My Way Back to Reading

In 2018, I found my way back to books.

For years, I forced myself to stick to the “ADULT” fiction shelves. I struggled to become engaged in the stories, feeling like I couldn’t really connect to the characters..but also, I just wasn’t interested in what they were doing nor how they were doing it. I found most books I picked up to be kind of depressing, reminding me too much of real life. Specifically, often if there was a love interest, the story ended up being a “lesson” for the character, and what I really wanted, was a Happy Ending!

At this time, I also felt it was IMPERATIVE to read ~The Classics~. I forced myself to read Crime & Punishment, Wuthering Heights, Slaughterhouse Five, The Bell Jar, etc. I’m not knocking these wonderful pieces of literature– they are brilliant! but ultimately, it felt like homework. I struggled to find the motivation to pick up books, and it was so much easier to get lost in another tv show or film, after all!

At the core, I felt like it was childish to continue reading about magic, lost kingdoms, forgotten princesses, ruthless assassins, and broody princes.

Looking back, I’m not sure what sparked me to return to the genre…maybe it was walking past the beautiful YA Fantasy section of B&N? Or seeing a twitter friend rave about a new series? But something struck me to order a few “guilty pleasure reads”.

I think I ordered the first book in Sarah J Maas’s Throne of Glass series, as well as Renee Ahdieh’s The Wrath & The Dawn duology. To say I devoured these books would be an understatement. However, it wasn’t until I read what is now my favorite book of all time, that I truly felt “home” within the pages of a book…a feeling I hadn’t experienced since I first read the Harry Potter series in my youth.

That’s right, I’m talking about SJM’s A Court of Thorn and Roses series, specifically A Court of Mist and Fury.

…I will save all my extensive thoughts on SJM and ACOTAR series for another blog post when I can delve into what exactly is so magical about it, but just know that it is directly what propelled me back into my intense love for books.

After finishing A Court of Wings and Ruin during Christmas break of 2017, I had a book hangover that simply was unparalleled. I was heartbroken that I couldn’t return to Velaris (little did I know ACOFAS was coming soon…) and I missed the inner circle so deeply.

So essentially, since then, I’ve been devouring books…and put off starting this blog, in which I review them, basically searching for something to fill the ACOMAF-sized hole in my heart, until now.

Look out for book reviews, book reactions, and other book-related content soon!