Library Discussion (Why I Love Using the Library!!)

 Hey, fellow book lovers! I'm back with a new post! Today, I want to talk about the library. If you read my previous posts, you'll know that I got rid of most of my book collection, and I mentioned that I wanted to start using the library again. Here's a little bit of backstory: So, I grew up using the library most of my life/reading life. I started using the library since I first learned to read, up until after high school. After that, I stopped using the library for years because I became obsessed with book-buying. I blame BookTube for that, lol! My book-buying got way out of control, especially when I was working at my two bookstore jobs. My physical TBR also got way out of control too, and it really stressed me out. I quit my bookstore job two years ago, and ever since then, my book-buying was under control again. It was my decision last year to get rid of most of my books, and only keep my favorite books. I brought down my physical TBR to like 10 books. I decided around that time, that I didn't want to buy every book that I want to read. Mainly because books are so expensive, and I can't afford to buy new books anymore, but also because, I don't want to own a lot of books anymore, and I wanted my physical TBR to be a small amount. So, that's exactly what I did. Ever since last year, I stopped buying books, and mostly just use the library now. I still have a Kindle TBR, but it's only about 30 books. I use the library all the time now, and I love it!! It's so nostalgic, since I grew up using the library, and I use/go to the library almost every week now. It's been such a blast! I went back to my reading roots. I love going in and seeing the new books that come in! It's the same vibe/feeling as going to the bookstore, but it's free, and I'm saving so much money! It feels like I'm book shopping. I love browsing the shelves, and finding/discovering hidden gems that I wouldn't have discovered otherwise. I'm currently reading this book from the library, and it's a hidden gem! I discovered it while browsing through the mystery section. 

I also love the library because, if my library doesn't have a certain book, I can get it/request it from another library. They ship the book to my library for me to pick up, and put it on hold. I've been doing that a lot lately. It's honestly a game changer for me! It's also fun to see which library the book comes from. I also love using Libby as well. I don't use it as much, because I prefer physical books most of the time, but it's great for ebooks! 

I used to think that you needed to buy books, and own a huge book collection to be considered a "real reader", and that's not true!! You aren't any less of a reader if you use the library and don't buy books. The book community makes it seem like that's the case, but it's not true! I'll only buy a book now if I read it from the library first, and want my own copy. 

I wanted to make a post talking about/appreciating the library, because libraries are amazing, and more people need to use them. I started seeing more booktubers using the library lately, and that makes me happy! We need to normalize using the library more in the book community. I don't judge anyone for buying books, and wanting to own a big book collection. That's great! I'm happy for you! That's just not what I want for myself. Everyone is different, and that's ok! 

Thank you so much for reading! Leave a comment! I would love to have a discussion with you. 

Happy reading!! :)

Book Review: A Novel Proposal

Hey everyone!! I'm back with a new post! Today, I'm reviewing "A Novel Proposal" by Denise Hunter. I've been wanting to read her books, and am so glad I finally read one! I borrowed this book from the library, and I loved it!! Read on to hear my full opinion. 

You guys, I loved this book so much!! It was amazing! I loved everything about it! I loved the beach, small-town setting. It's set in South Carolina, and the main character stays in a duplex right near the beach. She shares it with her neighbor, Sam. I loved being transported to this coastal town. The main character, Sadie is an author. I love books where the main character is an author, or works with books. I loved the plot, and there's even a little mystery subplot thrown in, and it was fun to read. I loved the characters. Sam and Sadie were both so likable, and relatable! They both struggled with their own issues, and overcame them by the end of the book. The romance between them was super slow-burn and adorable! I loved them together, and loved that they were friends first, and really got to know each other first. That's all I want in a romance book. Denise did such a great job at developing the romance, and their character developments. I loved Sam's family, especially his sister. I loved the later plot in the book, where they go to a wedding in Florida. That was fun to read! As you can  see on the cover, there's a little free library because Sadie puts up a little free library near the beach. I was so surprised by how much the library is in the book. It was so fun to read, because the main character always checks it, mentions what books are in it, and talks to other people that stop by, and she even recommends books to the locals. I loved the little free library plot so much! There's also another plot with it in the book, but I don't want to spoil it for you. This book has a really cute proposal in it! I was smiling non-stop while reading it! I'm a romance editor, and I think the reason why I think this book was so well-written, is because it checks off all the boxes, for what makes a good romance novel. She really knows how to write romance, and I love how in the beginning of each chapter, she puts a tip for writing romance. I loved that! The last thing I want to mention is, I love the faith and family values she put into the book. I'm a Christian myself, so that was wonderful to read. The book mentions God, and the characters going to church, so, if that's not for you, I wouldn't read this book. However, if the faith stuff doesn't bother you, you should give this book a try! 

Overall, I loved this book so much! I'm going to buy a physical copy for my shelves, since I need to return the library copy. This is one of the best books I've read so far this year, and I highly recommend it! If you're looking for a cute, clean, summer romance with no-spice, then you need to pick this book up!! Denise has so many other books I want to read! I can't wait to read more books from her. Thank you so much for reading this review! Stay tuned for more coming soon! Happy reading!! :) 

 

What I'm Reading This Week!!

 Hey everyone!! I'm back! I'm sorry that I haven't posted in a few months. I just recently got back into doing YouTube, so I've been focusing on that lately. I still like to post on here as well! First, I want to give you an update. So, I've finished some books recently, and have finished 6 books so far this year. I have some book reviews that I want/need to post, so stay tuned for that! I love writing book reviews, but I'm a little behind. My next post should be a book review. Anyway, I want to share with you my reading plans for the week!

I just recently got out of a slump. I'm actually currently filming a library reading vlog for YouTube. I took a week off from it, because I wasn't liking any of the books. Since my reading slump is over, I'm back to reading library books. So, I'm currently reading "A Novel Proposal" by Denise Hunter. She's a Christian author, and I've been wanting to read her books. I'm about halfway through the book, and I'm really liking it! I love the setting! It's set on a beach in South Carolina. The main character is staying at a duplex on the beach. There's a romance between her and her neighbor, Sam. It's very slow-burn and very cute! I'm loving everything about the book so far! I will probably finish it later this week. So, that's what I'm reading this week. What are you currently reading? I would love to know! Thanks for reading! Happy reading! :)