TW: Gore, violence against children & animals, sexual assault





I've heard some rave reviews about The Chalk Man, and honestly, I selected it from Book of the Month over a year ago and just now got around to reading it (thanks #unreadbotmchallenge). It didn't quite live up to expectations for me.





The book opens with a chapter about a dismembered girl, which is fairly sickening just within those first few pages. After that, I wasn't quite sure what was happening or what the story was about. Granted, the inside jacket flap gives more of an overview of what's happening, but I feel like that ruins some of the story. The mystery was the allure of getting through the next pages.






The group of friends in the pages reminded me very much of It's Losers Club, and the setting also reminded me a lot of Derry, Maine, though this story is set in the UK. I found a lot of parallels and similarities between The Chalk Man and Stephen King's It, which had to have been a heavy influence on this story (if it wasn't, I am bewildered). A group of misfit kids, a band of bullies, bad things mysteriously happening, a 30-year gap in the storyline. There are other similarities between the books (not just the film version of It) that would ruin some of the story if I shared, so I'll leave that out.

I'm not easily disturbed (I mean, I get afraid - but not truly disturbed) by books and stories, but there were parts of this book that truly disturbed me that I wish I would've skipped over. Sickening scenes, really. But what really threw me is so much of the book seemed totally unbelievable to me, and there were too many things left unraveled.

That isn't to say I wouldn't read Tudor's work again (and I'm fairly certain she has a new book releasing this year). In fact, I would definitely read another novel by her. I enjoyed the writing style, and the way the book was organized. It was definitely a thrill-ride. This book just wasn't for me.



Goodreads rating: ★★★☆☆

I've never committed to a "word of the year," but I think if I had to choose one, I would choose happy. Not that I imagine every waking second of the year will be full of happiness. I still have the right to be down and out at times. But instead, I want to do more of what makes me happy and choose the happy in more situations than not. So, in honor of 2019 - here are 19 things that make me happy.

*this list is obviously not exclusive.




1. Books, reading, and bookstores
I'm looking forward to surrounding myself with more books this year, reading more, and visiting more independent bookstores in 2019.



2. Coziness - fuzzy blankets, fuzzy socks, leggings and sweatshirts, candles
If I'm at home, it's likely I'm cocooned in a blanket, dressed in my favorite leggings, fuzzy socks, and my favorite TGT sweatshirt. I also love candles year-round, but when it's cold out - woodsy smells are my go-to, especially a strong pine or fir scent like this one.






3. Floor pillows & beanbags
I'm still on the hunt for next great beanbag or floor pillow that isn't overly expensive. I love chilling in the floor (weird?), but I need the proper "furniture" to do so!



4. Late 90s/Early 00s tv 
Please give me all the X-Files, Buffy, Roswell (thank God for Hulu), but not these garbage remakes they keep trying to bring back. I mean, I'm fine with continuing seasons with the original series/actors - that X-Files continuance made me so happy. But I am not down with this whole Roswell reboot.



5. Lazy days
I love days where I don't have to leave the house. They're few and far between, but they. are. glorious!



6. Coffee
Give me dark roast, blonde roast, and whatever's in between. I love it all, seriously.



7. Diet soda and white cheddar popcorn
Ooh, Smartfood white cheddar popcorn is my favorite, paired with a nice diet soda - it's the perfect junk food combo.



8. Sleeping in and/or nap
Need I say more?



9. Visiting new places
I'm looking forward to traveling more, near and far. And I plan on having hubby right by my side.



10. Spending time with hubby, literally doing anything
We have so much fun together, especially hanging out at home just being goofballs together.



11. Watching TGIT shows with my sister
My sister and I try to get together on Fridays to watch all our TGIT shows, complete with comfy clothes, sweets, and wine.



12. Grabbing lunch or coffee with my sister
My other sister is out of town a lot for work, but from time-to-time, we try to go get some coffee together or grab lunch when she's in town.



13. Eating, in general
I love food, and I don't plan to stop loving it anytime soon. Burritos and Chick-fil-a are my forever favorites.



14. Wireless bras
Wires give me issues, so I go wire-free. Finding the perfect fit is hard to come by, but when I do, it's truly amazing.



15. Fluffy cats
Just look at that fluffball.






16. Comfy sneakers
I love wearing my sneakers on my days off, and I get so many compliments on them usually. I'd prefer my feet not kill me at the end of a long day. Comfort > cute, but you can do both!



17. Good hair days
Bangs are the bane of my existence, but I always end up getting them. But some days my hair looks amazing and it can turn my entire mood around.



18. All things Hufflepuff
I am a proud Hufflepuff and when I find Hufflepuffly things, it makes me so very happy!



19. Harry Potter Funko Pops
The only Pops I collect are Harry Potter ones. My collection is small, but I'm definitely hoping to grow my collection this year (can you believe I don't have a Hermione yet?).




















*I received a candle free from Goose Creek Candle to include in this post. All opinions, as always are 100% my own.

2018 was one hell of a reading year! I finished my Popsugar Reading Challenge (for the first time ever!) and I completed my Goodreads Challenge. I'm excited to share an overview of all the books I read below (thanks, Goodreads for the fun graphic) and share some of my favorites of the year. Of the 65 books I read, I've listed 18 favorites below (both published in 2018 and backlist books).







Favorite books published in 2018


The Anomaly by Michael Rutger ★★★★★

When I'm asked about my favorite book of 2018, this one is it. Hands down, without a doubt - The Anomaly. It's been months and I can't get it out of my mind. Marketed at The X-Files meets Indiana Jones, I'd say that's the perfect description. It's a paranormal thriller, fast-paced, and so unlike anything you've ever read before. (And PS, the sequel is set to be released this year!)





Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owns ★★★★★

The book everyone obsessed over during the end of 2018, I only picked it up because it fulfilled my final challenge prompt. I will say it was incredibly slow-paced the beginning half of the book. There's a focus on character development, and the separate timelines had me so confused. But once I got through that first half, I couldn't put the book down. Everything started to make sense and tie together. It's a beautifully written book, and basically the definition of slow burn.









Still Me by Jojo Moyes ★★★★☆

The third (and final?) book in the Me Before You series, continues to follow everyone's favorite quirky character, Louisa Clark. This book is fairly different from the other novels in the series, just because it's a new experience. Don't read it without reading the first two, Me Before You and After You. If you've come to read about and love Louisa, you'll love her brand new self discovery in this novel.









The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sage ★★★★☆

I never went to camp, and books/movies like this one are the reason why. Sager's sophomore novel does not disappoint in this campy story (and yes, I mean as in sleepaway camp, and campy as an adjective). I read this novel in one sitting while I was chilling on a Moe's sidewalk overnight to be one of the 50 first customers and win a year's worth of burritos. There is scene in the book that had me so shook, I had to just take a breath, but also go back and re-read some pages because it really threw me. You hear of twists, but you will not see this one coming.  *I received an ARC of this book.







No Exit by Taylor Adams ★★★★☆

Another one I read in one sitting, and technically this is being released this month, but I received it early through Book of the Month. There are twists upon twists upon twists in this novel. When I thought I would have something figured out, I'd be so wrong. This one literally kept me guessing through the very last page.






Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson ★★★★☆

This YA novel is the perfect book about body positivity and girl power, while also throwing some dead girls into the mix. This isn't scary or horror, but a murder mystery with a spin. Not to mention to main character is a POC. I truly loved this sweet story. *I received an ARC of this book.








The Woman in the Window by AJ Finn ★★★★☆

I've heard some mixed feelings about this book, but I really loved it. It's the ultimate unreliable narrator thriller, because the protagonist is on a medicinal cocktail with some wine on the side. She's agoraphobic, so she can't leave the house to figure out what really happened. It was a wild ride, though I did figure basically all of the twists out, I thought it was still a great novel.








Favorite backlist books that I read in 2018


11/22/63 by Stephen King ★★★★★

I'd seen the show on Hulu and loved it, so I picked up the book to fulfill a reading challenge prompt and I'm damn glad I did. The show does not hold a candle to this novel. If you're into time travel, unlikely heroes, fun little Stephen King easter eggs and JFK, this one will be right up your alley. This is less horror and more historical thriller.








After You by Jojo Moyes ★★★★★

The follow-up to Me Before You is sad and full of grief. It's a hard adjustment after reading the first novel, so I was really glad I took time before the two. It took me a little while to get into the story because grief changes people and Louisa is not what you'll remember from the first book, but it's a lovely story and fantastic writing from Moyes.





The Animators by Kayla Rae Whitaker ★★★★★

There are so many pieces of this book that I still think about regularly and I read it over a year ago at this point. I was worried there would be tech talk about animating (which I know nothing about), but that's not the full premise of the story, so don't let it dissuade you from reading it. The writing is phenomenal. The story-telling is heart-wrenching and emotional. And if you're from the south,  you're really going to enjoy several tidbits from the book. It's a rollercoaster of a ride in the best way possible, and all in a debut novel.








Duma Key by Stephen King ★★★★★

I had never actually heard of this novel, even though it was on my bookshelf, because I just buy Stephen King books when I find them for cheap. It's another I read because it fulfilled a challenge prompt, and it's another one that's really sticking with me. This is a highly underrated King book. There were some terrifying moments that really freaked me out, but the characters are so well-written and I missed them immensely when I closed the last pages.






Dumplin' by Julie Murphy ★★★★★

This book's been on my radar for a while, but I never actually went out to buy/borrow it to read. Then I ended up getting two copies for Christmas, so I spend a day reading it and watched the Netflix adaptation. I know a lot of people are watching the movie because hello, Dolly and it has Jennifer Anniston in it, but the book easily blows it out of the water. Relationships are key in the book, and especially if you're a fat girl, you'll relate to Willowdean so much. The insecurities and judgements and second-guessing are all so realistic. It's easy to spend straight through this wonderful YA novel written for anyone.









Gwendy's Button Box by Stephen King & Richard Chizmar ★★★★★

At under 200 pages, this is an easy Stephen King read anyone can get through. It's haunting in the way that Black Mirror is, but it's not so much a horror novel. A super quick read, I'd highly recommend giving this one a try because there's a major jaw-dropper that will really blow your mind.

Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert ★★★★★

We all need more diverse characters and diverse situations in our life. I love that this book has so much diversity in its pages, because that's really the kind of world we live in. Combined families from different background, mental health, insecurities in sexuality - this novel has it all and it's such a beautiful portrayal of real-life.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline ★★★★★

If you haven't read this one yet, have you been living under a rock? It was actually released in 2011, but popped back up this year thanks to Book of the Month (again) and the film adaptation. Though the film caught a lot of flack, both are fantastic in their own right. They're different experiences, so even if you've seen the movie, the book is way worth it, too. It's thrives on the telling of true friendships and gives me major Harry Potter vibes. The nostalgia's fantastic if you were into any 80s pop culture, but it's still fun to read if you don't get all the references.


You by Caroline Kepnes ★★★★★

Another one that was adapted to tv this year. It's getting a lot of notice right now because Netflix bought the Lifetime adaptation and will be continuing the story for future seasons (hello, Hidden Bodies). The only way to describe how I read this book is the word "devour." I could not put it down. The show does a really great job in adaptation, but the book is truly haunting and so very creepy. Reading from the point-of-view of the "bad guy" is a truly terrifying experience.








Final Girls by Riley Sager ★★★★☆

Some of favorite movies are slasher flicks with a final girl at the end - like Scream. This novel pays homage to those final girls and life after the terror. This book was a page-turner, campy (in the adjective this time), and twisty.









Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng ★★★★☆

I was never totally sure what this novel was about, even as I was reading it - I would highly recommend going in with no set expectations. But I was invested in the characters in a way that doesn't happen often and that really drove the entire novel. It's set in Shaker Heights in the 90s, which was a cool setting, but really go in focused on the characters. And definitely read it before Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington bring the story to life in the upcoming adaptation.

December was a great reading month for me. Honestly, I was kind of worried because there was so much going on within the month, I didn't think I'd get a ton of time to read and relax, but it was my  most productive reading month all year long. Make sure to check back in on Monday for my 2018 reading recap, including challenge overviews (I completed both my Popsugar and Goodreads challenges this year!) and my favorite books of the year.





How to Be Safe* by Tom McAllister ★★☆☆☆
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Prompt: A book about a problem facing society today
Brief synopsis: Anna Crawford, a high school English teacher, was recently suspended for an outburst in her classroom. So when a school shooter terrorizes the school, killing and wounding several students and teachers, Anna was the first to take blame because she had motive. Her live falls to shreds and the sun falls from the sky. This novel accounts for the year following the shooting and Anna's month-to-month life.
See full review here.




The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin ★★★☆☆ 
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Prompt: A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
Brief synopsis: There are four Gold children - Varya, Daniel, Klara, and Simon. As children, they visit a fortune teller who privately tells each of them the date of their deaths. The novel hence follows the four siblings in chapters of their lives, and how each of them lived in various ways because of the fortune they were given. It's a story of family, but ultimately it's about the things we wish to believe and how they impact our futures.
See full review here.




A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs ★★★★☆
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Prompt: A book with an animal in the title
Brief synopsis: In this memoir from Augusten Burroughs, he recounts his childhood of fear living among a sociopathic father, a mentally ill mother, and a brother who's described as being "not quite right." This book is described as a prequel memoir to Burroughs' previous novel, Running with Scissors.
See full review here.




Jaws by Peter Benchley ★★★★☆
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Prompt: A book set at sea
Brief synopsis: When a shark begins attacking people in a small sea-side summer town, the police chief has to make decisions between what's right and what will keep his town afloat.
See full review here.




The Martian by Andy Weir ★★★★☆
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Prompt: A book set on a different planet
Brief synopsis: When a mission to Mars goes wrong, Mark Watney's entire crew believes him dead and leaves him on the planet entirely alone. Injured and alone on a planet with only enough items meant for a month's stay, Watney must fight for his life on a merciless planet while NASA attempts to bring him home safely.
See full review here.




Feminists Don't Wear Pink (And Other Lies) by Scarlett Curtis ★★★★☆
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Prompt: A book with your favorite color in the title
Brief synopsis: A collection of essays, poems, and snippets about what it means to be a feminist, including further reading and a brief history of the movement.
See full review here.




No Exit by Taylor Adams ★★★★☆
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Prompt: N/A
Brief synopsis:When Darby gets stranded at a remote rest area in Colorado during a terrible snowstorm, she discovers one of the others stranded with her is actually a psychopathic. The bigger problems - she doesn't know who it is, who to trust, or how to escape.
See full review here.




Dumplin' by Julie Murphy ★★★★★
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Prompt: N/A
Brief synopsis: Teenage Willowdean is fat and she's not looking to change for anybody. She exudes confidence, but when private school Bo - the cutie she works with at the burger joint - starts giving her some extra attention, it makes her question a lot about herself and societal perceptions. So, to rediscover who she is, she enters the BFD beauty pageant that her mother won years ago, and inspires so many others around her to do the same.
See full review here.




Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens ★★★★★
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Prompt: A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place
Brief synopsis: When Kya is six years old, her mother leaves, followed shortly by her siblings, and eventually her father. With no one to take care of her, she must trek miles to be able to buy one of the only foods she can cook - grits. She begins selling mussels and smoked fish to make ends meet. She's isolated and becomes known as the Marsh Girl to the locals, who want much of nothing to do with her. Intertwined throughout the novel exists a murder-mystery taking place almost two decades later.
See full review here.




Peekers by Kealan Patrick Burke ★★★★☆
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Prompt: N/A
Brief synopsis: In this 14-page short story, a man goes next door to help his neighbor with an odd request, only to discover something sinister lurking.
Quick review: This story was creepy as hell, and I was honestly terrified the entire time I was reading it (even though it was like a 15 minute read). It's on Kindle Unlimited, and definitely worth the quick read.





Gwendy's Button Box by Stephen King & Richard Chizmar★★★★★
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Prompt: N/A
Brief synopsis: One morning during her daily jog, 12 year old Gwendy (a mix of Gwendolyn and Wendy) meets a mysterious stranger in the park. Though she knows not to talk to strangers, her curiosity wins and he gifts her with a special box filled with buttons. He warns her of the responsibility and power that lay within the button box, and Gwendy takes it with her as her own.
See full review here.

Brief synopsis: One morning during her daily jog, 12 year old Gwendy (a mix of Gwendolyn and Wendy) meets a mysterious stranger in the park. Though she knows not to talk to strangers, her curiosity wins and he gifts her with a special box filled with buttons. He warns her of the responsibility and power that lay within the button box, and Gwendy takes it with her as her own.



This novella is super short, clocking in at around 160 pages. I'm a big fan of Stephen King, having grown up on his movies, but the past few years I've been becoming more accustomed to his novels. They're usually quiet brick-ish, so they take some investment, but a short little thing like Gwendy's Button Box I was able to finish in hours, so it was the perfect book to wrap up 2018.

Of course the story was great, as was the writing. The book was terribly scary in typical King fashion, but was haunting more in a Black Mirror kind of way. There's one part, where Gwendy's family is watching the news that I read a few times because it was such an unexpected twist, and was done so well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and can't recommend it enough!