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A lady with a love for literature and shiny things discusses books & bling.

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What I’m reading: Vol. 53.

What I'm reading

Nightstand: Bone Gap by Laura Ruby. I’m about 10 pages into this. It’s well-written, but it’s too early to have any other thoughts.

Coffee table: Temptations of a Wallflower by Eva Leigh. This is the third romance I’ve read by this author, and I’m officially a fan. This series follows a group of women in Victorian London who are determined to have careers as writers, despite societal pressure. Oh, and the romance is hot hot hot.

In a blanket nest: Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn. NEW BRIDGERTON BOOKS. I can’t. It’s too exciting.

Internets:

Hair Styles of the Georgian Era.

Nina Simone Talks Fashion, Blackness, and Survival In This ‘Lost’ Interview From 1968.

J.K. Rowling Uplifts Fan Battling Dementors Of Depression.

A great post from my brilliant friend Jewelry Nerd on the symbolism of crowned double heart rings (an item high on my antique jewelry bucket list).

A Reading List for Beyoncé’s Formation. Because it’s amazing and important.

Body Glitter and Slap Bracelets: A Brief History of Claire’s.

Lady Mary wore the most glorious dress in the most recent episode of Downton Abbey. Mild spoilers at the link.

Work, work! A Schuyler Sisters cocktail.

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The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins.

My review of Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins; a fast-paced, completely whackadoo, excellently executed book that is unlike anything I've read before.The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins.

This book is: excellent and strange.
Other elements: God(s), destiny, the true power behind the universe, fate, knowledge, fatherhood, love, lions.
Read it: if you like the idea of a really well-written story that is like nothing you’ve ever read before.
Overall rating: 8.5/10

So, this Library at Mount Char is really good. But it is also BANANAS. I knew going into it that it wasn’t just about a library, but it’s REALLY not just about a library.

My husband kept asking me what I was reading and I had to give answers like “I think it might be sort of about…God? Or people who are almost Gods? I can’t tell yet. But it’s good.”

Goodreads has Library at Mount Char categorized as Fantasy, Horror, Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, Magical Realism, Fantasy > Paranormal, Thriller, Contemporary, and Science Fiction Fantasy. I think that those are all fairly accurate.

What’s amazing about  Library at Mount Char is that it draws you so completely into this insane story that you don’t even mind that you’re not sure what the rules are. You trust that it’s going to unfold at its own pace, and you want to stay in it and see what happens next. It’s constantly surprising – it’s one of those books where as soon as you feel like you have a handle on what’s going on, the picture shifts slightly and you realize that actually everything has been completely different all along.

It’s a fast-paced, completely whackadoo, excellently executed book that is unlike anything I’ve read before. And I think if a book is unlike any other book – in a good way, like this one is – it’s definitely worth reading.

Warning: not for the squeamish. Violent and dark.

For more reads anytime, check out my Amazon recommended books store. This post contains affiliate links.

What I’m reading: Vol 52.

What I'm reading

Nightstand: Bone Gap by Laura Ruby. I’m about 10 pages into this. It’s well-written, but it’s too early to have any other thoughts.

Coffee table: The Bridal Quest by Candace Camp. Diving into a new Regency-era romance series! These are fun, but I don’t think they’re going to end up being a superfavorite.

In a blanket nest: Four Nights with the Duke by Eloisa James. New(ish) Eloisa James, from the Desperate Duchesses series! I bought this outright and do not regret it. I love this author, these characters, and this series. This one’s about Thorn/Tobias’ friend Vander, for anyone familiar with these books.

Internets:

Watch Nicki Minaj Recite a Maya Angelou Poem for A&E’s Concert Special About Race.

Princess Rap Battle: Katniss Everdeen vs. Hermione Granger.

A shipwrecked Spanish ship full of treasure was just discovered…but who gets the goods?

Blow Your Entire Afternoon Designing Elaborate 18th Century Wigs. Don’t mind if I do!

A Full Financial Breakdown Of How One Woman Is Following Her Creative Dream.

The NYPL just made a whooooooole bunch of content available for free, un-restricted download. It’s awesome.

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