My Top Reads from 2020

January 11, 2021January 10, 2021 thebookishpuff3 Comments

Wow, it has been a minute since I was able to post something on here! 2020 was just an absolutely insane year for all of us and I am feeling pretty hopeful for 2021. As bad as it was, there were a couple of silver linings last year. One of the biggest ones for me was more time to read and all of the wonderful books I got to enjoy. While I read so so many great books, these were my absolute favorite!

10.) Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
This book has so many mixed reviews and I think it is because a lot of people went into the story thinking it would be a thriller which quite frankly – it is not that at all. This book is a textbook example of gothic horror. It is atmospheric, unique, and dripping with tension. It really filled my grown-up goth kid heart with joy. If you enjoyed reading Frankenstein, Dracula, or really any classic horror I can promise you will love this! Also, this setting really stands apart from any of the other books that are in its same genre, and the cultural significance of alot of the references really help root this story into the unique world it is set in.

9.) Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander
Some of you may remember my interview with this lovely author as part of my Book & A Bite Series and besides our digital friendship I am truly grateful to Ellie for creating this series. I think it is what made me fall in love with the cozy mystery genre and it filled the Gilmore Girls shaped hole in my heart. While there is murder in the book, the overall feel of the series is incredibly wholesome and you can’t help but fall in love with the smalltown setting and unique cast of characters. If you want warm fuzzy feels, good recipes, and loved Gilmore Girls – this is the series for you! Trust me!

8.) There There by Tommy Orange
It is really hard to summarize my respect, admiration, and total awe for this author. For this being his debut book, I was just completely blown away. The passion that drips from these pages is so raw that it is disarming. It completely opened up so much perspective as to what it means to live as a Native in America and it truly cuts so deep. It explores themes of addiction, family, identity, loss, hope, and power. Each of the characters has such a unique voice that I felt like I was lucky enough to hear each of them tell their own story to me. This book also pushed me to explore more literature by Native authors and listen to the stories they have put out in the world. Everyone should read this book, everyone.

7.) Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman
I can’t even begin to tell you all how much Alice Hoffman means to me as a writer and the mark that Practical Magic left on my heart. So when I found out she was releasing Magic Lessons I literally screamed with joy. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. My god does this book remind us all of how powerful women can really be. We are resilient, determined, and pure magic. While this is a part of the Practical Magic series – it honestly totally stands on it’s own. If you liked Practical Magic, History of Witches, or really any book with strong magical women…pick this up and brew yourself a cup of courage tea!

6.) The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab
So if you haven’t read this one by now you are probably wondering to yourself “Is it worth the hype?” and I am here to tell you YES, YES, 1000% YES! I went into this book with high expectations and every single one of them were not only met but exceeded. My heart was torn into pieces and then rebuilt from chapter to chapter. I should be mad at this book for making me so emotional but I really can’t. The writing, characters, setting, etc. are just all perfection. I also love how it is both historical fiction and contemporary at the same time. This book truly makes you think about how we experience life and the world around us, I can’t recommend it enough!

5.) Namesake by Adrienne Young
I was blessed with an ARC of this tale (shoutout to Wednesday Books!) but I also pre-ordered a copy of this book because I love this series so so much. While it was bittersweet watching this duology come to an end, it was extremely satisfying. Adrienne Young paints such a vivid picture of the rich world Fable lives in but also makes the characters so incredibly believable that you feel for them, laugh with them, cry with them. If you look at my list of sHeros, Adrienne Young is on there for creating stories led by strong women in worlds so rich it is hard to snap back into reality.

4.) Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Talk about believable characters and stories. I feel like Reid is the reigning queen of making a story seem so real you find it hard to believe it is fiction. This was the first book I read by this author and it sparked a total obsession for me. I was completely sucked into the drama, heartbreak, joy, etc. that I audibly gasped several times. I will say that I have ready both the audiobook and hard copy of this book – I can’t recommend the audiobook enough. It is told by a cast of amazing actors and snippets of their music play, it totally adds to the immersive experience that is this story.

3.) Fable by Adrienne Young
How could I put Namesake on this list and not talk about my absolute love for Fable? While I found Namesake to be amazing, Fable was out of this world. I was also gifted an ARC and I also preordered it the second I put the ARC down. I completely devoured this story. The world is unlike any other world I have experienced. It’s like everything I loved from Pirates of the Caribbean elevated to a whole other level filled with emotion and pure magic. I have never rooted harder for a character than I have for Fable. I could just keep going on and on about how much I love this book but then I would be taking up more of your time when you could be READING THIS BOOK…LIKE…NOW!!

2.) The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
After devouring Daisy Jones, I had a thirst for more books by Reid and WOW did this one quench my thirst. As a matter of fact, this gave me one of the biggest book hangovers I have ever experienced in my life. If we are being honest, this book took a little part of me when I finished it. I can’t tell you how many times I cried during this story. There are so many lessons we could all take from this story and it is one that will stick with you for a while, I haven’t even been able to post my review of this yet because it is pretty impossible to sum up how much I really really love this story.

1.) The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
This book destroyed me. It tore my heart of my chest and served it up on a silver platter. This may be my favorite book of the year but it also is in my top 3 of all time. When I finished this story I cried for almost an hour and had to remind myself to breathe. It was hard to move on from such an epic story. It is hands down the most beautiful story I have ever read in my entire life and yet it is also the most brutal, heartbreaking, unforgiving story I have ever read in my entire life. I don’t know what else to say other than this book is the love of my life and if you don’t love it too then I’m sorry but we can’t be friends (jk but really…)

August ARC List

August 11, 2020August 10, 2020 thebookishpuffLeave a comment

HAPPY AUGUST! Wow, it has been a minute, hasn’t it? I would make up some excuse as to why I have not posted on here in a while but to be honest…life just got in the way! Which happens and that is totally okay! BUT here I am, ready to POST POST POSTTTT away and annoy you all with my love of all the books 🙂 I thought a great thing to share would be my current list of ARCs so that way my fellow bloggers can know what I have selected for review (and maybe give them a lil’ inspo!) but also so y’all can see what books I will be reviewing within the next couple of weeks/months. So here we go!

Netgalley ARC List as of August 9th 2020:

Fable by Adrienne Young (*Finished – review coming soon!)
On Borrowed Crime by Kate Young
Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella
You Have a Match by Emma Lord
The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

SOOOO, what do you guys think of my list? Anything you are excited to read or pick up yourself? I can’t wait to share these reviews with you!

Always,

Alicia

Book Recommendations

5 Books to Read If You Are Gilmore Girls Obsessed

February 7, 2020 thebookishpuff1 Comment

I live in two worlds; one is a world of books
– Rory Girlmore

Happy Friday, puffs! I can’t believe it is 2020! Wow! Where has the time gone? Are you having full blown post holiday funk even though we are about 2 months into the year? Because I sure am! The only thing that really truly has been helping me recently is to put on a pot of coffee, pull out a box of poptarts, sit on the couch and watch my all time favorite show…Gilmore Girls! If you know me at all then you know that on most days I truly wish I were in Stars Hallow. So I thought I would compile a list of books that I think some fellow Gilmore Girls fans may also enjoy! Even if you are not a fan of the show I still recommend giving these books a shot.

Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham

Okay, how can I make this list and NOT include this book? Of course if you are needing something to fill that hole in your heart while you patiently await more episodes of Gilmore Girls (one can only hope) then this book is perfect. The queen herself, Lauren Graham, discusses all of the behind the scenes details of the show from start to finish as well as what she learned along the way while taking on the amazing role of Lorelei. I highly recommend giving the audiobook a try as Lauren reads it herself and you really feel like you are just sitting down and having coffee with Lorelei. I love it!

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald

One of the best parts of Gilmore Girls is the small town setting that just makes you feel so cozy and part of the community. The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend is a heart warming story all about community! When Sara travels all the way from Sweden to meet her bookworm pen-pal, Amy, to Broken Wheel, Iowa she is welcomed into their small community after a tragedy and she helps breath life back into the community through the best way possible…BOOKS!

The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg

The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion ties together some of my favorite GG elements: sisterhood and friendship. The book focuses around a main character named Sookie (yes, just like our beloved chef Sookie!) who is finally looking forward to her “golden” retirement years with an empty nest, when one day a mysterious package shows up on her door step that will shake up her plans as a story of sisterhood and re-imaging your “destiny” unfolds.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

If you watched Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life then you will be super familiar with Cheryl Strayed’s book. Sure, Lorelei may of given up not very far along the trail when she decided to “go Wild” but this book did help her deeply. With both the loss of her father and her situation with Luke. In Wild, Cheryl shares how she felt as though she hit rock bottom in her life and needed a very big change. So she made the decision to set out on the Pacific Crest Trail totally alone with no former training. Along her journey she learns so much about herself and her capabilities.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

I recently fell in love with cozy mysteries this past year and Joanne Fluke has easily become a favorite! The main character, Hannah Swensen, reminds me so much of Lorelai with her quick wit and sharp tongue. Set in a small town in Minnesota, filled with eccentric locals, you will feel like you are right back in Stars Hallow. Also, Hannah is the owner of a cookie shop and the novel includes recipes that go along with the story! You can find out more about the book as well as one of the recipes (Chocolate Chip Crunch Cookies!) on my Book & A Bite blog post.

So have you read any of these? Do you have any other suggestions? Let me know in the comments below! I can’t wait to chat with you all!

Always,

Alicia

Book Hauls

A Very Cozy Weekend Book Haul

July 22, 2019July 21, 2019 thebookishpuff2 Comments

Happy Monday, puffs! Did you have a great weekend? I had a surprisingly busy weekend but it was a lot of fun. On Saturday morning I met up with my good friend Julie (who is also a bookstagrammer/blogger) for coffee, donuts, and bargain book shopping. My favorite places in town to buy used books is my neighborhood goodwill and Sullivan’s Trade-A-Book. It is exactly what it sounds like, a lovely place where you can bring in your used books and get credit (or just straight up swap out!) for more books! When you walk in you are greeted with mountains and rows filled with stacks of books (which are very well organized) so basically it is a bibliophile’s dream! I wanted to load up on some cozies for the up coming fall seasons which you can see in the pile. The only book I didn’t purchase at Sullivan’s was The Enlightenment of Bees which was actually sent to me for a blog tour I will be doing coming up, I can’t wait to read it and will have more details to share soon! Here is a full list of what I picked up:

Have you read any of the books in my haul? If so please leave a comment below, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Always,

Alicia

A Book & A Bite

A Book & A Bite: Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder and Chocolate Chip Crunch Cookies

July 15, 2019July 15, 2019 thebookishpuff15 Comments

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are about to have a lovely start to your week. Today I wanted to share with you all the first post of a new series I am starting here on the blog called “A Book & A Bite”, where I share a book with a recipe. Some of you may or may not know but I actually graduated from The International Culinary Center in New York City. While I do not actively work in that industry anymore (now I am just a desk nerd), you can often find me in my kitchen at home baking and cooking my butt off! So I thought I would tie my two loves together. If you have any suggestions please leave them in the comments below!

Today’s book is Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke and the bite is Chocolate Chip Crunch Cookies which are an actual recipe listed IN THE BOOK!

Chocolate Chip Crunch Cookies

You will need:

1 Cup Butter (2 sticks melted)
1 Cup White Sugar
1 Cup Brown Sugar
2 Teaspoons Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Salt
2 Teaspoons Vanilla
2 Beaten Eggs (you can just beat them with a fork)
2 1/2 Cups Flour (not sifted)
2 Cups Crushed Corn Flakes (you can just crush them with your hands)
1 to 2 Cups Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 375° F and put your oven rack in the middle position.

Melt butter, add the sugars and stir. Add soda, salt, vanilla, and beaten eggs. Mix well. Then add flour and stir it in. Add crushed corn flakes and chocolate chips and mix it all thoroughly.

Form dough into walnut-sized balls with your fingers and place on a greased cookie sheet, 12 to a standard sheet. Press them down slightly with a floured or greased spatula.

Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on cookie sheet for 2 minutes, then move to a wire rack until they are completely cool. (The rack is important- it makes them crisp)

If these cookies spread out too much in the oven, reduce temp. to 350° F and do not flatten before baking.

Y’all, these cookies are so good! Especially with a cup of coffee, they are perfectly crispy for dipping in. If you decide to try this recipe out please share it with me!

Always,

Alicia

Bookish Travel Guides

The Best Bookish Spots in Charleston, SC

June 3, 2019June 16, 2019 thebookishpuffLeave a comment

Happy Monday, my fellow bookworms! Today I am so happy to be partnering with BookSparks to take you on a journey through my hometown of Charleston, South Carolina for the #ReadAroundTown challenge featuring The Printed Letter Bookshop By Katherine Reay which they so kindly sent to me. Here is a little synopsis of the book:

” Love, friendship, and family find a home at the Printed Letter Bookshop.

One of Madeline Cullen’s happiest childhood memories is working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened Madeline’s heart toward her once-treasured aunt — and the now struggling bookshop left in her care.

While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly as possible, the Printed Letter’s two employees have other ideas. Reeling from a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls. When Madeline’s professional life takes an unexpected turn —and a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions – she questions her plans and her heart, and begins to envision a new path for herself and for her aunt’s beloved shop. Yet, even working together, these three women may find their best efforts too little and too late.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is an engaging story of good books, a testament to the beauty of new beginnings and a sweet reminder of the power of friendship. “

I am SO excited to read this book and it has promptly been added to my TBR list for this month. Who doesn’t love a good romance novel for summer? Perfect for bringing on vacation or just to your favorite reading spots around town! Speaking of…let’s chat about a few of mine and jump right into The Best Bookish Spots in Charleston, South Carolina!

1. Blue Bicycle Books

How could I feature this book and not show off my favorite bookshop in town! I am sure many of you are familiar with this store as they host Y’all Fest every year (which is SO much fun and you know I am going to be there this year) but that is not what makes this place so truly special. Though the store is not super large there are many reading nooks throughout the store with rooms/areas for specific genres. If you are traveling with children they will LOVE the children’s book room which features a little tent perfect for them to curl up in and read a book while you peruse the expansive selection of both used and new books. The staff is always very welcoming and helpful if you are stumped on what to pick up next. Blue Bicycle Books is also located right in the heart of the beautiful Historic Downtown Charleston and just steps away from several other local gems including our next stop…

2. Jeni’s Ice Cream

Just a 5 minute walk down the street from Blue Bicycle Books is my favorite place to grab a sweet treat in Charleston…Jeni’s! This place truly has something for everyone with flavors ranging from Honey Vanilla Bean to Fluffernutter Pie and they are constantly featuring seasonal treats as well that are so uniquely delicious. Also vegan/lactose-intolerant bookworms do not fear…they always have incredible dairy free options as well! I am seriously drooling as I think about their freshly made waffle cones and their gooey delicious butterscotch topping. Can you think of anything better than reading a book while having a scoop of pure sugary heaven? I sure can’t!

3. Rainbow Row

Did you really visit Charleston, SC if you didn’t snap some photos in front of Rainbow Row? Rainbow Row is a block of totally adorable sherbet colored homes located on the Charleston Battery. While this is a very popular tourist hot spot it does make for a very lovely reading spot as well. There are several benches located on the sidewalk where you can read a book, people watch, and take in the absolute beauty of all the historic homes while soaking in the sunshine and ocean breeze. Plus, you can take some really poppin’ #Bookstagram pictures. Total win/win!

4. The Battery

Once you have sat down for a bit at Rainbow Row and you feel the need to burn off some calories from stuffing your face with sweet glorious Jeni’s ice cream I highly suggest taking a walk along The Battery. On one side you will have amazing views of the Charleston Harbor and on the other you will see some of the most impressively ornate and historic homes that Charleston has to offer. I love exploring all of the side alleys & hidden gardens surrounding the homes. While there are not too many benches or reading spots on the promenade there is White Pointe Garden located right in the center of it that boasts plenty ancient oak trees with benches that are perfect for reading on. The Battery and White Pointe Garden is just rich in history and is quintessential to any Charleston, South Carolina visit.

4. Mercantile and Mash

So I may or may not have a serious caffeine problem but this place is my favorite spot to refuel while I read a book or work on my computer. Mercantile & Mash is located in a historic cigar factory turned modern living spaces and shops. The setting is totally unique but also their iced dirty chai lattes give me life!

5. The Beach

I feel like this is a given but it just has to be mentioned! Charleston is a coastal town so surrounding the historic downtown peninsula are several beaches and islands. My personal favorite is Sullivan’s Island. Edgar Allen Poe actually spent a lot of time there and even named one of his short stories after the island that the Sullivan’s Island Bridge is partially located on which is named Gold Bug. After soaking up the sun and reading on the beach you can grab lunch at Poe’s Tavern which, you guessed it, is Edgar Allen Poe themed and just two blocks from the beach! Poe’s is easily one of my favorite restaurants in town, their woodfire grilled burgers are so good and have amazing names like Tell-Tale Heart. I think Edgar would approve of their impressive craft beer list and the comfortable laid-back atmosphere.

Well that sums up my favorite reading spots in town. It was so hard to pick just the 5 as I didn’t want this post to be the length of a novel which it easily could be because Charleston is such a wonderful place to live and visit! If you plan on visiting and have any questions, or if you have visited in the past and have some suggestions of your own, please leave a comment below…I would love to chat!

Always,

Alicia