Tag: Book Tag

The A-Z Bookish Survey

Hello everybody!

Today, I’m going to be doing the A-Z Bookish Survey which I was tagged for by Kelly’s Ramblings. Onto the questions!

Author you’ve read the most books from: either Enid Blyton or Ann M Martin, I’d guess.

Best Sequel Ever: I think I’ll have to go for Arsenic for Tea, which is probably my absolute favourite of all the Murder Most Unladylike books, and more than topped Murder Most Unladylike (which I totally adored too)

Currently Reading: At time of writing, Skylarks by Karen Gregory.

Drink of Choice While Reading: I only really drink flavoured water, water or milk, so one of those.

E-reader or Physical Book?: Physical.

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated In High School: Nick from Geek Girl is my ultimate book boyfriend.

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance: I wasn’t a huge fan of All of the Above when I read it, so I’m so glad I still gave Margot and Me a go as I loved it.

Hidden Gem Book: for me, the Children of Castle Rock, because although I’ve enjoyed books from the author in the past, I absolutely didn’t expect to be so blown away by it.

Important Moment in your Reading Life: when I discovered the Adventure Island series and the Laura Marlin Mysteries.

Just Finished: the Children of Castle Rock was my last completed book.

Kinds of Books You Won’t Read: I don’t really like dystopia, sci-fi or horror, and I’m fussy with YA in general, but particularly fantasy, where I’m willing to give almost any MG, even in the above genres, a go.

Longest Book You’ve Read: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the longest I can remember.

Major book hangover because of: I always feel quite bereft every time I finish the Geek Girl series.

Number of Bookcases You Own: None at all! I use storage boxes for my books.

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times: Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen is probably the standalone I’ve reread the most.

Preferred Place To Read: I prefer reading anywhere at home, but take books almost everywhere. The only place I don’t usually pick up a book is on public transport, I find it often triggers my nausea/makes it worse if it’s already present, as does reading in the car (though only occasionally, which is why I still do that sometimes)

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read: I can’t remember a specific quote, but the Japan pavement scene from Model Misfit gives me all the Freckles/Lion boy shipper feels. I love a lot of quotable moments in Geek Girl actually.

Reading Regret: spending so many years ashamed of DNFing and never doing it. Life’s too short for books I’m not enjoying; I read for escapism, so if a book is making me miserable I just get shot these days.

Series You Started And Need To Finish (all books are out in series): the Laura Marlin Mysteries and White Giraffe series, both by Lauren St John and both with only the 5th unread (mainly because they were released years after the others in both cases…)

Three of your All-Time Favourite Books: Boy in in the Tower, Love, Lies and Lemon Pies and Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda.

Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others: I’m probably most excited for the Storm Keeper’s Island at the moment, but I have tons of books I’m anticipating.

Worst Bookish Habit: Maxing out my library card all the time 😂🙈

Your latest book purchase: Eliza and her Monsters, which I’ve only ever seem get 5 star reviews so I’m hoping I’ll enjoy.

ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late): I can’t recall the last, but the one I’ve felt like this most with was How Not to Disappear by Clare Furniss.

I tag whoever wants to do this, as I know loads of people I’d usually tag have done it already!

I’d love to hear some of your answers to these in the comments or on Twitter @GoldenBooksGirl, especially if we’ve got any in common!

Amy xxx

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The Reading Habits Book Tag

Hello everybody!

Today, I’m going to be doing the Reading Habits Book Tag, which I found on Writing With Wolves. Onto the questions!

1. Bookmarks or random pieces of paper?

Always bookmarks nowadays. I used to just use another book as bookmark when I was young, hence why lots of my older copies are in a bit of a bad way.

2. Stop reading randomly or after a chapter/certain amount of pages?

I tend to try and stop at the end of a chapter, although that can be tricky if a book is especially gripping and I’m reading on a break at school, and I don’t put it down until I’m forced to by the bell.

3. Do you have a certain place at home for reading?

I read on my sofa a lot, and in bed. I also really like the armchair by the window, but I very rarely sit there as it’s usually claimed either by a dog or another family member.

4. Do you eat or drink whilst reading?

Yes! I love having a snack while reading (usually chocolate).

5. Multitasking: music or TV when reading?

I very occasionally read when other people have those things on, even though I find it quite distracting, but not on purpose.

6. One book at a time or several?

I do occasionally do this, but it’s usually a bit of an accident, such as leaving a book downstairs and being too lazy to go back and get it, so starting another.

7. Reading at home or everywhere?

Not everywhere, e.g. I struggle on trains or buses due to having easily induced nausea and them being too fast and bumpy, but if I’m stationary in a seat then yes, most places.

8. Reading out loud or silently?

Silently.

10. Breaking the spine or keeping it like new?

I don’t break spines on purpose, but as my childhood book collection will tell you, it doesn’t really bother me if the spine is literally peeling off.

11. Do you write in your books?

No. I can’t ever remember writing in one.

12. Who do you tag?

Charlotte, Cora and Kelly.

Thank you so much for reading! I’d love to hear your answers to some of these questions down in the comments or on Twitter @GoldenBooksGirl!

Amy xxx

The Easter Book Tag

Hello everybody!

Today, since now it’s Easter weekend, I thought it’d be fun to do the Easter Book Tag, despite not being tagged (or celebrating Easter as a religious holiday) . Onto the post!

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Rabbits – A book that you wish would multiply – So a book you want a sequel to (that doesn’t have one)-

This is VERY hard, as my favourite standalone works so perfectly I don’t think it needs one. I think I’ll go for the Eye of the North, as unlike the other book I was considering (Brightstorm) I don’t believe one is in the works. I’d love to see Emmeline and Thing on another adventure!

Egg – A book that surprised you

At time of writing, I’m halfway through the Buried Crown by Ally Sherrick, which I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it, so this was a very pleasant surprise. I was absolutely blown away by Under Rose Tainted Skies a few months ago too, as I had no expectations going in and it was incredible.

Hunt – A book that was hard for you to get your hands on

This one’s a bit harder, so I’ll go for the Disappearances, which I was sent last summer. The reason it was hard to get my hands on was that it went missing in the post, and Pushkin very kindly sent me another!

Lambs – A children’s book that you still enjoy-

I still enjoy LOADS of children’s books, as you’ll can tell by other answers/my other posts!

Spring – A book with a cover that makes you think of spring

The two colours I most associate with spring are yellow and light green, so I’ll go for Battle of the Beetles, which fits the latter. It’s an absolutely brilliant ending to a phenomenal trilogy, which I highly recommend to fellow fans of MG.

Rising from the dead – A book from a deceased author

One of my favourite authors who is no longer with us is Enid Blyton, as I adored her school stories (especially Malory Towers) and the Five Find-Outers are brilliant.

Baskets – A book that is in your amazon cart or wish list right now

Ooh. There are many, many things on my bookish wishlist, both upcoming and backlist! I’m more likely to buy backlist from Amazon (so I’ll go for Boys Don’t Knit, which I’ve meant to pick up for years and have just never got to.

Thank you so much for reading! What are your favourite types of Easter eggs? Are you a fan of the books I’ve mentioned? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @GoldenBooksGirl, and have a lovely Easter!

Amy xxx

The Spring Has Sprung Book Tag

Hello everybody!

Today, since it is now March and therefore in my head spring, today I will be doing the Spring Has Sprung Book Tag, which I found on Tiny Obsessions.

. FLOWERS: LOOK ON YOUR BOOKSHELVES. WHAT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK BOTH INSIDE AND OUT?

The most beautiful books I own has to be Emma Carroll’s, specifically those with Julian de Narvaez covers. They are absolutely beautiful, and if Emma’s enchanting stories and stunning prose hadn’t already made me a huge fan, I’d almost definetely be lured in by these covers to try her work when browsing in a bookshop.

2. GRASS: WHAT IS A BOOK THAT YOU FIND THAT OTHERS LIKE WAY MORE THAN YOU DO?

Given the phrasing of this, I’ll go for Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer. I didn’t hate it, but I’d heard a lot of hype from reviewers I tend to agree with on books so I was disappointed it didn’t have quite such a profound effect on me.

3. RAIN: WHAT’S A GREAT BOOK THAT LIFTS YOUR SPIRITS WHEN YOU’RE DOWN?

This has to be the Geek Girl series by Holly Smale. It never, ever fails to cheer me up, and it’s my go to for any especially dark time.

4. DEW: WHAT’S A BOOK THAT MADE YOU FEEL ALIVE?

I’m a bit unsure as to what this one means, but something is telling me to choose Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu. It made me feel inspired and angry and like I wanted to start a revolution all at once when I finished it, so I think it’s a fitting choice.

5. STORMS: WHAT’S A BOOK THAT YOU FOUND UNPREDICTABLE?

Even though I accidentally spoiled myself for it, the climax of Lorali was incredibly unpredictable!

6. RAINBOW: WHAT WAS A BOOK THAT YOU STRUGGLED WITH, ONLY TO BE HAPPY THAT YOU READ IT IN THE END?

For this, I think I’ll go for Harry Potter. I didn’t get the hype at all when I first read them aged 10 or 11, and I’m so glad I gave them a second chance when I was 14. I LOVED them that time, and every time I’ve reread since. In general though, I trust my DNF instincts almost absolutely.

7. CHILLY WEATHER: WHAT’S A BOOK THAT YOU COULDN’T FINISH OR DIDN’T ENJOY?

I gave up on Dragon’s Green very early on this year. It just didn’t grab me, and I didn’t gel with the writing.

8. WARM WEATHER: WHAT’S A BOOK THAT YOU LOVED AND WANTED MORE OF?

A series I don’t think I’d EVER have tired of is Adventure Island by Helen Moss, which is the series I credit fully for making me love reading again when I went through a period of not being sure it was for me. I was devestated when I found out book 14 was the last, and there’s very little I’d love more than to go on new adventures with Emily, Jack, Scott and Drift. I’m welling up at the thought!

9. GREEN: WHAT’S A BOOK THAT YOU HAVEN’T READ YET, BUT REALLY WANT TO?

The Secret of Supernatural Creek by Lauren St John. I love the Laura Marlin books so much, and was overjoyed to hear news of a fifth, yet haven’t read it. I must, and soon.

10. PINK: WHAT’S A BOOK IN WHICH YOU FELT A STRONG CONNECTION TO THE CHARACTERS?

A character that I thought was really quite similar to me (which is how I’m interpreting this question as I’m unsure of what it means) was Emmeline from the Eye of the North, as we share quite a few traits.

11. PURPLE: WHAT’S A BOOK THAT WHEN YOU READ IT, YOU FEEL SAFE?

I’m not actually entirely sure what this means, but if it’s in terms of something comforting I’d have to say Geek Girl, but also things like Boy in the Tower and the Chocolate Box Girls are really familiar and soothing.

12. ORANGE: WHAT BOOK DO YOU FEEL IS INTELLIGENTLY WRITTEN?

I think Robin Stevens’s books are clever in the way they’re written. Hazel and Daisy are incredibly intelligent heroines, and I love that Robin drops enough clues to let you work out some of the mystery, but there’s always a few surprises you don’t spot reading the first time too.

13. YELLOW: WHAT BOOK PUTS A SMILE ON YOUR FACE?

Geek Girl, of course, but for a different answer I’ll say the Lockwood and Co series by Jonathan Stroud, which is full of witty banter and a delightfully sardonic Skull, both of which are sure fire ways to make me smile.

Thank you so much for reading! I tag Layla, Charlotte and Laura (and you readingthis, if you fancy giving it a go!). I’d love to hear your thoughts on the books I’ve mentioned here down in the comments or on Twitter @GoldenBooksGirl!

Amy xxx

The Valentine’s Day Book Tag

Hello everybody!

Since it’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow, I thought it would be fun to do the Valentine’s Day Book Tag, which was created by CC’s Books. Onto the post!

1.) Stand Alone Book You Love

I won’t mention my favourite MG standalone ever as I want to use it for another question! Other MG I love Are Running on and Being Miss Nobody, and a YA standalone I thought was especially impressive is the Art of Being Normal. I love others too, such as Lobsters or Unboxed or Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda.

2.) Dystopian Book You Love

I’m not really a fan of this genre if I’m honest, and I tend to steer clear of it nowadays. That said, Boy in the Tower, my favourite MG standalone ever, does have some dystopian elements. I don’t really class it as that as it’s so hopeful and optimistic and Ade is a darling, but it answers this.

3.) A Book That You Love But No One Else Talks About

Um, Boy in the Tower is my go to for this, and Polly Ho Yen’s other book Fly Me Home also receives nowhere near the amount of love it deserves. I also love the 39 Clues series, and Adventure Island, which are now a bit older and also aren’t talked about often! I’ve actually been considering starting a series of posts about underrated books; would you read that?

4.) Favorite Book Couple

I wrote a full post about my top 5 a few weeks ago, but my ultimate favourite is of course Harriet and Nick from Geek Girl.

5.) Book That Other People Love But You Haven’t Read Yet

I think I have to go for the Northern Lights trilogy for this one, mainly for the sheer AMOUNT of people who adore them. I feel so scared to dive into them 🙈

6.) A Book With Red on the Cover

The first that springs to mind is Cherry Crush by Cathy Cassidy, which even has a shade of red in the title! It’s the first in the Chocolate Box Girls series and it’s narrated by Cherry as she moves in with the Tanberry family and her life totally changes.

7.) A Book With Pink on the Cover

I feel as though there are hardly any pink covers now. I’ll say Being Miss Nobody, and another I recently read was the Lights Under the Lake.

8.) You were given a box of chocolate what fictional boyfriend/ or girlfriend would given them to you.

Nick from Geek Girl or Sirius Black.

9.) You are Single on Valentines Day. What Book would you read? What TV show would you watch? What Movie would you watch?

I have no idea what I’ll be reading (though it coincides with my half term break so I should hopefully swallow a book in the day) or watching (again, I would like to watch at least one film as I’m off! Maybe Pretty in Pink for cosy romance vibes?)

10.) You are in the Book Store. All of a Sudden you get shot with an arrow by Cupid. What New Release will you love?

A book released just before this is due to go up (I am writing this in the past!) that I am 99.99% sure I will love is A Spoonful of Murder by Robin Stevens. I am a HUGE Wells and Wong fan and it has been too long since Mistletoe and Murder 😭

Thank you so much for reading! I won’t tag anyone as this is somewhat seasonal, but if you feel like having a go please send me a link as I’d love to read it! Let me know what you think of my answers down below or on Twitter @GoldenBooksGirl, and if the underrated books I love series of posts would be of interest.

Amy xxx

Guest Post: The Animal Crossing Book Tag by @aimee_louise_l

Hello everybody!

Today, I have a guest post from my lovely friend Aimee Louise, which is a book tag we created together. I’m answering the questions over on her blog today, if you want to see my answers! 

 Tom Nook – a book that fleeced you – Best twist/cliffhanger

The Great Chocoplot. HOW CAN WE HAVE A WORLD WITH NO CHOCOLATE? Seriously, if this isn’t a shock horror twist then I don’t know how we can be friends.

Harriet – a book that misses the mark

For me, this is One Of Us Is Lying. As much as I enjoyed the book, I didn’t love it. I’d guessed THAT twist almost instantly and I guess I was expecting more from it. The hype surrounding it was massive, and I’m probably going to get a lot of grief for my opinion. Sorry guys, I just didn’t love it. 

Celeste – an underrated character

There are SO MANY characters who are underrated and I’m finding it difficult to choose just one. For me, it is going to have to be Isabelle Richardson from Little Fires Everywhere. She has some wonderfully hidden qualities that could really blossom into something great with the right nuturing and I hate the fact that her own family don’t give her enough credit or allow her to be herself. 

Mabel – a book that’s bright and sunny
A joyful, uplifting read? I’m not entirely sure I know what those are. I have a tendency of going down the more dark and twisted bookish path so light-hearted, feel good reads aren’t really my thing. However, Sealed With A Kiss by Rachael Lucas fits this criteria perfectly AND it is such a gorgeous book. This book made me want to broaden my bookish horizons and it not only got me out of a MASSIVE reading slump but it also arrived at a time when I really needed something heart-warming and comforting. Set in Scotland, this book is perfect escapism.

Timmy and Tommy – a book featuring twins
Double Act. One of my absolute favourite childhood books which I read when I was about 6 or 7 years old. Ruby and Garnet are two very different twins and I loved that the fact they were a mirror image of each other did not reflect their personalities. 

KK Slider – a book featuring music

The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Oh how I LOVE this book. If you’ve not read this yet, then where have you been hiding because it is phenomenal. The music that is included within this book is brilliant. Seriously, perfect mixtape material.

Dr Shrunk – a book featuring an eccentric character

The Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland. I don’t think I need to say anymore than that really.

Crazy Red – a book with thieves

The Book Thief. Another one of my all time favourite books which is about a girl called Liesel who steals books and befriends a Jewish man. It is SO much more than that really. But, books are important for minds and friendships. Just saying.

Pocket camp – A book set in a camp

Ok, so I may be cheating slightly with this one by recommending The Dream Snatcher trilogy. BUT becoming a part of Moll’s tribe back in 2015 when she stormed her way onto the scene with a Wildcat in tow, I could NOT miss this out. Seriously, saying goodbye to Moll and her tribe was heartbreaking. I’m still not over it.

Gulliver – a book that takes you on an adventure

The Wolf Wilder takes you on a wolf-riding adventure. I mean seriously, do I need to sell this to you anymore? 

Kicks – a book that’s like a new pair of shoes – a book you really clicked with

I have clicked with SO MANY books. Seriously, some of the characters who I’ve journeyed with in their various worlds have really spoken to me and found a way into my heart. However, Under Rose Tainted Skies is the book which I resonated deeply with especially when trying to get a better understanding of my own Mental Health.

Porter – a book which transports you to a new world – a book with brilliant world building

Sky Song, without a doubt is a book which transports you to a whole new world. I was so engrossed in the world of Erkenwald, that reality just totally slipped away and left me to embark in some extreme wintry conditions in order to defeat the Ice Queen. 
I tag Rebecca @_rebeccastobart, Chelley @chelleytoy and Hannah @cupofwonderland


Aimee Louise