May 2021 Wrap-Up: Five-Star Books, New Music, The MTL YA Fest, and More!

Whew, May was such a busy month! There is so much to review and so much to talk about considering all that has happened over the last few weeks. I’m particularly excited for this monthly wrap-up, so let’s get started!

She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen

Synopsis

After losing spectacularly to her ex-girlfriend in their first game since their break up, Scottie Zajac gets into a fender bender with the worst possible person: her nemesis, the incredibly beautiful and incredibly mean Irene Abraham. Things only get worse when their nosey, do-gooder moms get involved and the girls are forced to carpool together until Irene’s car gets out of the shop.

Their bumpy start only gets bumpier the more time they spend together. But when an opportunity presents itself for Scottie to get back at her toxic ex (and climb her school’s social ladder at the same time), she bribes Irene into playing along. Hijinks, heartbreak, and gay fake-dating scheme for the ages. From author Kelly Quindlen comes a new laugh-out-loud romp through the ups and downs of teen romance.

Date Started: April 25
Date Finished: May 5
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Thoughts: Honestly, before April, I had no idea I was such a simp for enemies to lovers, and yet, here we are. She Drives Me Crazy is among several novels I recently read where I realized maybe I enjoy this trope from time to time. Fake dating, angst, and grand love gestures certainly helped, though. I loved this book so much, especially how it was more than just a romance. The main character, Scottie, has such an incredible development arc. I like how this book also destroys stereotypical tropes—Irene, the most popular girl at school, comes out as a lesbian. She works hard to prove that cheerleading is a competitive sport that people should take just as seriously as any other sport. If I could use one word to describe this book, it would be growth. She Drives Me Crazy is a novel about growth—growing away from toxic relationships, growing past grief, growing into someone new, growing with your family and friends. I adored this novel and its themes, and I highly recommend it. It is the lesbian high school rom-com we were all waiting for.

You will move through life and fall in love with many different people, and at some point, you will get your heart broken. It’s unavoidable. The key is to not be afraid of the breaking. People break our hearts, but they create more room in them first, and that room makes it possible for us to become more ourselves.

These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy

Synopsis

When twin heirs are born in Tourin, their fates are decided at a young age. While Izaveta remained at court to learn the skills she’d need as the future queen, Asya was taken away to train with her aunt, the mysterious Firebird, who ensured magic remained balanced in the realm.

But before Asya’s training is completed, the ancient power blooms inside her, which can mean only one thing: the queen is dead, and a new ruler must be crowned.

As the princesses come to understand everything their roles entail, they’ll discover who they can trust, who they can love—and who killed their mother.

Date Started: April 27
Date Finished: May 17
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Thoughts: These Feathered Flames is one of my most highly anticipated sapphic romances of the year, and it delivered on its hype. The book is a retelling of the story of the Firebird, part of Slavic folklore. And it did not disappoint! These Feathered Flames had everything I was looking for in a sapphic fantasy. Morally gray female characters? Check. Strained and complex sisterly bonds? Check. Enemies to lovers f/f romance? Check. A unique retelling of classic folklore? Check, check, and check. The only issue I found was with the pacing. I felt that it did not quite match the story, lagging the narrative in some instances to the point of overkill, or jumping into action without proper context to set it up. Also, some points in the story felt more like fragmented pieces rather than a continuous storyline. Otherwise, I loved the book, and I cannot wait for the sequel!

If the price isn’t paid, then so many more will be hurt. All because of me. Because of what I failed to do. I don’t relish it, but I couldn’t live with myself if I let it go unanswered. If I stood back while people were killed, while magic ran wild. You can see the Firebird as a monster, but the truly monstrous thing would be to do nothing.

Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler

I reviewed Cool for the Summer earlier this month! Click here to read my review.

“But just because you’re telling a good story doesn’t mean it’s the right story. And I think it’s really important to tell the right story.” She looks right at me and answers so brightly that it’s clear she can’t tell my world happens to be turning upside down at that moment. “It sounds to me like the roommate is a relationship worth exploring.”
“Yeah,” I say slowly, picking out Jasmine in the crowd. “I’m pretty sure the roommate is my story.”

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Synopsis

Welcome to the world of the Grisha.

Kaz Brekker and his crew of deadly outcasts have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives.

Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties.

A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets - a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.

Date Started: April 30
Date Finished: May 9
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Thoughts: Oh, man. What a sequel. This book quickly became my favorite from the Grishaverse. It wasn’t even the plot, although it was more exciting than Six of Crows. Crooked Kingdom is a beautiful novel, entirely because of the character journeys and the relationships they formed along the way. All six main characters are so fundamentally different and unique in their own ways. They walk vastly different journeys, and their paths just happen to intertwine with each other. They recreated the definition of found family, no matter where they go in the world. And because of the solid characters and dynamics, the rest of this novel’s elements came together nicely—the plot, the world-building, the pacing. Everything depended on Kaz Brekker, Inej Ghafa, Jesper Fahey, Nina Zenik, Matthias Helvar, and Wylan Van Eck, and it worked so well. I was seriously impressed by this stunning novel. On another note, I cried so many times throughout this book. Crooked Kingdom wrecked me in the best way possible.

“Kaz,” she asked suddenly. “Why crows?”
“The crow and cup? Probably because crows are scavengers. They take the leavings.”
“I don’t mean the Dregs tattoo. That’s as old as the gang. Why did you adopt it? Your cane. The Crow Club. You could have chosen a new symbol, built a new myth.”
Kaz’s bitter coffee eyes remained trained on the horizon, the rising sun painting him in pale gold light. “Crows remember human faces. They remember the people who feed them, who are kind to them. And the people who wrong them too.”
“Really?”
He nodded slowly. “They don’t forget. They tell each other who to look after and who to watch out for.”

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

Synopsis

The dashing young king, Nikolai Lantsov, has always had a gift for the impossible. No one knows what he endured in his country's bloody civil war—and he intends to keep it that way. Now, as enemies gather at his weakened borders, Nikolai must find a way to refill Ravka's coffers, forge new alliances, and stop a rising threat to the once-great Grisha Army.

Yet with every day a dark magic within him grows stronger, threatening to destroy all he has built. With the help of a young monk and a legendary Grisha general, Nikolai will journey to the places in Ravka where the deepest magic survives to vanquish the terrible legacy inside him. He will risk everything to save his country and himself. But some secrets aren't meant to stay buried—and some wounds aren't meant to heal.

Date Started: May 9
Date Finished: May 24
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Thoughts: Nikolai Lantsov is one of my favorite characters from the Grishaverse, so I was excited for King of Scars. I loved Nikolai’s character growth, his actions speak louder than words dynamic with Zoya, the precipice of a life-changing war, the religion and faith themes, and more. I also loved seeing Nina Zenik again. Her character was at a turning point, leading to stunning character growth was stunning. I loved how she developed a relationship with Hanne while trying to honor Matthias’s dying wish. I only had a few issues with this book. First, I found Isaak’s POV entirely unnecessary. This time could have been better spent developing the mentorship between Juris and Zoya, Nina’s grieving process as she falls for Hanne, and most importantly, Nikolai’s character. The other issue I had was while I adore Nina, there were times her POV made the story stagnant—not because her POV was unnecessary, but because she appeared twice as frequently as Nikolai and Zoya, hindering their story. Otherwise, I enjoyed this book.

“I think I can fix it,” he said at last. “I’ve always known Ravka is broken, and I’ve seen the way it breaks people in return. The wars never cease. The trouble never stops. But I can’t help believing that somehow, I’ll find a way to outsmart all of the kings who came before and set this country right.”

The Ivies by Alexa Donne

I reviewed The Ivies earlier this month as part of a book tour! Click here to read my review.

“But I know that if I went back, I would do it all over again. I would have accepted the Ivies’ invitation in every possible scenario. I needed their approval like oxygen.
In the present, I take a deep breath. I smile for the camera.
And I lie.
Because this is the game. The long game. Play the part, try to fit in. Earn their trust. Take their shit. Claw my way up, up, up.
The bright lights burn my eyes. I stare, straight ahead, and don’t blink.

Never Kiss Your Roommate by Philline Harms

Synopsis

Welcome to Seven Hills, the world’s most exclusive boarding school where only the best and brightest roam the hallowed halls. Being committed to your studies, service, and community doesn’t mean that you can’t break the rules now and again, right?

But watch your back because lurking on the anonymous Chitter Chatter Blog is The Watcher—who can’t wait to reveal all the latest hookups, hot lists, and secrets around campus. The latest objects of The Watcher’s affection? Straight-off-the-train (but not exactly straight) insta-besties Evelyn and Seth.

It doesn’t take long for Evelyn to realize she is inexplicably drawn to her gorgeous and standoffish roommate Noelle. Meanwhile Seth has eyes, and some serious heart palpitations, for budding thespian and school flirt Jasper. Just as things start to heat up, The Watcher strikes. Will the secrets revealed turn their happily ever afters into happily never afters?

Date Started: May 11
Date Finished: May 29
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Thoughts: This book is one of the cutest and most heart-wrenching things I’ve read all year. It’s everything I wish my fourteen-year-old self had. Never Kiss Your Roommate follows Evelyn and Seth, new students at an English boarding school, as they fall in love while coming to terms with their queer identities. Honestly, this book feels like a love letter to the LGBTQ+ community, especially teenagers struggling with their identities. The characters and relationships are well-developed, and I was rooting for the main four characters the entire time. And while the book may be primarily character- and relationship-driven, there are tons of plot twists and turns you never see coming. A few moments felt too soap opera for my taste, but otherwise, this book is perfect, and I highly recommend it. (Thank you to Edelweiss and Wattpad Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The quote below is from the digital ARC and not a part of the final print.)

In a sudden moment of clarity, I thought if I could have shown my younger self any glimpse into the future it would have been this one; I would have wiped her tears away, kissed her on the forehead, and told her Look how much better it’ll get. You’ll find people you won’t have to hide from, and you’ll fall in love. With her, and with yourself too. Just hold on a little longer.

The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon

Synopsis

In Asalin, fae rule and witches like Wyatt Croft. . .  don’t. Wyatt’s betrothal to his best friend, fae prince Emyr North, was supposed to change that. But when Wyatt lost control of his magic one devastating night, he fled to the human world.

Now a coldly distant Emyr has hunted him down. Despite transgender Wyatt’s newfound identity and troubling past, Emyr has no intention of dissolving their engagement. In fact, he claims they must marry now or risk losing the throne. Jaded, Wyatt strikes a deal with the enemy, hoping to escape Asalin forever. But as he gets to know Emyr, Wyatt realizes the boy he once loved may still exist. And as the witches face worsening conditions, he must decide once and for all what’s more important—his people or his freedom.

Date Started: May 17
Date Finished: May 31
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Thoughts: The Witch King was one heck of a book, and I was captivated from start to finish. I loved everything about it—the author’s interpretation of fae and witches, social justice and human rights themes, the character arcs, the complex relationships, the compelling storyline, and so much more. Every moment of this book is integral to the story. The stakes were high, and the tension skyrocketed off the roof. Plus, The Witch King is highly diverse, including a gay & trans main character, BIPOC secondary characters, and additional LGBTQ+ characters and relationships. But The Witch King isn’t just diverse; it portrays the representation authentically. There is nothing to dislike about The Witch King. Overall, this book was terrific, and I am so excited about the sequel. (Thank you to Edelweiss and Inkyard Press/HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The quote below is from the digital ARC and not a part of the final print.)

Briar once told me my darkness was a form of protection. I needed to protect the people I loved. And apparently I had the ability to do it. Because that darkness rose up and out of my body only when my people were in danger, only when I had to save them.
Of course, there’s also the fire. The flames constantly burning beneath the surface of my skin, fueled by anger. There are things that don’t need protecting, that need to be burned to the ground, and I’m more than happy to set them ablaze when the situation calls for it.
But isn’t anger another part of love? Isn’t it just the heart’s way of letting you know a better world is possible?

All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O’Donoghue

Synopsis

After Maeve finds a pack of tarot cards while cleaning out a closet during her in-school suspension, she quickly becomes the most sought-after diviner at St. Bernadette’s Catholic school. But when Maeve’s ex–best friend, Lily, draws an unsettling card called The Housekeeper that Maeve has never seen before, the session devolves into a heated argument that ends with Maeve wishing aloud that Lily would disappear. When Lily isn’t at school the next Monday, Maeve learns her ex-friend has vanished without a trace.

Shunned by her classmates and struggling to preserve a fledgling romance with Lily’s gender-fluid sibling, Roe, Maeve must dig deep into her connection with the cards to search for clues the police cannot find—even if they lead to the terrifying Housekeeper herself. Set in an Irish town where the church’s tight hold has loosened and new freedoms are trying to take root, this sharply contemporary story is witty, gripping, and tinged with mysticism.

Date Started: May 22
Date Finished: June 1 (let’s pretend it says May 31)
Final Rating: ★ ★ ☆
Thoughts: The book’s summary piqued my interest, which is why I picked up a copy. All Our Hidden Gifts isn’t an awful book, and I wasn’t disappointed—it just wasn’t for me. The realistic and the fantastical overlapped too much for my liking, which I’m generally not a fan of if it involves demons. All Our Hidden Gifts also had moments that dragged the storyline way too much. Also, I’m not sure if there is supposed to be a sequel or not? Only because the ending was strange, regardless of whether there will be a sequel. I don’t know; I guess I expected something else from this book that I didn’t get. But if you’re really into tarot cards, demons, and more “realistic” witchcraft, then you would most likely enjoy this book. (Thank you to Edelweiss and Walker Books US/Candlewick Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The quote below is from the digital ARC and not a part of the final print.)

“Why don’t you just buy more cards?” Fiona asks.
Why don’t I? They’re not very expensive, after all, and I’m sure the woman in Divination would be delighted to help me pick out a new packet. But I feel frightened of that side of me now. Of the witch branded into my schoolbag. Frightened that those first-years who are afraid to come near me have a very good reason.
Because it’s not just that I was good at memorizing cards or good at telling people what they wanted to hear. When the cards were in my hands, I felt like I had discovered some part of myself that was better off hidden. Something troublesome and strange, thorny and not completely in my control.

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo

Synopsis

The Demon King. As Fjerda's massive army prepares to invade, Nikolai Lantsov will summon every bit of his ingenuity and charm—and even the monster within—to win this fight. But a dark threat looms that cannot be defeated by a young king's gift for the impossible.

The Stormwitch. Zoya Nazyalensky has lost too much to war. She saw her mentor die and her worst enemy resurrected, and she refuses to bury another friend. Now duty demands she embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. No matter the cost.

The Queen of Mourning. Deep undercover, Nina Zenik risks discovery and death as she wages war on Fjerda from inside its capital. But her desire for revenge may cost her country its chance at freedom and Nina the chance to heal her grieving heart.

King. General. Spy. Together they must find a way to forge a future in the darkness. Or watch a nation fall.

Date Started: May 24
Date Finished: May 29
Final Rating: ★ ★ ★
Thoughts: Unfortunately, Rule of Wolves was not as good as its predecessor. Once again, there were too many unnecessary POVs—time wasted that could have been utilized for Nikolai, who has a significant character arc. The unnecessary POVs also rushed the final battle. I don’t know how to talk about the retconning without getting angry, so I’ll just say it was atrocious. The storyline felt like a merry-go-round at times, and because of that, the ending didn’t make much sense. I am also furious that the Darkling managed to come back to life and get back his powers full force, but Alina was supposedly too greedy?! It genuinely infuriated me. However, I still gave Rule of Wolves a relatively high rating because, as always, characters and relationships are the most critical factors for me. Although there was room for expansion, I still think Nikolai & Zoya and Hanne & Nina were the highlights. They turned the giant mess into a tolerable and somewhat beautiful story. If it were not for them, my rating would be much lower.

None of this had been fated; none of it foretold. There had been no prophecies of a demon king or a dragon queen, a one-eyed Tailor, Heartrender twins. They were just the people who had shown up and managed to survive.
But maybe that was the trick of it: to survive, to dare to stay alive, to forge your own hope when all hope had run out.
For the survivors then, Zoya whispered to herself as the people before her knelt and chanted her name. And for the lost.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time to watch TV or movies in May. I was incredibly busy, and I had many commitments, ranging from school to work to blogging. I hoped to squeeze in the Friends Reunion on the last weekend of May, but it didn’t work out. Hopefully, my June Wrap-Up will have TV and movies to recap!

Albums

Song: Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
Artist: Taylor Swift
Genre: Country Pop
Thoughts: I don’t have much to say, only because we have received news of Taylor’s newest movie role since the end of May. I won’t go into too much detail, but her actions have hurt me incredibly. However, throughout May, I still listened to Fearless (Taylor’s Version) repeatedly, and I still loved it just as much as I did in April. I hope her future rerecordings will be as good as this one.

Songs

Song: good 4 u
Artist: Olivia Rodrigo
Genre: Pop with elements of folk and indie rock
Thoughts: I am so thankful for Olivia Rodrigo and her genial talented soul. She has so much range; it is incredible. I haven’t listened to deja vu, but I have heard driver’s license, and the difference between her first single and her third is astounding. Both songs are so different, but they are both fantastic. Listening to good 4 u has made me even more excited for her debut album, and I cannot wait to hear the whole thing.

• May 4: April 2021 Wrap-Up: Fearless (Taylor’s Version), Shadow and Bone, New Ideas, and More!
• May 13: Book Review: Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler
• May 26: Book Tour: The Ivies by Alexa Donne (Review + Giveaway)
• May 27: Montreal YA Fest 2021: The Complete Breakdown

My Diary: I aimed to write two entries, but just like in April, I only managed to write one. Not to sound like a broken record, I was just so busy that I was just too tired to do anything by the end of the day (when I usually write in my diary). I’m hoping to change that going into June.

New Project: In May, I joined a new writing group, and my peers have given me critical feedback as I develop this idea! I’m more excited than I ever was before. However, I still don’t want to disclose too much information as it is still very much in its beginning stages, and there is a lot of work to do.

Novel: I didn’t work a lot on my novel in May, but I’m hoping to rectify that in June. When I did get the chance to, it was primarily rewriting chapters based on feedback from my colleagues at school and my writing group peers. Hopefully, I’ll make more progress in June!

Montreal YA Fest: While I wrote an in-depth recap already, I felt like I should talk briefly about what happened after I posted the recap. Several of the authors that attended the festival followed me on Twitter (I’m still shaking in disbelief as I write this), and my blog views went up! Once again, I’m so grateful for this opportunity, and I’m excited about next year’s festival. It was the experience of a lifetime!

Publishing Course: This spring/summer, instead of taking a course for my master’s degree, I opted to continue my publishing certificate instead. I’m taking one class on the educational publishing industry. So far, it is a lot more interesting than I thought it would be, and I’m eager to learn more!

Overall, May was a crazily busy month, but I’m pleased with the results. My mental health was also a lot better than usual, so that was a bonus. I even improved on goal completion, so without further ado, let’s get into my checklist!

Books

May Reading Goals:

• Read at least four books ☑︎
• Good representation in at least half of the books I read ☑︎
• At least half the authors I read be diverse (i.e. POC, LGBTQ+, and/or Jewish) ☑︎
• Read ARCs for planned posts in May ☑︎
• Finish Reading the Grishaverse books ☑︎

May Books to Read:

• Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler ☑︎
• Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo ☑︎
• It Goes Like This by Miel Moreland ☒
• The Ivies by Alexa Donne ☑︎
• King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo ☑︎
• Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth ☒
• Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo ☑︎
• She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen ☑︎
• These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy ☑︎

Completed Goals: 5/5

TBR List: 7/9

Other Media

May Television:

• Start Superstore Rewatch ☒
• Watch TV Without the Purpose of Reviewing ☒

May Film:

• Watch one movie ☒

May Music:

• Listen to one song that isn’t by Taylor Swift ☑︎

Completed Goals: 1/4

Blogging

May General Goals:

• Stay active on social media ☑︎
• Post more on Instagram, including stories ☒
• Talk more about books on Twitter ☑︎
• Connect with book community ☑︎

To Post in May:

• Book Review: Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler ☑︎
• Organizing My Kindle Shelves + Book Recs ☒
• Montreal YA Fest: The Complete Breakdown ☑︎
• Book Tour: The Ivies by Alexa Donne (Book Review) ☑︎

Completed Goals: 6/8

Writing

Novels in May:

• Continue developing new project ☑︎
• Continue writing first novel ☑︎
• Rewrite chapter one from first novel ☒

TV Fanatic in May:

• Post an editorial ☒
• Brainstorm more editorial ideas ☑︎

Diary in May:

• Write at least two entries ☒

Completed Goals: 3/6

Miscellaneous May Goals

Organization in May:

• Continue using Notion ☑︎
• Use personal agenda actively ☑︎
• Stay neat and organized, clean room and workspace if either becomes messy ☒

Personal Goals for May:

• Follow therapy goals ☒
• Rely on faith in dark and stressful times ☑︎
• Stay up to date with publishing course ☑︎
• Find a job ☒
• Study and learn Torah ☒
• Stay involved and informed ☑︎

Completed Goals: 5/9

Total Completed Goals (including TBR List): 27/41 (65.85%)

Total Completed Goals (excluding TBR List): 20/32 (62.5%)

Books

Reading Goals:

• Read at least four books
• Good representation in at least half of the books I read
• At least half the authors I read be diverse (i.e. POC, LGBTQ+, and/or Jewish)
• Read ARCs for planned reviews

Books to Read: (asterisk means they’re on my currently reading shelf)

• Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
• Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
• The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid I. Khalidi *
• The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri *
• One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston *
• Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali *
• We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon
• The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid

Other Media

Television:

• Watch Friends: The Reunion
• Find a TV show to to (re)watch

Film:

• Watch one movie

Music:

• Listen to more music that isn’t Taylor Swift

Blogging

General Goals:

• Stay active on social media
• Post more on Instagram
• Connect with book community
• Brainstorm new feature ideas

Planned Posts:

• Book Review: The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
• Organizing My Kindle Shelves + Book Recs
• Book Review: The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid

Writing

Novels:

• Continue developing new project
• Continue writing first novel

TV Fanatic:

• Post an editorial

Diary:

• Write at least one entry

Miscellaneous Goals

Organization:

• Continue using Notion
• Use personal agenda actively
• Stay neat and organized, clean room and workspace if either becomes messy

Personal:

• Follow therapy goals
• Rely on faith in dark and stressful times
• Stay up to date with publishing course
• Get life together for fall 2021
• Study and learn Torah
• Stay involved and informed

And that’s May! Quite a busy month, but overall, I felt pretty good going into June. You may notice this monthly wrap-up is shorter than usual, and it’s because, the first week of June (when I wrote my wrap-up), my mental health took a deep dive and I have yet to climb up. I apologize for the lack of content in this post, but I hope you enjoyed reading it anyway. Please make sure to stay involved regarding Palestine, and talk to you soon! Let me know how your May went in the mean time.