Monthly Wrap-Up | August 2019 – There's Something About KM

Just like that, we have finished two-thirds of the year. August has been beautiful weather-wise, and pretty okay reading-wise, too. I hope you were able to get some books knocked off your TBR, and if not, found at least one book you’re glad to have picked up.

Even though August was quite pleasant, I am extremely ready to jump into my favorite month of the year. Fall starts on September 1st in my book, so get ready for leaf and pumpkin-themed GIFs on Twitter and autumnal Instagram photos from me. September also happens to be my birthday month, and my list of “want-to-dos” here on the blog and outside of the internet is jam packed – if I have to spend October recuperating so be it! But more on that later.

Here is my August Wrap-Up.

p.s.
asterisks* denote books on my #20booksofsummer reading list

Books I Read

After Alice by Gregory Maguire – This book, a rendition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, was okay to start but took a turn for the worse. You can read all of my thoughts in my book review.
Nyxia (The Nyxia Triad #1)* by Scott Reintgen – This book was so much fun, and is the first in a series I will be continuing. Read my full review here.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane* by Neil Gaiman – When this story started getting gnarly – no spoilers – you know, when a certain someone shows up, I had to put it down to gather myself. I get pretty squeamish while reading a book from a child’s point of view when that child has nearly no adult support. Anyway, I picked it back up and finished it quickly – from now on it gets a high recommendation from me.
Serpent’s Kiss (The Beauchamp Family #2)* by Melissa de la Cruz – Unfortunately this is a series I won’t be continuing. This book follows The Witches of East End, and was a mediocre sequel. The ending is especially disappointing – the whole story sort of chugs along and then so much is thrown together at the end to set up the next book. It just really didn’t work. I do want to check out Melissa de la Cruz’s other series, though, so if there’s one you recommend, let me know!
Ever Alice* by H.J. Ramsay – A continuation of the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland story, this book was just fine. I recommended it as a fun read in my book review.

Currently Reading

The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar – Did anyone else have a slow reading experience with this book? I just can’t seem to pick up the pace, but I’m enjoying it so far and hopefully will finish it in the first few days of September.

Did Not Finish

Tinderbox: The Untold Story of The Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation by Robert W. Fieseler – I ran out of renewals from the library for this work of nonfiction, so I had to return it. However, I do want to check it out again to finish it. Robert W. Fieseler writes with such emotion while maintaining the steady narrative that this tragedy and its aftermath deserve. If you are open to taking recommendations for a book someone hasn’t actually finished reading, here you go: read it if you can get a copy.
Beyond the Woods: Fairy Tales Retold edited by Paula Guran – This anthology is spectacular. I’m putting it down because like the above book, I really need to return it to the library. But I am putting it on my list of books to buy, because I want a copy I can annotate and mark up.

In Other News…

Last month, I was able to maintain a much more consistent posting schedule than, well, ever. I’m pleased to say this carried on throughout August. I took one week off from posting because it’s currently a hectic time at work, which actually allowed me to do some brainstorming for September – it felt fulfilling to still be contributing something to my blog while not overextending myself. I did not post a Grimm discussion every Sunday, but I did get to two of the stories so I’m happy with that.

As far as September’s schedule, I have so many ideas and plans for blog posts that it looks like I’m going to be posting more often than in July and August. So in addition to Tuesday, Thursday, and the occasional Sunday, you will likely see posts from me during other times of the week. Why am I doing this? It’s my birthday month, so I’m feeling especially excited and motivated..

Finally, I conducted an Instagram poll earlier this week, asking if anyone would be interested in a Q&A video/IGTV post from me in September. The results were 100% positive, so stay tuned for more information if you’re interested in learning more about me.

How did August treat you? Do you have any book recommendations from the month, or disappointments you feel like talking about? Are you excited for September and a new season? Share your thoughts in a comment – I’d love to chat.

See you in 2020, August,

Kelsey