Welcome to another monthly wrap up, beautiful people! I hope you all had some lovely holidays; I certainly did, even with all things consider pandemic wise. It’s been hard to stay active here, I’m not going to lie. So … yet again … there are going to be some updates on Bookmark Your Thoughts. If you’d like to skip to that, scroll down to the bottom of this post.
Well, there weren’t TOO MANY ADVENTURES due to our province in Canada going under lockdown again. But we still made the most of it! There was lots of decorating, virtual game nights, Christmas gift buying, and just jolly old merriment. Gray and I watched quite a few festive movies (all of the cheesy romance ones for me), getting all cozy with our coffees and sweets.
Alrighty, folks. Here we go!
Books I Read
Rating: 
Thoughts: Washington’s short story, posted in The Guardian, is an exemplary example of the power behind short stories. Making readers feel so much for these characters in only 20 pages is absolutely incredible, bringing to life the ups and downs of friendship and growing up. Full review to come.
Rating:
Thoughts: Another beautiful collection of poetry, Kaur’s unforgiving in her openness about serious and taboo topics that society likes to hide under the rug. From loving your body to feminism empowerment, I fell in love with the beautiful messages and imagery Kaur addressed in her works. Full review to come.
Swimming Lessons by Lili Reinhart
Rating:
Thoughts: Reinhart’s debut poetry collection focuses greatly on overcoming heartbreak and addressing mental health struggles. As much as I enjoyed parts of her work, there are a number of poems that I couldn’t connect with. Full review to come.
Faking Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Shepherd
Rating:
Thoughts: Shepherd’s novel was a great festive read, full of swoon-worthy romantic moments and lots of Christmas cheer! Though I was shocked by the more serious undertones of the story and wished for more romance elements, I still very much enjoyed this novel. Full review to come.
Wrapped Up In You by Talia Hibbert
Rating:
Thoughts: Hibbert, a new to me author of 2020, has this impeccable skill at writing incredibly lovable characters and stories that completely DRAW YOU IN! Though I was hoping for more romance and felt she addressed too many topics in such a short novel, I still really enjoyed this short story. Full review available on my blog and Goodreads.
Blog Updates
Well … It’s been a long time coming, to be honest. As much as I love this community, I just haven’t had as much time to focus on blogging. This is not me saying goodbye, but I won’t be as active (which I’ve been saying for a while). Basically, Bookmark Your Thoughts will continue: book reviews, book wrap-ups, discussion posts, challenges. Meaning, the following posts will be dropped (for now): book tags, book awards, travelling, journaling (unless it’s a discussion-based post).
What tends to happen is I plan ALL these post ideas, and then get overwhelmed and run away (#generalizedanxietydisorderproblems). And honestly, my whole goal of this blog from the beginning as been to foster fun book discussions. So please do not take it personally if you tag me in a bookish tag but I don’t do a response post!
One of my main goals for 2021 (and the rest of my life) is to listen to my mental health, which means knowing when to take a step back. Please know I will STILL be here, just not as much. PLEASE feel free to reach out to me via the following social media outlets, whether to ask for buddy reading fun or SIMPLY just to stay connected (note: I’m SUPER active on Instagram): Goodreads | Email | Instagram
Looks like you had a great reading month! Hopefully 2021 brings us many more great reads.
Listening to your mental health is so important and I’m looking forward to anything you upload in the coming months 🙂
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Thank you! I very much did, as much as I thought I wasn’t going to ha-ha! I don’t know how I found the time.
Thank you! You’re so sweet ❤
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It’s definitely important to focus on “you”, and your honesty is refreshing.
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Thank you ❤️. It’s definitely a struggle it I’m feeling much better about things ❤️
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Happy new year, Jenna! I recently read Wrapped Up in You and definitely agree about Talia Hibbert’s writing! I wish the story was a bit longer though 😅. And it’s great that you’re focusing on posting what makes you happy and comfortable moving forward! Your blog has been such a comfort over the years, and I’ll gladly read whatever you feel like posting 🙂. I hope the year is easy on you!
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Happy new year!! And me too! I guess I’m just used to her full length novels. I wanted to know more about her characters. You’re absolutely sweet. Thank you so so much!!
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looks like you had a fab reading month!! I wish you all the best with your blog and reading goals this upcoming year 🙂 🙂
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Thank you very much!!!!
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I totally understand where you’re coming from. It’s really challenging to find a good balance in blogging (and life in general). I tend to have this problem too where I start things because I think it will be a fun hobby, like blogging, journaling, painting and such. But then because I’m such a perfectionist I create these super high standards of how things are supposed to be. Making it completely unattainable and sucking the fun right out of it. Hobbies really lose their magic when it becomes super overwhelming or more like a chore than something relaxing. I’ve had this trouble with blogging too, which is why I have taken MANY hiatuses. Sometimes you just need to pump the brakes, take a step back, and evaluate what works well for you, and that’s completely fine. Please don’t feel bad about dropping some posts. I don’t think anyone will blame you for doing what’s best for you. And I certainly will be here regardless how many posts you do or what you decide to post about ❤ 🙂 (Also, side note: you're always welcome to private chat me on instagram to chat or vent about literally anything)
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I’m a bad perfectionist. I never realized I was one because I tend to let things fall through (because I get in way over my head), but apparently it’s because I’m a perfectionist is why I get too overwhelmed (among other things 😂)! I’m glad you have taken time away when you’ve needed it. I’ve noticed 2020 has been the biggest year for hiatus statuses for me. So it’s what led me to make this decision which I honestly think is for the best. And thank you! You’re so sweet! You are also always free to DM me on Instagram! ❤️🥰
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Happy New Year, Jenna! 😊 I’m glad to hear you had a lovely Christmas!
You gotta do what’s best for you, and if that’s stepping back then you should do it! I’ll be around to support you in all your blogging adventures! 💞😊
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You’re so amazing, love. Thank you so much!! I’m always here for you as well! Happy New Year!! ❤️
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You’re welcome! Aw, thanks! 💞😊
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“I plan ALL these post ideas, and then get overwhelmed and run away” this really sounds like me some days 😂 take care of yourself first and always, Jenna, your mental health always comes first. No matter how little you decide to post, we’ll always be here to support you! ❤ ❤
I hope your January has been off to a good start, sending you all the love ❤
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Lmfao!!! My famous quote of my life 😂 and you’re so sweet!!! 😭❤️ thank you so much, love! I’ve already finished one book and almost done my second and third, so really great so far! I hope you and Nyx are well!! Xoxo
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