on the blog
If you are following me on Twitter or, I guess, checking my blog every day, you’ll have noticed that my host (I think, they weren’t very clear) deleted my blog for a couple of days. So that was the big thing that happened over here last month, and it nearly caused me to have a panic attack. Other than that, the usual reviews have been going up. Tatum adored A Breath of Frost, which makes me happy because this was an unsolicited review copy, but was a little disappointed by We Were Liars. She was NOT a fan of A Tale of Two Cities, which saddens me because I thought Dickens was a god. She also read Killer Instinct, which was a really bloody offensive book. She loved Rebecca though, along with The Museum of Extraordinary Things.
As for me, I reviewed Far From You which I absolutely adored and I will continue to push this book until the end of time. Nil was a little bit disappointing, because I didn’t feel it took proper advantage of the setting. Split Second wasn’t as good as Pivot Point, but it was still pretty awesome. I reviewed A Girl of Fire and Thorns, which was a fantastic read and I can’t wait to finish off this trilogy. Great was a fairly good read, especially as a Gatsby fan.
I took part in Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon, and read a lot of books. I’m proud of myself! I also posted my April/March book haul, which included a lot of books. I should probably go on a ban. Ha. For our book club we discussed (read: ranted about) Dare Me. It was not a good book. Don’t listen to Tatum when she tells you that it is.
And to wrap all that up, I launched a new feature: BOOKS IN MOTION. I’d been wanting to post movie reviews on the blog for a long time, and I especially wanted to post about book adaptations. The Divergent movie provided me with the perfect opportunity to do just that! I’m really excited about this feature, and to discuss various movies with you all!
me in april
As far as ~real life~ goes, I didn’t really do much! I’ve been going to work during the week, and relaxing over the weekends. Oh, I did have a fabulous Easter and ate twenty billion eggs (approx.), and I still want more. I returned to Booktube, which was both exciting and scary, but I got the most amazing response from my friends and viewers, so I’m thrilled to continue making bookish videos. I’m also in the middle of Skyrim, and trying not to buy any other video games until I’m at least 75% of the way through the main story. But I keep getting distracted by everything else and going off to do side quests and discover new places! Other than that, I’m mostly in awe over the fact that it’s already May, and my baby brother is going to be 13 this month. Agh!
books read
I read so many books in April, and it’s mostly thanks to Dewey’s Readathon. I had a blast, and I hope that my reading mojo stays with me throughout the month of May. I would hate to get into a slump!
book of the month giveaway
I think it was obvious to everybody here what my Book of the Month was going to be. If you thought otherwise then I’m wondering where you have been! As with all my giveaways, this one is international as long as Book Depository ships to you. All you have to do to enter is fill in the Rafflecopter stuff below. Good luck!
looking forward to…
The biggest thing I’m looking forward to in May is the launch of a second new feature. It won’t be happening until later on in the month, but I’m having so much fun preparing it. I’m also excited for my second Books in Motion post, as well as our book club discussion on Vicious by Victoria Schwab. Bout of Books is happening again, and I’ll be taking part, of course! I’m hoping to get back into commenting regularly now that my trips and all that malarkey are out of the way. I miss visiting my favourite blogs regularly.
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Let me know how April was for you, and what you’re looking forward to in May! Are you going to do the Bout of Books readathon? How many books did you read in April, and what was your favourite? I’d love to know!
Alex (cmbrbatch) says
I have only read Will Grayson, Will Grayson, which I didn’t enjoy all that much, but I have Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan on my TBR and I’m extremely excited to read it, hopefully soon!
Amber says
I’m not a fan of either Leviathan or Green so I think I’ll pass on Will Grayson, Will Grayson XD Boy Meets Boy DOES sound quite good though. You’ll have to let me know what you think of it when you do read it, because if you like it I think I will too 😀
Alyssa says
My favorite would have to be Everything Leads to You because thereis an Lgbtq protagonist, but its not really a problem or a main conflict point in the story likemany of the books containing gay characters. It was just a part of her, and I loved that. Really recommend it! 🙂 Congrats on last months reading as well, looks like you accomplished a lot. I’m thinking about starting Cirque Du Freak soon, from what you said I think I’ll like it a lot.
Alyssa says
Oh sorry its by Nina LaCour by the way.
Kaylie says
YOU FINISHED A FEAST FOR CROWS! SO PROUD! Looks like you had a good reading month. I managed to read two books but I’ll make up for it in May.
Amber says
YES! It only took me four months. But I’m currently powering through A Dance With Dragons so soon I will be all caught up. I hope May goes better for you! Did you enjoy the two you read, at least?
Kaylie says
Yes I did! I want to dive into A Dance With Dragons soon as well 🙂
kayla keefer says
I haven’t read the GOT Series but after reading your post I may get into them!
kayla keefer says
I think you should read Perfect by Ellen Hopkins its not strictly a LGBT book but it has a side story involving this that is done very well
Amber says
Yes, please do! It does drag in places, and GRRM’s prose isn’t anything mindblowing, but it’s great when you get sucked into the world and feel connecting to the characters.
I’ll make a note of Perfect! I’ve never read anything by Ellen Hopkins. I should probably change that.
Juhina says
NICE! you read a ton of books. I’m glad you enjoyed split second even though it wasn’t as good as pivot point. as for your question, i’ve never read books from that sub genre.. can’t help you there! 🙂 but still, a ton of amazing books.. must check out Far From You!!
– Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf
Amber says
Well you will have to change that when you read Far From You 😀
_Sandra_ says
The last one I’ve read and loved is Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan, such a beautiful and moving book, totally recommend it. 🙂 Thanks for a giveaway!
Amber says
I didn’t like the one and only Levithan book I read, but I would really like to try out something else by him. I’ll perhaps check out Two Boys Kissing!
Patty @ Patty's Book Corner says
April has been an awful reading month for me haha. I must be getting slower at reading because I started A Game of Thrones, which I’m loving, but I still haven’t finished. Oh well. As far as I know I haven’t read any LGBT books, but Far From You does sound fantastic. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Amber says
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that. I am happy that you’re enjoying A Game of Thrones though. And trust me, the series gets so much better as it goes on. I’m so excited for you to continue. I hope May is a better month for you, and good luck!
Mel@thedailyprophecy says
April was a wonderful month for me 😀 12 books read, nice! I also gave 4 stars to The Dream Thieves. I can’t wait for the sequel. The best books from this month where Prisoner of night and fog, Eon, The assassin’s blade & A clash of kings. I hope May will be fantastic for you, with many good books.
Amber says
I’m glad you had a great month! I’m really excited for the third Raven Cycle book too. I’m glad we don’t have to wait long. Ermehgerd, I really want to read Prisoner of Night and Fog. RIGHT. NOW. Are you reading A Storm of Swords this month?
Mel@thedailyprophecy says
Yes! I like to read some chapters every day, or sometimes I don’t read it for a week, so I never know how long his books are going to take me, haha. But I’m slowly making my way through the series 🙂
Laura F says
I saw in another post Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green. I really loved that one too. Errm… Secret (Elemental 4) by Brigid Kemmerer though I think you’ve read that one already. I’ve mostly read books that secondary characters are LGBT such as A Midsummer’s Nightmare by Kody Keplinger, Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan etc
Amber says
I have indeed read Secret! *cries* I loved Nick in that one. I’ve read a lot of books with queer secondary characters. Unfortunately there aren’t many genre (i.e. not contemporary) books with queer main characters! I’m going to have to go hunting.
Sana // artsy musings of a bibliophile says
Whoa, you so did not mention your emotional breakdown over The Raven Boys. I’m shocked. but I’m glad you loved the books!
I’m glad Far From You is awesome and that I’ll be reading it soon (!).
Aaand good work on reading Game of Thrones series. I’m proud of you! Aaand 11 more books? I only managed to read 4, ha ha.
And your new feature is great. Excited for the second new feature now!
Amber says
The post was long enough without me dying over TRB and Adam again XD YESSSSSSSSSS you need to read Far From You ASAP. I adored it. Obviously. Four books is still fantastic 😀
Chenise J. says
Unfortunately, I’m struggling to think of some LGBT books I’ve read, which is pretty terrible but I’ve heard that The Miseducation of Cameron Post and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe are both fantastic books with those themes!
Amber says
I’ve heard the same things about those two books! I haven’t read them yet but I want to read them soon.
celeste says
I haven’t read the GOT Series , but i want to…
Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Amber says
It’s sooo good. His prose isn’t outstanding, but the characters make up for it.
Nara says
I’d definitely recommend Aristotle and Dante. It’s so good! Also Proxy by Alex London, which isn’t really so much focused on LGBT (and I didn’t even know it was LGBT until I read it).
I think I read 15-20 books in April (can’t really remember the exact number, and can’t be screwed checking lol) and my favourite was most definitely Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson. Seriously love anything by Sanderson!
Amber says
YES, Proxy! I’ve been wanting to read it for ages, and I’m thinking about doing so this month. Finally. I love that it’s not a contemporary romance, but a completely different genre that simply has a queer main character. Cannot wait to get to it! 15 to 20?! That’s amazing! I’ve never read anything by Sanderson, but I want to start the Mistborn series after I finish ASOIAF 😀
Magda says
I’m currently reading Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan annd I’m enjoying it 🙂
Amber says
Maybe I should reconsider and buy it!
SnugglingontheSofa says
Yay Far From You! Such an amazing book. Im not sure what my favourite was this month. Possible Have a Little Faith?
Amber says
Yesssss, I’m glad you agree XD Who’s that by?
SnugglingontheSofa says
Candy Harper! Sequel Keep the Faith just released.
Pili says
I read and completely adored Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe in March, and I highly highly recommend it. What a fantastic book!
Another LGTB book that I really enjoyed was Over The Rainbow by Brian Rowe, it’s a bit of a retelling of Wizard of Oz with a dystopian feel and something like the Rapture involved!
Thanks a lot for the giveaway, Far From You it’s in my TBR wishlist!
Maggie Moran says
I’m really looking forward to reading Everything Leads to You!
Siiri says
Eeeeep!! So excited that you’re back on booktube. I really did miss your pretty face in my updates 🙂 And you rocked the 24 hrs readathon, my friend! And your reading month was a pretty good one, might I add. Only one 1-star read 🙂 yay! Ok, so I haven’t read any. Oops. BUT I SO WANT TO! I’ve read books with gay people as best friends and whatnot, but none with them as main characters. I’d love to read The Summer It Wasn’t Me, because I feel like these themes with girls are even less explored than man-man couples. I wanted to participate in April’s LGBT reading, but none for me. I only read like.. 4 books? And they were all at the beginning of the month so not a very successful month for me. Anyhow, which LGBT books are ones that you’d love to explore? (great recap, btw :))
Kayla says
I loved Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets to the Universe 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
Alicia says
You read a lot of books this month! I only read 5 and started a 6th, but I’m quite happy with how I did. My favourite one was The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and I also really enjoyed Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi.
I’m also going to be participating in Bout of Books 10 and I’m really excited! It will be my first Bout of Books read-a-thon 😀
Alicia says
As for the LGBT+ books, the only one I’ve read is Will Grayson, Will Grayson and I’d definitely recommend it!
Susanna says
I’ve never read any LGBT books and I actually don’t even know one. Pretty nad I knowbut I’d definitely like if someone could suggest me some titles….
Maddy says
I think you should read Perfect by Ellen Hopkins its not strictly a LGBT book but it has a side story involving this that is done very well
Donna says
I’m really looking forward to reading Ash by Malinda Lo. I’ve heard mixed reviews about it so it’ll be good to see what i think 🙂
Christina says
I highly recommend the Sevens series by Scott Wallens. One of the characters is gay, and his coming out plays a major role in the series.
Amanda says
I absolutely LOVED Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz. I read it in January and it was adorable and perfect. 🙂
Alice says
I watched your wrap up video over at YouTube! Something Real sounds interesting. I will check it out!
Alice says
I never had the chance to read LGBT. Will Grayson, Will Grayson and Boy Meets Boy sounds good 🙂
mahraalhosani says
Sounds like a good book!
Holly W says
Hi Amber, I have yet to read any LGBT books, but this one sounds awesome, so I would love for it to be my first!
Nicole says
I just watched your wrap up and I’ve decided that I can’t wait any longer to read Cirque Du Freak 🙂 I haven’t read any LGBT books but I really wanted to read Will Grayson, Will Grayson and One Man Guy and of course this one haha
Rebecca says
Awesome giveaway. Off the top of my head the only LGBT book I’ve read is Will Grayson, Will Grayson which I thought was interesting but wasn’t a favourite book of mine.
claudia says
I dying to read fangirl
Amina says
So excited for this!! Thank u:)
Jarica says
I haven’t read any LGBT books but I really want to read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe 🙂
Ali says
Hmm…I honestly haven’t read a lot of LGBT lit…the only one I can think of is Will Grayson, Will Grayson (which I’m sure a lot of other people are going to mention) but it’s a fantastic book, so definitely check it out if you haven’t already!
farah elgawady says
i love your blog 😀
also i never read any books of that genre i had far from you on my TBR shelf for some time now i was hoping it’ll be my first 😀
kerrie says
Some books I can’t wait to read are the rest of the Song of Ice and Fire series. I’ve only read a Game of Thrones so far. Still need to buy A Storm of Swords Part 2, A Feast for Crows, A Dance with Dragons Part 1 and A Dance with Dragons Part 2.
alyssa @ acreads says
I haven’t read much YA LGBT but I did read more literary books for my college courses. I really enjoyed Fun Home by Alison Bechdel.
Cerys says
I adored Will Grayson, Will Grayson – it was so well written, funny and unique! I am looking forward to reading Blue Is The Warmest Colour when I get a chance however 🙂
Kate @The Academy of Books says
Most recent one I’ve read is Will Grayson, Will Grayson which is extremely popular, but I still enjoyed it very much.
sabrina says
I loved Two boys kissing by David Leviathan
i would love to read Ask the Passengers by A.S King
Goreti says
Hey! I am waiting for Will Grayson Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan to arrive. And my next order will be The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, which I was told to have plenty of LGBTQ+ characters.
Goreti says
Plus, I am looking forward to read the Graphic Novel Blue Is The Warmest Colour.
samhain says
I haven’t read many, but i’d like to read the miseducation of cameron post!
Tanja says
I actually haven’t read any but I’d love to! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Mumtaz says
I love your videos, and I love reading! I would love to win this book, so wish me luck! Yay! 😀 <3 I loved Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green A LOT!!! However, I AM DYING TO READ The Miseducation of Cameron Post. It seems soooo good!! All She Wanted seems to be pretty good, too. I am definitely going to check them out ASAP, and I recommend you should, too! 🙂 <3
katie h says
Boy Meets Boy and Two Boys Kissing I really need to read. I need to read more LGBT in general haha.
CharlotteAndBooks says
I haven’t read any LGBT books (that I can recall anyway). I’ve also been looking for one.
Alyssa says
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a really painful yet beautiful book. You have got to read it!
Antonia says
I am looking forward to reading Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and Miseducation of Cameron Post !
Isa says
It’s pretty amazing that you finished A Feast for Crows, I’ve been slowly making my way through A Storm of Swords. Glad to know you enjoyed A Girl of Fire and Thorns, I recently ordered the book so I’m really looking forward to it. Far From You sounds very interesting. I love LGBT books, Aristostle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is one of my favourites, Teeth by Hannah Moskowitz, Gone, Gone Gone by Hannah Moskowitz, Know Not Why by Hannah Johnson and What They Always Tell Us by Martin Wilson. I’m really excited for One Man Guy by Michale Barakiva, Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour and Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley. Thank you for the giveaway.
Hope Tweeddale says
Eeek thanks for this: D
Zaira F says
The only book I’ve read with LGBT on it is Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan. Also a few others with minor characters who are gay, but they do not put much focus on them. I’d definitely love to read more with LGBT! I want to read Everything Leads To You!
Rashika says
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. It was the ‘first’ LGBT book I read (well the first book that featured LGBT characters as main characters) and I fell in love. It is such a beautiful book and I basically recommend it to everyone.
Sarah Gibbs says
I’m dying to read everything leads to you
Claire says
Love Darren Shan!