Hi and welcome to my April wrap up!
April has been a little weird and off in a few ways…
Unfortunately my reading slump, which started in March, continued in April and as such, I only read 3 books. On the bright side, two of those books were five-star reads… I’m hoping they will have helped shake off this slump and I’m back on track for May.
My blogging slump has also continued so I am sorry for the reduced number of posts and huge delays in commenting and job hopping. On the bright side, I did get a few posts up I loved working on, like my top ten fandoms or the pros and cons of telling people about your blog.
So without further ado, let’s get into my April!
IMMORTAL FIRE BY ANNETTE MARIE
I ADORE THIS SERIES. It is hands down my favorite discovery this year and I already know it will go down as one of my favorite series of 2017, and probably of all-time. Japanese mythology, an action-filled plot, lovable characters and a super swoony romance, I LOVE IT. Oh, and not to forget, absolutely gorgeous illustrations. This final part in the series was everything I could have hoped for. ALL THE STARS.
Rating: 5 stars | Check out my full review here.
WINTERSONG by S. Jae-Jones
Wintersong was one of my most anticipated reads of 2017, but sadly it didn’t quite live up to my expectations… though to be fair, this may be because I read it during the worst of my reading slump and it took me 4 weeks to finish. I did adore the beautiful writing, the big focus on music and the family bonds, but had a harder time with the main characters and the romance. Still eager to read book two though!
Rating: 3,5 stars | Check out my full review here.
ILLUMINAE BY AMIE KAUFMAN and JAY KRISTOFF
This is where I go “WHY DIDN’T I READ THIS SOONER? WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY LIFE CHOICES?” I put off on reading this book for the longest time. Mostly because I was afraid of the hype – what if I didn’t like it? Also, I was worried the unique format would make me unable to connect with the characters. But I shouldn’t have worried, because this book was just mindblowingly amazing! I loved it so much and can’t wait to read Gemina now.
Rating: 5 stars | Full review to follow
Top Ten Tuesday
- 25 April 2017: Top Ten Bookish Turn-Offs
- 18 April 2017: What Makes Me Pick Up A Book? My Top Ten Bookish Buzzwords
- 11 April 2017: Ten Books To Read If You’re Looking For Something Unique
- 4 April 2017: Ten Fandoms That Have Been Prominent In My Life
Tag Thursday
Other
- The Pros & Cons of Telling People About Your Blog (read)
You may recall from my March wrap-up that I had been introduced to kpop and found that I quite enjoyed it. Well, in April, I’ve been basically been living in a kpop-obsessed kind of headspace. As you can see, my playlist for this month is 98% kpop. I still love Xia, the artist who introduced me to kpop, and I’ve been listening to a few other artists this month. BUT… I have become obsessed with two bands in particular. And when I say obsessed, I mean OBSESSED. I spend all my free time watching their music videos, live videos, dance practice videos, interviews and more. I have learned every members’ name. I can recognize their voices in their songs. Their bantering and bickering makes me smile. I’m basically 12 years old again, ready to keep a binder with everything I can find about them (I won’t go that far though… I think)
BIGBANG
This kpop boy band has been dominating my playlist for the past month. And more than just their music, I actually really adore all 5 boys, their personalities and their brotherhood. I can’t stop watching their music videos, live performances and interviews. Just my luck that I discovered them just when they are on a hiatus as a group at the moment but okay, at least I still have solo albums to look forward to. My favorite songs include Fantastic Baby, Bang Bang Bang, Fxxk It, We Like 2 Party, Monster, Last Dance and Blue.
BTS
These guys. Truthfully I fell in love because I watched their dance practice videos and they are ON FIRE! I can’t take my eyes off of them. If you love dancing and choreography, I’d highly encourage you to look up some of their dance practices on Youtube, because they are amazing. Also, they are very active on social media and post a lot of behind-the-scenes footage and they are pretty much hilarious. My favorite songs right now are Blood, Sweat and Tears, Spring Day, Not Today, Save Me, Boy In Luv, Fire and Dope.
Non-Kpop
Well, April has been pretty amazing because not one, but THREE of my all-time favorite bands have released new music. There is The Violence by Rise Against, Hard Times by Paramore and Young and Menace by Fall Out Boy. But… I’m not in love with any of them. I like them fine (better with each listen), but I don’t have the urge to play the songs on repeat all day, which I did have with their earlier music. Maybe they just need to grow on me a bit more though.
TV
You’re Beautiful
My very first kdrama was about a nun-in-training who helps out her twin brother when he’s in trouble by pretending to be him and joining a popular kpop boy band. GENIUS, if you ask me. I absolutely adored this drama and am already itching to watch it again. My only nitpick would be that I would have loved a little more focus on the boys and their friendship. Other than that, this was gold.
CITY HUNTER
This was a very action-filled kdrama in which a young man is out for revenge on the corrupt politicians who are responsible for the death of his father. So he becomes a city hunter to expose their corruption and get them to pay for their crimes. This was my first kdrama featuring Lee Min Ho, who has immediately become my favorite kdrama actor. I adored this series as well and my only nitpick would be that the ending was a little rushed.
You Who Came From The Stars
Another kdrama, another hit in my eyes. This one’s about a 400-year old alien who lives on earth pretending to be a regular human. But just three months before he’s supposed to return to his planet, he meets and falls in love with a popular actress. He then not only becomes her manager, but he also get caught up in a murder mystery. Seriously, where do they come up with these genius ideas?
Personal taste
Because I was in need of more Lee Min Ho, I then proceeded to watch Personal Taste. In this one, a man pretends to be gay so he can move in with a woman who could help him win an important work-related project, but of course ends up falling for her. The premise is a little weird, but I ended up loving it anyway. Up to my next Lee Min Ho drama soon!
13 Reasons Why
This has been the most-talked about series of the month, and even though I wanted to read the book first, I just couldn’t stop myself and started watching the show. Because of the heavy subject matter, I couldn’t binge-watch it and instead spread it out over the entire month. I know this has some extremely mixed reviews, with people either loving and praising it, or hating it because of problematic content. I personally loved the show, but I also completely understand the people who dislike it and call it problematic. I think it is definitely triggering, has some big issues and can actually be harmful for some people, but on the other hand, I also think it has some great positive messages as well, so it could also be helpful for others. So I’d suggest to be super cautious if you want to watch it, definitely read up on some opinions, both good and bad, and decide based on that information whether or not you’re up to watching this. One thing I can say is that the acting in this was absolutely amazing and the cast was just super talented. Also, it helps open up the discussion on some big and important topics.
- Well, it’s getting incredibly frustrating to have to repeat myself here, but: I continued my job hunt with no luck so far. Just disappointment. I had an interview for a job I was super excited for and got selected to go to the final rounds of interviews. For this, I had to prepare a short presentation. I put all my time and effort into this and wasn’t able to think about or focus on anything else for days. Then I did the presentation, was told it was outstanding and was told I’d hear back from them soon… which I did, when they informed me they decided to go with another candidate who fit the job just a bit more. I know it happens and I shouldn’t let it get to me, but it’s still unbelievably frustrating. I need a job and I need it soon. Sitting around alone all day is getting me down, and that’s coming from someone who usually LOVES alone-time.
- On the bright side: I had a fun trip to the zoo, lots of great dance practices, a movie-night with my BFF and a sushi-date with my husband, all things to help lift my spirits 🙂
YAY for reading Illuminae. Glad you loved it!! I agree with your thoughts on 13 Reasons Why – I liked it a lot but get the issues surrounding it. Hope you get out of your slump!
Haha, yay, FINALLY I got to Illuminae 🙂 Definitely loved it so much, can’t wait to read Gemina!
Thanks!
I’m sorry about the job hunt, but I’m glad there were things to make you happy in April! Even little things can make a big difference!
Thanks so much! And yes, it’s definitely important to keep looking on the bright side 🙂
Sorry about your slump. But it’s nice that even if you’re not reading much, you read two really great books! I think I’d take that over 9 books that were just meh. And sorry about the job hunt – I think a lot of us can relate to that. So best of luck with that going into May!
I’m looking forward to eventually getting to 13 Reasons Why. I had a lot of problems with the book, so I’m hoping I get into the show a little bit more. Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks! Haha, yes, it’s definitely better to read few GREAT books than a lot of MEH books, so at least there’s that 🙂
Thanks, and yes it’s definitely a tricky job climate right now…
I hope you’ll enjoy the show more than the book! I haven’t read the book so I can’t say anything about that, but I did enjoy the show, despite the issues, and I don’t think I’ll still be picking up the book now.
I keep hearing lots of mixed reviews about 13 Reasons Why as well. I still think I’m going to watch it, even though I haven’t read the book yet. I’m kind of in that ‘I really want to see what people are talking about’ phase with it.
I’m sorry to hear about the job hunt struggles. Hopefully you’ll have better luck this month.
Yes, that was my thought process as well! It was just about everywhere, so I wanted to know what it was about and couldn’t wait until I read the book anymore. I don’t think I’ll still read the book now, but I did enjoy the show.
Thanks!
Sending luck for the job hunt. At least you are having fun for the sake of your sanity while the wait continues.
I haven’t watched 13 Reasons because it is so hyped but I do have it on my list. Loved the vids. I love the sense of style.
Thanks so much! Yes, I think it’s definitely important to keep looking on the bright side 🙂
13 Reasons was definitely super hyped this month, it was EVERYWHERE.
Haha, yeah, kpop is very visual, I love the style as well 🙂
Sorry you’re in a reading slump 🙁 But yay for loving Illuminae! I’m dying to read that one – and Wintersong 🙂
Hope you have better luck with the job search in May, I’m so sorry it hasn’t been going well 🙁
I really want to watch 13 Reasons, but I think I’ll have to emotionally prepare myself. Not sure if I’m up to it yet…
Have a wonderful May! <3
Thanks so much Amy! I definitely loved Illuminae so I hope you’ll enjoy it as well! And that you’ll hopefully enjoy Wintersong more than I did 🙂
13 Reasons Why is definitely one of those series you have to be emotionally prepared for. Each episode is pretty tough, and especially the later ones… I cried my eyes out.
Hope you’ll have an amazing May as well!
I’m so so so happy you enjoyed Illuminae, Lindsey 😀 😀 I can’t wait for you to read Gemina!!!!
Totally feel you on the new Paramore/FOB songs. There’s just something off about them :/ They seem way too overproduced. I’m still holding out hope for the albums though.
Sending more good vibes your way for the job hunting ♥♥
Haha, thanks! 🙂 I’m super eager to read Gemina, but I also don’t want to read it too soon because then the wait for Obsidio may feel too long… Ahh, choices 😉
Yes, exactly, they feel overproduced! They just don’t feel like Paramore or FOB to me, but maybe I’m just too stuck in the past… Either way, I’m also still looking forward to the albums.
Thanks so much, Lauren <3
WELCOME FELLOW VIP! I love Big Bang soooo much, and heard amazing things about BTS too. My friend is completely obsessed with BTS, she asked everyone in my school to vote for them in the billboard awards 😀 I absolutley adore You’re Beautiful. When I watched it now I cringed, but I still think it’s cute and funny just like when I first watched it. I hope everything will work out for you soon in terms of job <3
AHH yay, another VIP 🙂 I’m so happy I discovered Big Bang, they are amazing ! Haha, your friend sounds like a super fan, but I love BTS so I can only agree 😉 OMG, yes, You’re Beautiful was a little cringey, but just so cute and funny that I can’t stop watching. Thanks so much! <3