: Photographs from the Hunger Games by Tim Palen

Adding to the Collection: Pride and Prejudice (Classics Reimagined) by Jane Austen

From #OTSPSecretSister: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett and other AMAZING goodies!

From Alexa: First & Then by Emma Mills

For Review: Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Anstey, Stone Field by Christy Lenzi, and Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray

Kindle (Bought/Review): Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas and Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

Audible: The Fair Fight by Anna Freeman

READ POST

#ReRead2015 September Recap

Sep 30, 2015

I was in a major reading slump in September, but I was able to re-read one of my favorite series of all time. I have something fun planned for October involving this series - so stay tuned to see it debut soon! I've now re-read 42 books this year, and I'm so glad I surpassed my goal and am continuing my re-reading streak.