10 Things That Make Me Instantly Want to Read a Book

I recently read Hamlette's post with this Top Ten Tuesday tag (which I'm posting on a Wednesday, hush) and decided I wanted to do it, too. After all, sometimes talking about books it just as much fun as reading them. ;) 

Also, the obvious answer to this question would be if it's written by an author I love, but for the sake of originality, I'll leave that as a given.

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1. Themes of cooking, food and hospitality. This is a recent discovery of mine, but I'm becoming slowly obsessed. I love non-fiction books that are peppered with descriptions of food and why it's important or sentimental to the person, and slow, soothing undertones of the dinner table and pottering around in the kitchen. (Case in point: "Bread and Wine" by Shauna Niequist.)

2. Written in a quirky style. I love a bit of quirk, and it will always catch my eye if it's something out of the ordinary. Some examples would be letters between characters (hello, Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society) or diary style entries.

3. Set around World War II. What can I say? It's almost sentimental of me. I'm not sure why, but I've always been drawn to that period - even in my own writing.

4. Books about peace and purpose. This is oddly specific, I know, but it's true. I read a lot of non-fiction, especially faith-based books, and at the moment anything that talks about peace or purpose - especially from a Christian view point - is sure to grab my attention. (A notable read from this category would be: "Rhythms of Renewal" by Rebekah Lyons or "My Jesus" by Anne Wilson.)

5. Set in France/Italy. Yep. That should probably be at the top of the list, really. (Although these are in no particular order.) My obsession with France and Italy continues. I just finished devouring "My Life in France" by Julia Child. Somehow, this seems to go hand in hand with the food part. (So please, any recommendations of books about France/Italy with food as a theme - THROW 'EM AT ME!)

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6. It's a classic. Ain't that a fact. I've grown up reading classics as my go-to pick and I believe I will live and breath and die a classics girl.

7. It's mysterious. Give me a solid book blurb about someone missing or why they can never go back to the island and I am sold. Here. Take my money.

8. The heroine is around my age or is particularly relatable. This almost seems a little egotistical, but if the story sounds like something I could imagine myself at the centre of, I will be more attracted to it. On the flip side, if it states on the back of the book that the heroine hates music, is disastrously shy, and wears mismatched socks every day, I will most likely re-shelve it immediately. ;)

9. It's a story I've heard referred to within ANOTHER story. Maybe it's because I hate to feel uncultured, but understanding the context within the context of a story makes me ~ delighted ~. What greater feeling than hearing a reference to a classic book in a modern TV show and knowing exactly what they're talking about?

10. Several people have mentioned it/recommended it - especially if those people are unconnected and it's a SIGN that you need to read it. Even if it doesn't sound like something I'd usually read, if it's popped up in conversation multiple times, then I will give in to the peer pressure just to try it out. (Curiousity, and all that.)

Do we have any in common? Have you lost all faith in my book recommendations now? xD

30 Songs Tag

Somehow I wrote this post back in December of 2020 and never published it. I'm sorry that a post about musicals and music never lived to see the light of day, so today I will change that. 

I present to you the 30 Songs Tag, 2 years overdue (but who's counting?):

I have lost count of how many songs tags I've read, but I never grow sick of them. So therefore I will add to the innumerable collection out there on the interwebs with my own version of the 30 Songs Tag. ;) These questions I found on Rachel's post where she filled out the tag using all songs from movies scores. I'm just going to be using a mix-mash of pop, Christian, musicals and whatever else takes my fancy. We'll see where this leads. ;)

random pretty picture of Laura Osnes
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1. Your Favorite Song?

I could no sooner choose between pizza and chocolate, but let's just go with my current favourite song to listen to, which would be "So Will I" by Ben Platt. He has such a beautiful voice and the words are magical and soothing. Also on the list would be "Live Like You're Loved" by Hawk Nelson and "I'll Never Let Go of Your Hand" by Don Francisco.

2. Your Least-Favorite Song?

Maybe all of Taylor Swift's Reputation album? ;) I also reeeally don't like "Last Christmas" by Wham!. *shudders* Sorry to anyone who loves those, but I just... can't.

3. A Song That Makes You Happy? 

"Learn To Do It" from Anastasia always makes me so happy!! Also "Humble & Kind" by Tim McGraw!

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4. A Song That Makes You Sad? 

"When She Loved Me" from Toy Story 2, sung by Sarah McLachlan.

5. A Song That Makes You Feel Guilty?

Um?? I'm just going to go with a "guilty pleasure" kind of song... and even then I'm strugglin'. :P Maybe "Sucker" by the Jonas Brothers? I love jamming to it in the car, even though I'm not necessarily a huge Jonas Brothers fan.

6. A Song That You Often Get Stuck in Your Head? 

"A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" quite often gets stuck in my head, and I find myself singing it at the randomest times, haha.

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7. A Song That Reminds You of Someone? 

"You've Got a Friend in Me" by Randy Newman reminds me of my little brother as he sung it in one of the plays I wrote and we performed, and it was the first song performed in a play of ours. And he did so well. :')

8. A Song That Reminds You of Someplace? 

Basically any classical music like Beethoven, Bach or Mozart reminds me of our old house as my mother used to have classical music playing ALL the time at home... let's just say we got a thorough classical music education. ;)

9. A Song That Reminds You of a Certain Event? 

I'm not sure if I'd call it an "event" but "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective reminds me of one of my favourite family holidays that we had where that was basically our anthem we played it so much. Also the song "Hey! Baby" by Bruce Channel reminds me of my cousin's wedding where the groom & bridal party sang it to the bride and I'm pretty sure I'll never be able to hear that song again without picturing that event. xD

10. A Song You Know All the Words to? 

*insert the Les Miserables & Newsies cast recordings*

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11. A Song You Could Dance to? 

"A Friend Like Me" from Aladdin honestly makes me want to dance EVERY time I hear it, haha. Especially the boppy Will Smith version.

12. A Song That Makes You Fall Asleep? 

"God is All Around Us" by Twila Paris is from a lullaby CD that my little sister and I used to listen to every night, and it genuinely makes me relax and feel sleepy when I hear it. The entire Bedtime Prayers album of hers is amazing if you ever need a soothing, lullaby album. Highly recommend! Her voice is gorgeous.

13. A Song From Your Favorite Band? 

My current favourite band is probably "Love and the Outcome" and one of my favourite songs of theirs is "Falling into Place". It really speaks into a season in your life where you feel like nothing is going right and you're struggling to see God's hand in it all. 

14. A Song From A Band You Hate? 

I can't think of any off the top of my head, but it would probably be some hardcore metal rock band. :P

random gif of Laura Osnes looking cute
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15. A Song Nobody Would Expect You to Love? 

Maybe "International Harvester" by Craig Morgan? I don't crazy love country music but that one's fun!

16. A Song That Describes You? 

"Dream" by Priscilla Ahn describes me in some ways, although I'm definitely not that gentle and quiet. ;)

17. An Underrated Song More People Should Love? 

"Hold on Forever" by Rob Thomas. How is it not more popular? It's so fun!!

18. A Song That You Hear Often on the Radio?

"Never Seen the Rain" by Tones & I and I will admit I've gotten to the point that I will now turn the radio off because I've heard it too much. :P

19. A Song You Wish You Heard on the Radio?

Musical songs! I would like to make a petition for them to form a musical theatre station on the radio in Australia, please! A radio station EXPRESSLY for musicals and songs from musicals. That would be amazing.

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20. A Song You Listen to When You're Happy?

"Drops in the Ocean" by Hawk Nelson and "You've Got This" by Love & the Outcome would be two of many. :D

21. A Song You Listen to When You're Sad?

"In Case You Don't Live Forever" by Ben Platt... or maybe "Two" by Sleeping at Last.

22. A Song You Listen To When You're Angry? 

I rarely think to listen to music when I'm angry, to be honest. :P Maybe "If You Hadn't But You Did" sung by Kristen Chenoweth, haha? Or Michael Buble singing "Cry Me a River"? Probably just some song where the person singing it is angry and I can crankily mime along to it. xD 

23. A Song You Want to Play at Your Wedding?

I honestly never know how to answer this one! I feel like there is a song I love that would be perfect but I can't think of what that would be? I know I'd love to sing a duet with my husband (in this imaginary wedding ;)) if he was happy to, but I don't have a particular song in mind. I've always liked the idea of walking down the aisle to the "Who Is She" song from Cinderella, and doing the same First Dance that they did at the ball. :D

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24. A Song You Want to Play at Your Funeral?

Okay, this is even more odd... I have absolutely no idea. :P How Great Thou Art?

25. A Song That Makes You Laugh?

"Taylor the Latte Boy" by Kristen Chenoweth. Ohh, she cracks me up. xD

26. A Song That You Can Play? 

I am currently learning "All of Me" by Jon Schmidt on the piano? I can play it fluently, but still getting it polished and up to speed. 

27. A Song You Wish You Could Play? 

Hmm... I'm not sure about which piano song I'm going to tackle yet, but I can tell you I really wish I could SING "The Girl in 14G" by Kristen Chenoweth! That's my end goal for singing lessons currently. ;D Would also love to be able to sing "Love Never Dies" from Love Never Dies (the musical).

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28. A Song From Your Childhood? 

"Remember the Lord" by Colin Buchanan. Any other Aussie Christian kids out there haha?!

29. Your Favorite Duet? 

I have so many! I love "For Good" from Wicked, "The Prayer" (especially sung by Andrea Bocelli & Celine Dion), "In a Crowd of Thousands" from Anastasia, "10 Minutes Ago" from Cinderella, "Rewrite the Stars" from The Greatest Showman... I have a thing for duets. ;)

30. Your Favorite Song at this Time Last Year?

Great question! Probably "Grow as We Go" by Ben Platt.

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There you have it! Do you see any favourites on this list? Were you surprised about any of these choices? 

New Year's Tag (2021)

Hi friends!

It's been a big year. And that's almost an understatement. Each year, since 2017, I have written out the New Years Tag that has made its way around the blogosphere for a long time, for my own personal enjoyment and interest. (It's so fascinating to look back from 5 years ago and compare your answers!)

taken by my little sister, at our last family holiday

Last year, I wrote it out, but almost didn't publish it, because my list felt so "unimpressive" and I was too sad about it. I'm sorry, now, to think of where I was at this time a year ago. And I'm sorry to know how much that girl would go through, and how oblivious she was to the hardships ahead, and how hopeful she was that it would be a perfectly happy year. 

But even though it wasn't easy, 2021 taught me to find beauty in the brokenness, and that is something I will be carrying with me into tomorrow and beyond. So, in the hopes that it may encourage anyone out there who has had a hard year also, and to give you a peep behind the curtains of my life, I will share with you the answers for this year, 2021. (For privacy reasons, I have edited out some names etc.) I have used photos that I took this year, to make it a bit more personal, but also be prepared for a complete photo dump of play photos. ;)

2021 Recap in Questions

What did you do in 2021 that you've never done before?

The obvious answer is be part of community theatre! That was a huge first, as was auditioning, and experiencing a two-show day. I also had my first gig (with my siblings!), sang in front of a paying audience, got a job "promotion", and took myself on a date and went to a friend's wedding by myself. (Hush, this was a big deal for me, guys.) Oh, and I went wake-boarding/tow-surfing!

from our wakeboarding trip

Did you keep your New Years Resolution and will you make a new one?

My resolution for 2021 was very vague, along the lines of "be more intentional with my time; set boundaries and make time for rest", so to some extent, yes? I certainly tried, especially the latter two, but it wasn't some shock transformation. Just baby steps.

My resolution for 2022 is to believe it to be and make it a good year, no matter what it looks like; to think of it as good even if it's not what I dreamed or planned. (If I had to pick a word for the year, it would be resilience.) Essentially, I want to take my joy and hope back that was stolen from me, and strive to be grateful and adaptive, fully trusting God's plan with my life.

I get to wear a cool headset at my job

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Depends on the definition of close, but my cousin had a baby, a close family friend, and two of my work colleagues had babies. And I found out my brother and sister-in-law are going to have a baby and I will be an aunty!!!!

Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, and though it was not my first taste of grief, it rocked me to the core. My dear friend, you will be sorely missed. I hope you know that. I'm sorry you were in so much pain. I'm so glad you are now at peace, with Jesus.

sometimes you have to pull over to take a photo of the sunset

What countries/states did you visit?

Thanks to C*vid, we were not able to venture outside of Queensland, although thankfully it is by no means a small state.

What would you like in 2022 that you lacked in 2021?

Less heartache and division. Peace of mind, freedom from restrictions and discriminations around a certain injection. A role in a musical. The ability to travel.

we each got little trophies with our name
and the role that we played

What date will remain etched upon your memory?

16.02.21 - the day I learned of my friend's suicide, and the day my dream of theatre came true and I got the lead role of Anne. 

11.06.21 - Opening night of Anne of Green Gables!

Our play in action! Was so happy I never fell on my face
on that darn staircase (came way too close)

Did you move house?

Hahaha. Haha. Ha. Ahem. Nope.

Which was the best month?

Perhaps January, because there was the least amount of pain. Otherwise June, when we got to perform our show and it was all just like a dream.

the stage is set

What was your biggest achievement?

Playing the lead role of Anne Shirley and not forgetting one of my 520 lines in any of the six performances! Also just not having a complete mental breakdown was an achievement, to be honest. (I came close at one point.)

What was your biggest failure?

Not being honest with people, and carrying my burdens alone. I made it a lot harder for myself than I could have. Also, selfishness. 

I recreated a photo shoot of my sister and 
her goat from several years ago

Did you experience any illness or injury?

Nothing more than a few colds, although I lost/nearly lost my voice several times. 

What was the best thing you bought?

All the tickets to see shows! I am so glad I did, especially as I am not allowed to for the forseeable future. Also, my "warm-me-up" singing app haha - definitely got my money's worth! And my "Be the Light" yellow hoodie that I bought online which turned up to be extremely bright, and also my favourite.

a mic check for our play, ft. my yellow hoodie

Whose behaviour merited celebration?

*insert sarcastic remarks about Certain Politicians* I guess I'd say Luke and Tammy, our directors forthe play, for all their hard work, thoughtfulness and kindness. They're top-rate folks.

some of my favourite people

Whose behaviour made you appalled and distressed?

Basically any politician ever, but specifically a particularly powerful one from our state.

a photo I took of my older sister

Where did most of your money go?

Car stuff, tires, etc. Also tickets for shows, dance classes, singing lessons and hydro classes.

What did you get really, really excited about?!

BEING IN A PLAY! Let alone playing the title role! And all the incredible people who came to see it (they made me so happy). And the fact that we were sold-out for our second last show. Also, my brother and sister-in-law having a baby!! :)

some of the cast at our after-party from the play
(can you feel the energy in the room?!)

What was the best concert you went to?

Why, the gig my siblings and I did, of course! ;D Hehe. But in regards to shows, Pirates of Penzance at IMTC, West Side Story at QPAC, White Sheep of the Family with LRPA, and the 24 hr musical (which turned out to be Gentlemen Prefer Blondes)! Just all the shows!! And obviously, Anne of Green Gables. ;)

What is a song/album that reminds you of 2021?

The Anne of Green Gables soundtrack and the hymns my sister played on piano for the actual play - specifically a beautiful rendition she did of "How Firm a Foundation". It was played during the closing scene and had this glorious crescendo as I walked off and the lights dimmed. *happy sigh*

deep in rehearsal thought. Peep the cute dog

Are you happier or sadder? (Compared to last year)

Sadder, but learning to find the beauty from the brokenness.

Are you thinner or fatter?

My goodness, how presumptuous of you to ask. :P Neither more, nor less.

Are you richer or poorer?

Richer, but I care even less about money that I ever did.

when we went to Outback Spectacular!

What do you wish you had done more of?

Taken more photos, especially ones of me with the people I love. (I have this terrible hesitation in taking any kind of selfie/groupie, and then regret not taking any photos.) 

I wish I'd had more open, honest conversations, and I wish I had prayed more.

What do you wish you'd done less of?

Social media + screen time, pretending everything was OK when it wasn't, and trying to MAKE things happen.

cute lil' instruments

What was your greatest musical discovery?

Josh Garrels, Carrie Underwood's album of hymns ("My Saviour"), Mamma Mia musical soundtracks... I listened to a lot of Michael Buble, Sleeping at Last and Ben Platt this past year... all the soothing voices...

my poor little boots; they served me well

How did you spend your Christmas?

Well, I was sick, so all our guests decided not to come over. We had our family of seven open presents at home, eat lots of good food, and play games together. Small, intimate, sweet.

How did you spend New Years?

Obviously, it's not yet New Years, but I'm planning on spending it at a friend's house, playing games and eating pizza with a whole bunch of other people. However, I'm still trying to shake a cold, so if it's not gone by then, I guess I'll be spending it on the couch watching a movie, and ringing in the new year with a half-hearted 'hooray!' to myself. ;)

SUCH an epic photo that a friend took.
Can you guess which one is me?

Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?

You know what's ridiculous? I was going to say "I hardly called anyone!" and then I remembered what I do for a day job. *face palm* I would have called hundreds of patients, and let me tell you, it is most fascinating (and often amusing) speaking to so many people from the general public over the phone, and getting snippets of their life. I've also heard the world's strangest voicebank messages.

What was the best book you read?

"Godspace" by Doug Pollock, "Cold Tangerines" by Shauna Niequist, and "4.50 from Paddington" by Agatha Christie, not counting some fabulous re-reads.

my happy place

Did you fall in love?

No... but affection did grow for someone, and a lot of prayers were said regarding that person. ;)

a part of rehearsals you don't know about ;)

What was your favourite TV show?

Didn't watch many, but can I just say we finished "White Collar" after spending 2-3 years trying to find nights when both my sisters AND I didn't have to go to bed early so we could watch an episode?! We did it! We finished it! And I was almost sad. :P Otherwise, "Cranford" (a mini-series?), "Lego Masters", "The Voice Australia" and "The Chosen" (though I have not watched much of the latter).

why would you watch a screen when you can watch this?!

What did you want and get?

The opportunity to be part of a theatre production (other than my own)! Real-life friends who like theatre! (To all my blogging friends who do too, I love you! 😘) A church that feels like it could be home. And to see lots of shows/musicals live!

our well-loved stage <3

What did you want and not get?

To travel. Also, to be in a musical. Flexibility. To see "In the Heights" in cinemas. A flawless mix and belt. (Hahaha, like that was gonna happen.)

our second wig fit. It was so itchy! :P

What was your favourite film? 

"Dune", "Dear Evan Hansen" (I BAWLED MY EYES OUT GUYS), "Hacksaw Ridge", "I Still Believe" and "Knives Out". 

What did you do for your birthday and how old were you?

I was sick (BOO) so for my 21st birthday I stayed home. I opened presents, played games with my family, watched the new "Rebecca" movie (my verdict? Read the book) and old videos of me as a baby/toddler. I postponed a picnic beside a dam (which sounds dreadful but imagine a really pretty lake) with friends and family, which will now hopefully take place in January.

why do I look like I'm checking my pulse? :P

Describe your personal fashion concept?

Comfortable, clean and cute. (Lame, I know. Well, it's a lame question. So there.)

What kept you sane?

Oh, but am I?? 

God, first and foremost. 

Journaling. 

Music. 

Prayer. 

The belief that my life is not about me.

backstage, between shows

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Ehh, not head over heels about anyone. But if I must... Timothee Chalamet is someone I could look at for a long time. :P Also Tom Holland. He's cute.

Which political issue stirred you the most?

The laws barring, shunning and discriminating against those who choose not to get injected, and legalizing euthanasia. There have been so many laws and bills passed that made me want to become a politician and fight tooth and nail.

waiting for rehearsals to start
(told you I liked that hoodie)

Who did you miss?

My friend who I lost. So much. Also my cousins who moved to Sydney last year after they were married, and have not been allowed to return. *hugs*

Who was the best person you met?

Goodness! Lots of theatre people, and work colleagues, and random people I met at dance or hydro classes etc. I genuinely think you can learn something from everyone though, and I value each person who crosses paths with me. 

rehearsing the school scene!

What was a valuable life lesson you learnt in 2021?

Yikes. How long do you want to sit here for? Well, to keep it short, let's say I learnt that every day, you make a lot of small decisions that build up over time; so be careful of what you let into your heart, even if it slowly creeps in. And if you want God to be first in your life, then LIVE like He is first in your life. I learnt you can never please everyone, so don't even try, and don't apologize for something that was never your fault or responsibility to begin with. And I also learnt (and am still learning), that mental health is just as important as your physical health. (All of you needs care and support. <3)

Quote a song lyrics that sums up your year?

"God knows what He's doing

Even when you've lost all focus

He's not done proving that you were made with purpose

He's got something up His sleeve

Beyond your wildest dreams

God knows what He's doing

In you."

(From "God Knows" by Cody Johns. Probably my most played song of the year.)

another new thing - I got highlights in my hair!

What were 5 personally significant events of 2021?

1. Losing my friend to depression. That rocked my world and made me re-think so much about my life.
2. Auditioning + getting the role of Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables! No one will ever know just how much that meant to me. It was a dream come true, the most precious prayer made reality, and everything I'd ever hoped for. It was confidence itself.
3. Performing each and every show - each one was a treasure. The rush of applause, the after-party cast hugs behind the curtain, the accolades from family, friends and strangers alike. The little girls that gazed at me in AWE and the few whose mothers asked for a photo with me and them, and who clung to my skirt, holding their breath and sucking their hands. Tammy (my director), whispering in an embrace, "You will always be my Anne." 
4. Getting a "promotion" at work (my receptionist job). My boss sitting me down, saying he felt as though they were 'holding me back' and giving me some tasks with marketing and editing. Choosing to go part-time with this new role and responsibility, and quitting my first job at the café. 
5. Our first family gig! We got to do a two hour set at the Mama Creek Drought Relief concert as the sole entertainment, to a paying audience! It was quite a small audience, but some of our friends and family came out, some driving a long way, and it was so special. <3

our gig night! Ft. our fantastic friend on the double bass

What are 5 things you want to do in 2022?

If C*vid wasn't a thing, this list could be so different...

1. Be part of a musical
2. Write my own musical - or at least make progress on it
3. Learn jazz dance, modern jive and continue with my tap. Also, gain more control with my belting technique
4. Work up to doing the splits (scissors, specifically)
5. Buy a DSLR camera and learn how to use it well

(And if our freedoms were restored, there would certainly be some travel popped on that list as well. But if I can truly wake up each day and tell you why I am on this planet, then that's enough for me.)

my other older sis, looking particularly cool

Who are some people that you'd like to know better in 2022?

Obviously, this is quite a personal question. I'd like to know the man that will someday be my husband, if he is out there. (And no, I do not know who.) I would like to better know certain people that I met through theatre, and some of my work colleagues.

And I want to fall in love with my heavenly Father even more, more than I ever have before.

We have reached the end, my friends. :) Did any of this surprise you? I'd love to see your answers. If anything, tell me, what is one thing you're taking away from 2021, and moving forward with into 2022?

My love to you all, and may we continue forth in hope and courage, trusting He Who holds the future. 

The Little Women Book Tag

I've seen this tag going around, and since Little Women is my favourite book, I just HAVE to do it, don't I? ;) I picked up my questions from Eva at Coffee, Classics and Craziness.

Marmee - A Wise And Nurturing Read 

I present to you "Rhythms of Renewal" by Rebekah Lyons. That book is very comforting and definitely fits the bill in my opinion. It's a Christian book speaking into managing stress and anxiety, and replacing it with peace and purpose. It's very practical and helpful, while also a pleasant read. 

Jo - A Book You Can't Live With/Can't Live Without 

Hmm.. I'm not really sure what this means? I feel like maybe Charles Dickens books in general give me this vibe? I read them and get frustrated by characters within them (that I sure wouldn't be able to live with!), but then I keep continually coming back to his stories. (I think I've read over 8 now?) It's a weird relationship, haha. So for the sake of picking one of them, I'll go with "Our Mutual Friend" by Charles Dickens. It drives me bonkers but I'm still weirdly drawn to it and consistently enjoy it. 

Meg - A Book You Accidentally Damaged

Can I just say this was such a hilariously clever idea? xD "Accidentally damaged". Meg's poor hair couldn't agree more, haha. Ahem. ANYWAYS, my answer for this would definitely be "Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo. A friend lent me their copy, and since it was a huge book with a poor binding job, it began to fall apart about halfway through my reading it. Luckily, my dad is a bookbinder, so he was able to take it to work and give it a little love and I was able to return it to my friends good as new - if not better. 

Beth - A Cozy Book 

Without a doubt, "Bread & Wine" Shauna Niequist. ALL. THE. WAY. It is the most scrumptious book ever. Literal comfort food, but in words. Basically all her writing is, though. (I've now read "Present Over Perfect" and "Cold Tangerines" in addition to this one, and they're all equally incredible.) I could eat up all her books, regardless of if they're about food.

Amy - A Pretty Book 

Well, I've seen plenty of lovely books in shops that made me drool through the window, but going from ones I own, I'll say "Romanov" by Nadine Brandes. It's got a DIVINE front cover! (And I won it in a giveaway she hosted, which was pretty epic. ;))

Mr. March - A Book You're Embarrassed You Forgot

Well, going on the assumption that this is a book I forgot existed, I'm going to say "Phantom of the Opera" by Gaston Leroux. I proudly know and love the musical, but I totally forget that it originated from a book! However, I do confess, it is still waiting on my to-read list. My library got rid of it before I was able to borrow it, and I was Quite Put Out. :P

Laurie - A Fun Book 

Originally, I was going to say "The Black Arrow" by Robert Louis Stevenson, but it's been so long since I read it, I'm not sure if fun is the correct adjective. (It was enjoyable, I can tell you that much!) So I am going to switch answers and say "Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain. Even if you grew up with the story, have you read the book?! Seriously, Mark is a GENIUS and it is absolutely hilarious and definitely fittingly described as fun.

Professor Bhaer - The Classic You Are Most Proud Of Reading 

Since I've already used "Les Miserables", I'm going to go with "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. It's quite an intimidating size, but wow, wow, WOW is it a good book! Highly, highly recommend. I'm planning on re-reading it again this summer.

John - A Sweet Character/Book 

"An Old Fashioned Girl" by Louisa May Alcott (I had to slip her in somehow, didn't I? ;)). It is both a sweet book AND the main character, Polly, is extremely sweet herself. Granted, this book is very fluffy and slow-paced, but it's delightful if you want a cozy, wholesome story. 

And since we're on the topic of "Little Women" - do you have a preference for a movie adaption? I love the 1994 movie and the 2017 miniseries. I've seen an older version (with Elizabeth Taylor) and the newer version (with Emma Watson), and while I appreciate all for different reasons, the book can't be topped, in my opinion. <3

The Give Thanks for Books Tag

Rachel was kind enough to tag me with this one a few weeks ago, so just ignore the fact that I'm so late thank you. ;)

The Rules:

1. Thank the person who tagged you. Thanks Rachel! ;)

2. Fill out the tag. Well of course.

3. Share the tag graphic in your post. Done.

4. Tag four friends. Scroll to the bottom to see who.

5. Provide a clean copy of the tag for easy copying. Scroll to the bottom to see what.

The Tag:

G - A book you're Grateful to a friend for recommending: "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie

Actually, just all her books. I probably would have never bothered to go and read one except one of my friends insisted I should give them a go, this title particularly. I'm so glad I did; now I've read more of her books than I can count.

I - A book that fires your Imagination: "Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien

I know that's a standard answer, but there is no other answer better. His work sparks my creativity and fires up my imagination more than any other author I've read. 

via Pinterest

V - A book with a Vivid setting: "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

 I can hear the ocean, I instantly see myself sitting in the morning room, with the bouquets of flowers placed around the room. I can feel the motor of the car as they drive along, and I can picture the maze of rooms, and hear the creak of the stairs in the west wing.

E - An Encouraging book: "Daring to Hope" by Katie Davis Majors

This isn't necessarily a light read, but it is an encouraging one. Especially if you're struggling with the goodness of God, or trying to find Him when the world is crashing down around you. I read it two years ago and it's still stuck with me. Katie Davis Majors has walked through a lot of pain and difficulty, and I believe she could speak into anyone's life and encourage them.

via Pinterest

T - A book that Taught you something: "Don't Give Up, Don't Give In: Lessons from an Extraordinary Life" by David Rensin & Louis Zamperini 

The whole book is literally life lessons from Louis Zamperini himself, who was an incredible man that lived an extraordinary life (true to the book's title). I have read this book twice and would highly recommend to anyone that loves to learn from older people and what they have experienced and learnt.

H - A Happy book: "How to be Lovely - the Audrey Hepburn Way of Life" by Melissa Hellstern

This is a super random book, but hey, why not? ;) This is a non-fiction, happy book filled with beautiful pictures of the actress Audrey Hepburn, with a commentary on her life, her fashion choice, her lifestyles etc. Just a fun, interesting little book.

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A - An Amusing book: "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde

What a nonsensical, hilarious story! Highly amusing, and a very quick read. I chuckled a lot.

N - A New-to-you book or author you've discovered this year: Nadine Brandes

To be fair, I discovered her last year, but I haven't really "discovered' a new author this year, and I've only begun to love Nadine's work more and more - especially so this year. I follow her on Instagram and I love reading about her parenting and lifestyle etc. She seems like such a lovely, fun person.

K - A fictional character you feel a Kinship with: Anne Shirley

I can't go past Anne Shirley. We are not one and the same, but we're pretty darn close. I had the joy of playing her in a community theatre production of "Anne of Green Gables" this year, and the amount of people that said I was born to play the role of Anne, or that I had always reminded them of Anne, was staggering. She's like a friend I've grown up with, and I get her.

via Pinterest

S - A book you want to Share with others: "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper

Ughhh, there are SO many I could have picked. (Close runner-up would be "Everybody, Always" by Bob Goff. SUCH a good book.) But this one I would pick because I think everyone, at some point, wonders, "what am I doing with my life??" This is the book for you. A friend gave this to me after I had been mentioning my struggle of feeling as though I was choosing the wrong things in my life, but I didn't know how to glorify God and yet still pursue the hobbies I enjoyed and things I liked. I think this book is applicable for everyone.

The Questions:

G - A book you're Grateful to a friend for recommending

I - A book that fires your Imagination

V - A book with a Vivid setting

E - An Encouraging book

T - A book that Taught you something

H - A Happy book

A - An Amusing book

N - A New-to-you book or author you've discovered this year

K - A fictional character you feel a Kinship with

S - A book you want to Share with others

I Tag:

Samantha @ Bookshire 

Miss March @ Sunshiny Corner

And... most of the people I'd normally tag have already been picked. So if you'd like to do this one, definitely feel free to grab the above prompts, and let me know so I can read it! :)