Welcome!

March 15, 2020 milelongtbr 1 Comment

Hello and welcome!

I’m Danielle, a Florida-based bibliophile with a mile long TBR.

It includes everything from classics to thrillers, self-help books to true crime, modern fiction, romance, and genres in between.

I’m an animal-loving, wine-drinking travel enthusiast and lover of books in all formats. Paperbacks, audiobooks, hardcovers, ebooks… I’ll take them all!

I’ve never been much of a social media user, but last January I finally started a Bookstagram account and it’s been a fun ride! For months I’ve been toying around with the idea of creating a book blog to compliment the Instagram page, but there was always one reason or another why it wasn’t the right time.

Cut to now. March 2020. I’m locked up at home with my books and nothing but time on my hands as I try to ride out this pandemic. So what better time to talk about books? I for one need an outlet and I can’t be the only one.

Hopefully, this space will be a place to get ideas for your next great read, read reviews of upcoming books to add to your own TBR, and an outlet to discuss bookish things with people who can relate. However you’ve found me here, I invite you to stay awhile and share your love of reading with the amazing community here and on Instagram.

December Reading Wrap Up

January 10, 2021 milelongtbr Leave a Comment

Hi, friends!

I’m a little bit late getting my monthly wrap-up posted for December, largely because I read 14 books making it one of my biggest reading months ever.

These were all enjoyable reads, but for this post, I’m breaking them down into books I loved and books I liked. Let’s get started!

Books I Loved

1. Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala

First, we have this Queer YA romance. I’m so glad I read this book in the final days of 2020- it immediately slid in to take a spot as one of my 5 Favorite YA reads of the year.

This book is an absolutely delightful YA read. I love the characters Raffy and Luca and their journey as they navigate first loves and coming out, as well as how to really show up for each other.

The premise of the Cosplay competition a’ la Project Runway was so much fun, and I absolutely loved it even though I’ve never been to a Comic-Con.

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copy.

2. Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent

Next up is this multigenerational family drama. Little Cruelties is a completely engrossing read. I couldn’t put the book down as I tried to find out what would happen next to the Drumm brothers.

This book is dark and twisted, the Drumms are anything but a happy family, and their continual betrayals and cruelties to each other are awful yet in families things are often more complex than they appear.

Read this if you like reading about dysfunctional families or enjoyed Ask Again, Yes.

Many thanks to Scout Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

3. The Rib King by Ladee Hubbard

The Rib King is a riveting work of literary historical fiction centering around black employees in a white household struggling to maintain their affluent lifestyle. The characters in this book are so complex and fascinating- they are ones that will stay with you long after finishing the book.

The author has seamlessly woven the history of the time and commentary on a number of social issues such as race and class disparities into a fascinating narrative. Despite the story being set 100 years ago, the issues raised are still relevant today, making this an especially important read.

Many thanks to Amistad and NetGalley for the advance copy.

4. The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris

Hearing the story of our soon-to-be Madame Vice President in her own words was nothing short of inspiring, and reading this book left me confident in her leadership.

This book tells Harris’ story of being raised by a single mother who challenged her and taught her to believe in herself in her abilities. It goes on to talk about her early career in politics and the policies she believes in the most.

So much of Kamala’s appeal is in her relatability and insistence that government must work for everyone- even those in the most marginalized groups, and this book shows both her heart and struggle which is why she is a fantastic leader.

5. The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

I’ve seen a lot of buzz about these books and finially decided to see what the hype is about. Well, it lived up to it, guys!

With his marriage on the line Minor League Baseball player Gavin joins the Bromance Book Club – a gathering of guys who read romance novels in an attempt to keep the ladies in their lives happy.

This book is funny, sweet, and steamy and easily became one of my favorite romances of the year. Now I just need to get a hold of the rest of the series!

6. After All I’ve Done by Mina Hardy

“She’s lost her best friend, her husband–and possibly, her mind.”

After All I’ve Done a delightfully twisted domestic suspense/thriller with multiple POVs, and the ultimate unreliable narrator- one dealing with memory loss. I did figure out a couple of the surprises relatively early on in the book, but there were a lot that I didn’t guess, some that were absolutely shocking.

This was an enjoyable psychological thriller and I look forward to reading more from the author.

I loved the multiple narrators for the alternating points of view and thought they each brought something unique and exciting to the story. Highly recommend the audio.

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copy.

7. The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict

I’ve been an Agatha Christie fan for about 20 years- I couldn’t have been more than ten years old when my mother first gave me a copy of And Then There Were None. In the years since then I’ve reread that favorite many times and regularly read other titles by the author.

This book imagines what may have happened surrounding the author’s mysterious 11-day disappearance in 1926. There are a number of details about Christie’s life as well as a book within a book, making this the perfect read for fans of her work.

8. Dear Child by Romy Hausmann

Hausmann has given us a complex and well written psychological thriller. There are so many twists, yet the story is never hard to follow.

This is an impressive debut and I look forward to reading more from the author, though I did feel the ending was a little rushed, especially in comparison to the depth earlier in the book. Still an enjoyable standout thriller.

Many thanks to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Books I Enjoyed

9. Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis

Dear Emmie Blue is such a charming and heartfelt read! It has such a lightness, just like Emmie’s balloon and there are so many good and kind characters that it warms my heart.

Much more than a romance novel, this is a story of unexpected things giving us far more than the plans we have in mind.

Many thanks to Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

10. The Perfect Guests by Emma Rous

After enjoying Rous’s debut novel The Au Pair I was eager to read more from her.

The Perfect Guests is a gothic thriller full of suspense, family drama, and multiple timelines. I love the “Clue” and Agatha Christie vibes, as the guests are summoned to a dinner party at Raven Hall, a long abanonded mansion, for a game.

Sadie is desperate, so she accepts the job acting as a guest in a murder mystery . But could it be too good to be true? She soon learns of a tragedy that occured there years ago, when the previous owners lived there. But is something sinister still inhabiting Raven Hall?

I had some suspicions that ended up being correct, but there were so many twists that therer were still a ton of surprises in store. I love how everything connected, albiet in a very tangled way.

Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advance copy.

11. The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

The Wife Upstairs is Jane Eyre reimagined as a modern gothic thriller set in Alabama, where Jane meets recently widowed Eddie Rochester.

Jane sets her sights on him, but she may be in for more than she’d realize as it becomes clear he’s not just mysterious- he’s hiding something. I loved all the twists and how Hawkings pays homage to the Bronte classic throughout the novel while giving readers a new book.

It’s a suspenseful and twisted book full of surprises, and I think Jane Eyre fans will appreciate it and thriller and domestic suspense readers will love the book as well.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

12. Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trump

This book by Mary L. Trump, the President’s niece reveals Trump family history that lead to him becoming the man he is. There are also a number of details of the questionable choices and actions he’s made over the decades.

The author is a psychologist, so this adds another level of insight to her revelations. Many parts of the books are hard to read. Still, Mary L. Trump’s insight is something that is worth being shared and I’m glad I read this book for deeper understanding.

13. In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

This cute Christmas romance was a fun read for the holidays!

Mae gets stuck reliving her Christmas holiday after an accident sends her back to the past. The Groundhog Day vibes were fun, though I was honestly expecting more of an emotional punch with this one.

Still, it’s a fun ride as Mae realizes that this may just be an opportunity for her to save her annual holiday spot and reveal her feelings for her longtime crush.

14. The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

Finally, we have this chilling wintery thriller by Lucy Foley. A group of friends goes away to celebrate the new year, but one of them doesn’t make it home.

With close quarters, no outside access to their remote location, and enough tension that anyone could have a motive it’s clear that one in the group is a killer.

This book had a lot of tension and I loved the atmosphere and messy character relationships, though the book wasn’t quite as shocking as I’d hoped. Still, it’s a fast and readable thriller- perfect for snowy days!

There you have it, friends!

One of my best reading months ever to wrap up the wild year that was 2020.

Have you read any of these titles? If not, I hope you’ve at least found one to add to your own TBR!

Tell me one of your favorite December 2020 reads in the comments!

2020 Reading Statistics

January 7, 2021 milelongtbr Leave a Comment

Hi, readers!

2020 is now thankfully behind us, and while it wasn’t the greatest year for most of us, I’m happy to say that at least for me it brought one of my best reading years to date.

I’ve broken down my statistics into ten categories- because I’m a nerd like that- to take a closer look at exactly what I’m reading. I really love taking stock and it makes it much easier to frame my 2021 reading goals around the results when the numbers do the talking.

Let’s dive in!

1. Total Books Read

The number books read in a year seems to be the metric everyone’s talking about- especially with so many bookstagrammers setting GoodReads goals.

In all honesty I don’t track my reading perfectly on GoodReads, but managed to count 116 books toward my initial goal of 75.

This is absolutely bananas. I’ve never read over 100 books in a year, but despite a slow start all that time at home reading really added up in 2020.

I know I missed a few, so the number is actually higher. Also, I don’t count cookbooks, nonfiction I skim, kids’ books, DNFs, or poetry collections toward my total count.

I’m glad I got to read so many great books, but for me a good reading year is far more in the quality of what I’m reading than the quantity.

2. Monthly Breakdown

This chart breaks down the number of books I read each month.

I started off reading a modest 6 books in January, then nearly doubled that number in February.

March started off strong, but as the pandemic hit my area my reading slowed for a few months.

By summertime the anxiety was mostly under control and the extra time at home reading lead to high numbers that continued to the end of the year.

My best reading months were October and December in terms of quantity- and I read lots of good books then too!

3. Looking at Genre

I enjoy reading from a number of genres and definitely wanted to make a point to branch out in 2020.

I read a few new to me formats- graphic novels and novels in verse- rekindled my love for the YA Genre and pushed myself to try some horror.

Thrillers were my most read genre of the year. About a quarter of the books I read were thrillers- partly for the escapism and partly because I got the idea to write one of my own. Go check out my favorite thrillers of the year for some recommendations!

If you combine Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction, and Classics together for a “General Fiction” genre those would add up to equal the number of thrillers I read. Many of my favorite titles of the years were from these categories.

Overall I’m pleased with the genre diversity of my 2020 reads, though this does give me a starting point for my goals in the new year.

4. Author by Gender

Reading women is important!

I love that nearly 75% of my 2020 reads were written by people who identify as women. I would, however like to read more from nonbinary voices in 2021 as some of my 2020 standouts fell into this category.

5. Author Diversity

2020 brought many long-overdue calls for equality and diversity.

This is another thing I love about charts and numbers – It really puts things into perspective and you can’t argue facts. The publishing is predominantly white- everything from editors to publicists to authors. The statistics were eye-opening and definitely left me seeking out more diverse Own Voice stories, specifically in the second half of the year.

In 2019 13% of the books I read were by BIPOC authors, and it was a number that needed improvement.

This year I increased that stat to 33% and while there’s always room to go I’m glad to have read more than twice as many books from diverse authors.

6. Queer Representation

Just under 15% of the books I read had strong and positive queer representation, the vast majority of those books being written by Own Voice authors.

This is just another example of where representation matters, and I plan to improve this number in 2021.

7. Book Setting by Country

Of all my 2020 reading stats this is the one that means the most to me.

The countries in orange are the ones my books took me to last year, all while being stuck at home.

Books were the escape I needed during the lockdowns and anxiety of 2020 and I loved being able to lose myself in the pages and travel half a world away with the characters of the story.

Whether it was exploring the streets of Jaipur, India with Lakshmi in the Henna Artist, taking a walk with Vivek Oji in Nigeria, staying in Emily St John Mandel’s Glass Hotel in Vancouver, Canada or riding the Orient Express across Europe with Hercule Poirot, 2020 was filled with many bookish adventures and I loved each of them.

In total,I had 23 stamps in my literary passport in a year full of travel bans and canceled flights.

I know 2020 will be filled with many booksih adventures across the world as well, and look forward to seeking out new countries to “visit” by own voice authors.

8. Format Read

Clearly my best reading year ever in 2020 was brought to me by audiobooks.

Over 60% of my reads were on audio and I have no shame over that. I discovered some great narrators who I’m eager to hear more of and discovered Libro.fm– a great site that supports local bookstores!

Audiobooks let me multitask- I love listening while I’m making dinner, drawing, or working on a puzzle. They were also great for when this year made it hard to focus while stuck at home- and for commuting when I returned to work.

I do sometimes long for a physical book to hold, so I won’t be going purely digital any time soon!

9. How I Got the Books

As you can see, I was lucky enough to receive over 50 ARCs in 2020! I love being able to snag an early copy of a much-anticipate book and am very thankful for all of the opportunities.

The rest of my reads were split fairly evenly between books I purchased myself and books I borrowed. I have borrowed from the library, from Kindle Unlimited over the course of the year. Sadly, none of the books I borrowed were from friends because of social distancing. Thanks, 2020!

10. Backlist vs. New Releases

With reading so many ARCs it comes as no surprise that the majority of my 2020 reads were new releases.

Still, over 25% of my books were from the backlist. It’s a number that I plan on growing in 2020. I also reread 4 books in 2020- and the titles should come as a surprise to those who have been following for long. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Furiously Happy, The Little Prince, and Matilda. I pretty much reread each of those books annually.

Alright, friends! There you have it!

2020 is in the books and this is how my reading year breaks down!

Overall I’m very pleased- both with the quality of the reading year overall and the individual numbers.

Remember, reading isn’t a competition.

Reading is about joy, escape, growth, and learning- and these statistics and charts perfectly show how much of those things the wild ride of 2020 held for me.

Which of these categories was your reading especially strong in last year?

Are there any areas you’re looking to improve upon in 2021? Let me know in the comments, and as always happy reading!

6 Degrees: From Hamnet to Little Cruelties in 6 Steps

January 2, 2021 milelongtbr 15 Comments

See how I got to Hamnet to Little Cruelties in 6 steps!

Hi, Friends!

Last month I was introduced to the concept of a bookish game of six degrees of separation by Carla @happiestwhenreading and I’ve been looking forward to the opportunity to join in January’s game!

The concept is simple- make a chain associating the month’s title chosen by Kate at booksaremyfavouriteandbest, and see where you end up by linking it to six other titles.

This month’s title is Hamnet by Maggie O Farrell.

It’s a book I haven’t read and know little about, other than it’s historical fiction and I’ve seen nothing but rave reviews for it, so I should probably pick it up even though it doesn’t quite seem like my typical read. Where will that book take me? I have the first associated title in mind, and I’m interested to see where this ends up!

First Degree

The first book that popped into my head is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins read.

It’s also historical fiction, and also one which I’ve seen one rave review for after the next.

I read Evelyn Hugo in May and picked it up still knowing little about it other than this and that as the title suggests it explores the titular character’s relationships with a number of different men.

This book was way more than I expected and packed a serious emotional punch- and became one of my favorite reads of 2020.

Second Degree

Oona Out of Order has been on my mind a lot lately. I think her story will play in my mind at the dawn of every new year because it was Oona’s birthday and annual leap to another time. Each year when the clock struck 12 she would find herself transported to another year in her life- sometimes in the body of herself as a much older woman.

Throughout the decades of Oona’s life, she is with a number of very different men, which makes the connection to Evelyn an easy one though they’re from different genres.

Though this one is lighthearted in fun throughout, it also is heavily emotional – something that seems to be a common thread in books dealing with time travel- and was a standout read for me in 2020.

Third Degree

The Time Traveler’s Wife is yet another book that I associate with this time of year. I read it last Christmas and have vivid memories of sobbing on the airplane on my way out of town for the holidays because it’s such an emotionally charged read.

Time travel, go figure.

Like Oona Out Of Order, this book has a character who experiencing life out of order and struggling with the burdens of time travel abilities they can’t control.

For me, one of the more memorable conversations between the book’s two main characters was about The Beatles. I’m immediately thinking about another book where The Beatles play an important role.

Fourth Degree

The Trap is a thriller I read a few years back, but it’s one that has really stayed with me in a genre where books tend to blur together.

It’s written by Melanie Rabbe, a German author and I read it in translation.

The main character is an author who is living as a recluse, and like in the previous book The Beatles are a memorable part of the story. If you know, you know- but to say any more would spoil a twist!

Fifth Degree

I read Dear Child, another thriller in translation from a German author, a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it.

The similarities to The Trap don’t end there, though. This book also features characters who don’t go out of the house- albeit for a very different reason. Each also has a family member trying to take matters into their own hands to seek justice for a family member when the law has failed them.

Sixth Degree

The sixth and final link is perhaps a bit of a stretch, but this is my game and my first time playing it so bare with me.

I’m picking Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent. On the surface, it’s the covers that feel similar- both simple scenes but with a creepy and foreboding vibe.

Also, these books both feature some seriously dysfunctional families, each unhappy in their own way but ones you’ll definitely be glad you aren’t related to.

Both Little Cruelties and Dear Child were ARCs given to me by NetGalley, and despite not completely being sure about the cover they suited the books well and I ended up enjoying each title!

Well, there you have it! From Hamnet to Little Cruelties in 6 steps!

If you joined in this challenge please do comment below so I can go see where Hamnet took you!

Next month (February 6, 2021), the challenge starts with Anne Tyler’s latest novel, Redhead By the Side of the Road. I hope you’ll play along and check back to see where the journey takes us.

9 Reading Challenges for 2021

January 1, 2021 milelongtbr 8 Comments

Hi, friends! It’s a brand new year, which for most readers is an exciting time!

New TBRs to make, new goals to set, and new reading challenges to join for 2021.

I’ve participated in a number of reading challenges over the years and love the way they push me to become a more mindful reader. They’ve also introduced me to some of my absolute favorite books. I might never have thought to pick up a copy of The Little Prince if not for Book Riot challenging me to read a book under 100 pages.

I’ve looked all over the internet to find some of the bestm2021 reading challenges around to help make this your best reading year EVER!

I’ve included old favorites and new discoveries, challenges from companies and individual bloggers big and small.

There’s something for everyone here- whatever you need to shake up your reading life you’re sure to find it in at least one of these 9 reading challenges!

Here’s the list!

1. Read Harder Challenge

This was the challenge that started it all for me! I first read along with Book Riot’s reading challenge back in 2016 and it definitely changed and pushed my reading life in the best of ways.

The Read Harder challenge has 24 very specific prompts that focus on diverse perspectives and pushing yourself as a reader. Those who complete the challenge get a discount for bookish gear at Out of Print. Go check out the full Read Harder Challenge and head over to the GoodReads group for recommendations for each prompt!

2. Popsugar Reading Challenge

The name may seem light, but don’t be fooled. This challenge is for serious readers. With 40 main prompts and 10 bonus prompts, there are tons of ways to challenge your reading from genre to author.

Of course, there’s no pressure to complete all of them, and this challenge offers tons of variety so you can make 2021 your best reading year ever.

Go check out the full list of prompts on their website and get reading!

3. Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge

I have a lot of love for Anne @modernmrsdarcy . She was my introduction to the world of book blogging and Bookstagram and has the best book recommendations.

Her 2021 reading packet challenges you to is a choose your own adventure!

It calls us to examine what we want we want to focus on to grow as readers and choose the prompts that call to us most. There are a ton of options for prompt ideas, as well as calls to action to have the best reading life in every aspect – not only the titles we choose this year.

I love this challenge and the call to slow down and reevaluate after the chaos of 2020. Go check out her blog for to sign up for the challenge and get the packet emailed to you.

4. Uncorked Reading Challenge

Christine @theuncorkedlibrarian has put together a fantastic list of monthly prompts for “ travelers, wanderlusters, and tipsy readers.”

This sounds like so much fun – and speaking from experience, getting to immerse myself in beautiful cultures and countries while stuck at home was one of the highlights of my reading last year.

She’s also hosting quarterly group reads that fit the theme, so this is a fantastic challenge to join if you love a good buddy read. Go check out her blog for more information on this awesome reading challenge!

5. Reading Women Challenge

The ladies behind The Reading Women Podcast put together this awesome challenge for those looking to read more books by female authors.

It’s a great goal for anyone and the 24 prompts they’ve come up with challenge readers to read by women from all walk of life and focus on a number of important topics.

Go check out their blog for more information and to connect to their reading community.

6. Diversify Your Reading Challenge

For readers who want to branch out and read different genres this challenge is hard to beat.

Kelly @morganmoments has put together a list so readers can get out of their genre comfort zone by trying a new one each month, with quarterly bonus challenges as well.

Head on over to her blog for more info and fun templates so you can read along this year!

7. Reading With Muffy Challenge

Shalini and her adorable pup Muffy @muffytales are hosting this fun challenge complete with monthly prompts, lots of bonus prompts, and prizes!

It’s hard to beat creative prompts and a canine cohost, so this is definitely one of the best whimsical reading challenges to try in 2021!

Go check out the Kohl Eyed Me blog for more info on this awesome challenge!

8. The Unread Shelf Challenge

The Unread Shelf Challenge is based on a simple premise- read what you already have! This challenge is perfect for those who are also trying to embrace minimalism, read more backlist titles, or buy fewer books.

Whitney @theunreadshelf has put together a fun list of monthly prompts to inspire you to pick more books that you’ve bought but still haven’t managed to read.

Her website has more details, so go check it out!

9. 2021 Monthly Key Word Reading Challenge

This fun challenge by Kimberly @chapter_adventure has a list of keywords for each month so readers can pick a title that comes to mind when they hear those words. You can pick one of the keywords, or try to incorporate up to all eight of them.

There’s also a fun Monthly Moitf challenge if that seems more your speed.

Go check out the Girlxoxo blog for more information!

There you’re have it, friends! Whether you’re looking to slow down, read harder, focus on reading female authors, own voice stories, or reading what you already own- you’re sure to find a challenge that suits your 2021 reading goals!

Each challenge has its own community and hashtags, so be sure to go to the specified blogs to get the most out of these challenges. You may just find your next favorite read or a new bookish bestie!

However you choose to challenge yourself as a reader in 2021 I hope it’s your best reading year to date filled with five-star books and ample time to read them!

Have you participate in any annual reading challenges?

Which of these reading challenges looks like the most fun for 2021?

November 2020: Books I Read

December 5, 2020 milelongtbr 26 Comments

Hi, friends!

Another month in the books! I’m glad to say November was one of my best reading months of the year! How was reading for you this past month?

In November I read 12 books, which Is awesome for me, especially as there are a couple of thick ones among them.

While I deviated from my original Nonfiction November TBR, half of the titles I read were nonfiction. I’m beyond pleased with that number!

I enjoyed all the books I read this month- some more than others- so I have them all listed here broken into two groups. There are books I loved and books I enjoyed.

Let’s jump in to my November 2020 reads!

LOVED!!

1. Agatha Arch is Afraid of Everything

First off, let’s look at this fun read!

Agatha Arch is Afraid of Everything – from driving on the highway to beans. Yes, beans. Especially Willow Bean, the woman she finds her husband sleeping with and eventually leaves her for.

This book is laugh-out-loud funny, relatable, and inspiring all at once and manages to be both fun and thought-provoking.

I especially loved Agatha’s character arc and growth. She may be an unlikely heroine, but you’ll find yourself rooting for her by the end of the book. (Think Eleanor Oliphant, Bernadette Fox)

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copy.

2. Becoming

For one reason or another I hadn’t read this book despite seeing nothing but glowing reviews for it. I decided this was the perfect book to start off Nonfiction November with- and I’m so glad I did!

I loved hearing Michelle’s account of her life. From growing up in Chicago to her life in the White House and her struggles as a woman. Despite her notoriety, her story is relatable and the warmth she brings to it through her narration makes it so comforting. That’s why we love her so much, after all.

3. A Promised Land

Again, I feel like I’d be the least likely person to pick up this book- anything over 400 pages is a commitment for me and I don’t especially gravitate towards political nonfiction.

Still, I couldn’t resist picking up the 700page first volume of 44’s account of his time in office- or the opportunity to hear him tell his own story on audio.

President Obama is wordy- he’s the first to admit it, but I love the way he speaks and writes as he explains so many of his decisions and struggles during his tenure as president.

This is an intimate look into the office as well as how a man balances family with one of the most demanding jobs on earth. Highly worth the read and I can’t recommend the audio enough.

4. Hood Feminism

This powerful collection of essays is a call to action t enure Intersectional Feminism isn’t just a catchphrase but a movement that makes feminism inclusive for all. I love this book for showing certain topics in a different light that some may not have considered and for taking the time to explain how things are feminist issues.

Hood Feminism should be required reading for those who consider themselves feminists- and everyone else- to see why feminism for all is so important.

5. The Midnight Library

Sometimes I’m wary of super-hyped books, but I just knew that The Midnight Library was going to be a five-star read for me.

In Haig’s latest, he imagines a place between life in death- a library filled with books of other lives we might have lived if we’d made different choices.

This is a introspective and emotional read- I had tears in my eyes a few times in the early chapters, but as the main character Nora is dealing with the loss of a pet it may have been a little close to home for me.

This is definitely a standout book for me- the end didn’t quite deliver the emotional punch I was expecting- possibly because I seemed to be realizing much of what was happening a step or two ahead of Nora- but that didn’t stop me from appreciating it in the least.

Definitely pick this book up and see for yourself what the buzz is all about!

6. Wow, No Thank You

Wow, No Thank You is a hilarious collection of essays on a wide range of subjects from her personal struggles to things all of us are sure to relate to. I love her deadpan sense of humor and observational wit.

This is my first time reading Irby but I definitely plan on reading her earlier books next time I’m in need of a good laugh!

7. Don’t Overthink It

I am prone to overthink everything, including my overthinking, especially in these times.

@annebogel had great practical advice on the subject and offeres many ways to streamline small decisions we make daily that can lead us to feel overwhelmed and indecisive.

I will definitely read through this book again to come up with a plan to put some of the ideas in action.

Anne narrates the audio version, which is perfect because many of us know her voice from her podcasts.

Overall I highly recommend this one if you have a tendency to overthink things and would like to save yourself that energy.

8. Apple: (Skin to the Core)

Apple (skin to the core) is a moving memoir in verse by Eric Gansworth, is “a member of Eel clan, enrolled Onondaga, born and raised at the Tuscarora Nation.”

The verse is haunting and well-crafted but for me the real beauty came in the name and structure of the book. Gansworth reclaimed a racial slur used against him and drew a number of parallels to The Beatles and their music, albums and history, which he explains at the end.

I listened to this as an audiobook and while I enjoyed hearing the author narrate, there is other content to consider as well. Gansworth is a visual artist as well as a writer, so be sure to check out the accompanying artwork which is included in the print edition.

Many thanks to Libro.fm and Dreamscape Media, LLC for the ALC.

9. Hunger

Roxane Gay’s Bad Feminist stands as one of my all-time favorite nonfiction reads. With that in mind I was excited to read this book, which explores her relationship with her body and food.

This book is moving and gives a look into a life and how those with larger bodies than are socially accepted are often mistreated. As always, the writing here is concise and compelling and I’m glad I read it.

Enjoyed!!

10. The Cul-de-Sac War

First of the books I liked is this fun enemies to lovers romance with lots of pranks as these neighbors try to one-up each other.

I really enjoyed the characters and their antics, as well as how the eventually see past their misconceptions.

All the elements going on in the story really added to the experience. There was more character growth than I expected and it made for a well-rounded read.

I listened to the audiobook and thought Kate Rudd was a good choice as a narrator and I highly recommend the audio format for this book. Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advance copy.

11. We Met In December

Next up is this darling contemporary romance! This friends to lovers romance set in London is a lot of fun and just as sweet.

These housemates looking to shake up their lives found a deal renting from a friend- with the caveat that they aren’t allowed to date.

Over the course of a year they spend time together as friends- but this rule and a few other things stand in the way of making it more than that.

The book starts at Christmastime and circles back to end there too, so this is a fun light holiday read and was perfect to listen to while decorating to get into the Christmas spirit!

12. All Stirred Up

Finally, we have this Persuasion retelling!

All Stirred Up is a fun read, though not quite the light rom-com I was expecting. There was more focus on familial relationships, delicious food descriptions. But, that only made it an interesting and more complex novel- just like your favorite dish.

The audio version was great- loved the accents- and was an enjoyable way to experience this second chance romance and Austen reimagining.

Many thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

There you have it! All the books in the first group were standouts and highly recommend them!

Have you read any of the books from my November 2020 reading list?

Let me know which ones you’re excited to get your hands on, and what your favorite November 2020 read was!

12 Festive Winter ASMR Rooms

December 2, 2020 milelongtbr 23 Comments

12 cozy Winter ASMR rooms for Christmas Reading

ASMR Rooms have been a game-changer for me this year. I love turning one on for a cozy and relaxing night of reading.

For those of you unfamiliar with the term, ASMR is an acronym for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which essentially means that the noises here are meant to soothe and trigger a brain response that leads to deep relaxation.

This is, of course, an overly simplified explanation, but you can read more about the science behind ASMR here. There are over 15 million ASMR videos on YouTube, with videos featuring everything from haircuts, book pages turning, and eating being done in a repetitive and soothing enough manner that people want to watch for this response.

Personally, I love ASMR rooms, which feature animated scenes and accompanying background noise to create whatever ambiance is desired. I’ve found this not only relaxing and enjoyable but that it helps improve my focus when reading and my productivity when writing. They’re also great for studying and getting work done on the computer- any time you want a little white noise in the background.

Also, as a bonus, all of the rooms featured here are free from ads in the middle of the video to keep you focused.

Here’s a list of 12 of my favorite winter ASMR rooms for your holiday reading!

1. Beautiful Snow with Wind and Fireplace Crackling Fire Sounds

This cozy bedroom is the perfect place to curl up with your current read and relax. There may be a blizzard whirring outside, but with the crackling fire noises and all the blankets and pillows you’ll feel nice and cozy.

2. Cosy Living Room Snow Falling

This rustic cabin in the woods is an absolute dream! The snow is falling softly outside, but this interior is so warm you won’t mind at all. The main focus of the audio here is the fire so it’s a very peaceful and relaxing video.

3. Beautiful Christmas Fireplace

This festive scene is so inviting . There’s a roaring fire and Christmas music playing in the background. It’s primarily instrumental, but there are some vocals here so keep that in mind when selecting this beautiful scene.

4. Christmas Eve Ambience

This ASMR room transports to a beautiful silent night. It will make you feel like you’re looking out the window at this church as you hear the wind and falling snow outside and the faint ambient noise from the church. It’s such a peaceful scene for an evening of reading.

5. Christmas Fireplace Scene with Snow and Crackling Fire

This giant tree is hard to top and so is this cozy ASMR room. The snow is coming down hard outside, but you’ll feel warm and insulated from this beautiful living room with its blazing fire.

6. Winter Tea Time

This scenic winterscape features beautiful scenery and wildlife from the porch of a cabin in the woods. There are many layers to the audio, including strong winds, a crackling fire, and the occasional sound of someone pouring and stirring their tea in its cup.

7. Cozy Winter Hut

This ASMR video features a cozy reading nook with the sounds of howling wind and a crackling fire. It’s so inviting! I wish I could curl up here and sip the tea and see what books are waiting on the shelves!

8. Falling Snow by Fireplace

This dreamy winter scene is super cozy and realistic. The beautiful arched windows show the snow falling outside, but the crackling fire is sure to make you feel warm inside while you listen to it in the background.

This room is definitely my current favorite to read with.

9. Snowy Night in Starbucks

For those who like a little more noise and music, this Christmas coffeeshop is the perfect holiday ASMR room. There’s instrumental Christmas music playing, as well as the sounds of café guests and steaming milk. Grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage and enjoy!

10. Cozy Christmas Coffeeshop

This merry and bright café is so much fun and a little quieter for those who want a coffeeshop vibe with a little less music. Everything is a bit more subdued here and it’s a great environment to read and relax in.

11. Winter Manor Library

Bibliophiles will love being transported to a different place- and time in this fun and cozy ASMR room. There’s an approaching horse-drawn carriage at the start to set the scene, then things quiet down to she soft burning of a fire and the purring of the cat.

12. Christmas Tree Farm Ambiance

This fun outdoor ASMR scene is beautiful and fun with the retro Hot Chocolate stand and sunset over a Christmas tree farm. This quiet room is great scenic background noise for reading as you can hear quiet nature noises and sounds of drinks being made. This is perfect for those looking for outdoor winter ASMR rooms!

Enjoy these rooms and happy reading!

If you’re looking for more be sure to check out my other lists featuring rooms with autumn vibes or ASMR rooms for writing.

I’d love to hear your favorite winter ASMR rooms in the comments!