Mental Health Book Bingo 2019!

Wow look at me returning from my blogging hiatus to present to you my favourite readalong of the year! As with last year (or I mean this beginning of this year but shh) I have the pleasure of being a host for Mental Health Book Bingo. We'll be hosting author chats and reading sprints whilst reading and raising awareness with mental health related books.

If you're interested we'd love for you to join us, even if you can't read a full five books (let's be honest I probably won't manage it...). Check out our Twitter for more details and updates, we'd love to have you!

The hosts of this year's bingo are:

• Wendy @ What the Log Had to Say (creator)
• Lili @ Utopia State of Mind
• Ayah @ Dystopian Citzn
• Laura @ Green Tea & Paperbacks
• Inge @ Of Wonderland
• Jess @ Kisses From Jess
• Me!

As I mentioned before, the aim of the bingo is to read five books over the month of January to score bingo by getting a line either vertically, horizonally or diagonally.

Hey, wuu2?

In case you hadn't noticed I've not been around much lately, and what little presence online I have had has largely been grumpy and for that I apologise. I'm trying to edge myself back into things a little, particularly as I have some fabulous looking proofs that need reading and reviewing :) Anyway, I asked Twitter and generally people said they'd be interested in an update on my life so here we are.

Brief summary for those who don't know: I graduated this summer, moved home to Suffolk and basically everything got a bit difficult. Things have generally taken an upward turn in the last few weeks  as I finally started a job, it's only in a cinema and that's still enough to cause me a considerable amount of anxiety (and for me to question if the degree was worth it) but hey, I'm going outside, I'm meeting new people and eventually I'll actually get a little bit of money too! For a while I was finding it exceptionally hard to read or do anything I enjoy, while I couldn't find a job I felt unable to even begin to allow myself to do anything fun, because I wasn't employable and therefore didn't deserve it.

It's not an easy thing to explain, but that's just how things were. So now that I'm finally edging my way out  and towards a slightly better routine, I'm trying to start reading etc again. For many people, spending days doing what you enjoy when you don't have anything on is brilliant, but that's just not how I am. I'm somehow unable to even allow myself to chill in front of the TV for more than one episode a day, all I can do it walk around feeling lost and like I'm wasting my time. And even now that I'm working, getting myself out of that is surprisingly difficult.

I've still got a lot of adjusting to do, it's hard not having many friends here, not having anywhere to go or anyone to talk to about books (or anything fun for that matter). But I'm gradually making progress, and alongside that I'm finally turning pages again. I'm looking forward to what the future may bring, but it is taking a long time for that spark in the things that I'm passionate about to come back, which is why I'm not really tweeting, because I don't have that excitement at the moment and I don't want to fake things or half arse it, books and all my followers deserve better than that!

Anyway, that's where I'm at now and hopefully you'll be hearing gradually more from me throughout the coming weeks. If anyone relates to what I'm saying and has any tips about meeting people, adjusting or getting motivated again, please do leave me a comment, dm me on Twitter or send me an email.

Thanks to every single reader and follower for your patience with me and I hope to be the proper, healthy and happy me very soon.

Sar xox

Theatrical by Maggie Harcourt

Published: 28th June 2018
Publisher: Usborne
Pages: 442

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Hope dreams of working backstage in a theatre, and she’s determined to make it without the help of her famous costume designer mum. So when she lands an internship on a major production, she tells no one. But with a stroppy Hollywood star and his hot young understudy upstaging Hope’s focus, she’s soon struggling to keep her cool… and her secret.

Rating:  

With Unconventional being one of my favourite reads of last year, I was waiting for Theatrical with bated breath. Because I'm one of those classic bookish types with no control over their TBR, I'd had it on my shelf for far too long before actually picking it up and reading. But let me tell you, it was lovely.

Wrap Up - August 2018

Well, technically I'm sulking and on hiatus from stuff. But I'm drawing myself out of the depths of self pity and weak mental stability to bring you all an update on how little I read in August. I'm hoping by the end of this post I'll feel a little more positive...

Books Read

Total books read: Three

The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M Danforth - I was really looking forward to this, and was super happy to get it on NetGalley! But there's a reason I've not uploaded a review of it... I really struggled with it, the flow was off and it kind of seemed that she just mostly got high and kissed people for 500 pages which sadly wasn't enough plot for me :/ this is largely the reason for such a weak number of books read this month and I'm very sad about it...

YALC 2018

Wow can you believe it's been over a week since YALC?? I certainly cannot, although I have only just recovered from the exhaustion...

As much for my own memories as for anyone reading this, I'm just going to run through a few of my favourite moments from my time at YALC 2018 because it was a brilliant weekend and I
want to make sure I remember the best bits.

Clean by Juno Dawson

Published: 5th April 2018
Publisher: Quercus
Pages: 399

Synopsis from Goodreads:
I can feel it swimming through my veins like glitter ... it's liquid gold.
When socialite Lexi Volkov almost overdoses, she thinks she's hit rock bottom. She's wrong. 
Rock bottom is when she's forced into an exclusive rehab facility. From there, the only way is up for Lexi and her fellow inmates, including the mysterious Brady.
As she faces her demons, Lexi realises love is the most powerful drug of all ... 
It's a dirty business getting clean ...

Rating:  

Before I get into this review, it's important that I mention that the book has a lot of triggers in it. For sake of comfort I'm not going to list them all here, but if you'd like more information on what's included for your own wellbeing I'm more than happy to let you know - please dm me on Twitter (see contacts page for the link). I shan't be discussing in detail anything triggering in this review so you should be okay to read it regardless, but if you're worried just don't that's cool, your wellbeing is most crucial!

Wrap Up - July 2018

In typical Sarah style, I've not done a wrap up post for months but I've finally read an acceptable number of books and I'm feeling alright so let's go!

Books Read

Total books read: Four

Physical books: Three

Audiobooks: One

The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher - I'll admit this audiobook took me a very long time to finish, but it was really interesting and I enjoyed listening to Carrie read her own book. It was a bit emotional but also good fun.

Floored by Sara Barnard et al - I'd been waiting for this for ages and ages!! I really enjoyed it, it was a interesting premise and I loved reading a load of my fave authors in one place. If you want to see more of my thoughts then check out my review!

Floored by Sara Barnard et al.

Rating:

Published: 12th July 2018
Publisher: MacMillan Children's Books
Pages: 320
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

When they got in the lift, they were strangers (though didn't that guy used to be on TV?): Sasha, who is desperately trying to deliver a parcel; Hugo, who knows he's the best-looking guy in the lift and is eyeing up Velvet, who knows what that look means when you hear her name and it doesn't match the way she looks, or the way she talks; Dawson, who was on TV, but isn't as good-looking as he was a few years ago and is desperately hoping no one recognizes him; Kaitlyn, who's losing her sight but won't admit it, and who used to have a poster of Dawson on her bedroom wall, and Joe, who shouldn't be here at all, but who wants to be here the most.

And one more person, who will bring them together again on the same day every year.

I had been waiting expectantly for Floored since the beginning of 2017, what could be better than a load of my favourite YA authors, as well as some I'd not yet had chance to read, all coming together in one book?! Let me tell you I was not disappointed! Floored is a fresh take on a young adult contemporary with a lot of very real characters and I really enjoyed it!

How's your head?

I have many complaints.

I've always considered myself to be a high functioning depressive, but when I'm honest with myself I don't really know what that actually means. I certainly do function a lot more highly than many other people with depression but it's only recently that I've come to realise the extent to which I actually rely on the structure in order to maintain a positive and stable mental state.

Just over a month ago now I finished my degree and became wonderfully, brilliantly, unemployed. It was my fear, one which has now come into fruition, that I would struggle a huge amount with not having anything to do. Despite having achieved a first class psychology degree, and being an extremely passionate person, none of the many jobs I have applied for yet want me. And whilst that's fine, they all want people with experience etc. the lack of structure is becoming increasingly hard to deal with. I can't function without reason to function, I don't know if that makes sense, and I sure as heck have no clue if that is 'typical' of a person with mental health issues. But that is how I am.

Bookshop Girl by Chloe Coles

Rating:

Published: 1st June 2017
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Pages: 213
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

Bennett's Bookshop has always been a haven for sixteen-year-old Paige Turner. It's a place where she can escape from her sleepy hometown, hang out with her best friend, Holly, and also earn some money.
But, like so many bookshops, Bennett's has become a 'casualty of the high street' - it's strapped for cash and going to be torn down. Paige is determined to save it but mobilising a small town like Greysworth is no mean feat.Time is ticking - but that's not the only problem Paige has. How is she going to fend off the attractions of beautiful fellow artist, Blaine? And, more importantly, will his anarchist ways make or break her bookshop campaign?

Bookshop Girl is the perfect quick, summer read! It's light-hearted and fun and let's be honest, it doesn't get much better than a book about a bookshop does it?!

After the Fire by Will Hill

Rating:

Published: 1st June 2017
Publisher: Usborne
Pages: 476
Synopsis from Goodreads: 

The things I’ve seen are burned into me, like scars that refuse to fade. 

Father John controls everything inside The Fence. And Father John likes rules. Especially about never talking to Outsiders. Because Father John knows the truth. He knows what is right, and what is wrong. He knows what is coming.
Moonbeam is starting to doubt, though. She’s starting to see the lies behind Father John’s words. She wants him to be found out. 

What if the only way out of the darkness is to light a fire?

You may or may not have noticed but I've been on a blogging hiatus for a few months and I am pleased to announce that with the end of my undergraduate degree and the help of this book I am finally out of the reading slump of the century and I am back!!

After the Fire had been on my TBR since YALC last year (or maybe longer) and I had heard nothing but good things about it, yet I still didn't pick it up! I'm cross that I didn't read it sooner but equally I think I picked it up at exactly the right time because it's really helped me to regain my reading motivation.

Wrap Up - March 2018

It's still an acceptable point in the month to post last month's wrap up right?? Ah well, better late than never!

March wasn't an excellent month for blogging (let's keep it at that but I basically did nothing) and I'll be honest, balancing finishing degree with blogging, and the fact that I decided to join booktube, is hard. But I'm going to try and keep as active as possible because it's my hobby and I love it, I just keep forgetting that!

Books Read

Total books read: Five

Physical books: Three

Audiobooks: Two

The Diviners by Libba Bray - This audiobook carried over from last month, overall I enjoyed it and it was pretty spooky! But I'm not desperate to read the next book tbh.

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor - I won't say too much because I know this book is super popular but I really didn't enjoy it much at all. The plot seemed pretty slow and I just didn't care - soz.

Mental Health Mondays #20 : It makes you different...

First off, I apologise for going on hiatus with these posts. Stuff has been weird and kind of difficult and even though I got myself a post schedule for the first time ever I just couldn't write :(
But I've motivated myself for once and today I'm going to share some of my thoughts about how mental health changes you:

Wrap Up - February 2018

As always I'm a bit late, but I'm finally going to start writing monthly wrap ups! This is something I've been wanting to do for ages but as with everything that I think is a good idea it's taken me bloody ages to get around to it.

February felt like a really productive month, I did a lot of degree-related stuff as well as organising my blog a little more (fingers crossed I actually stick to my schedule...). Also, this month I discovered that I can borrow audiobooks from the library which has revolutionised my journeys to and from uni!

Books Read

Total books read: Five

Physical books: Three

Audiobooks: Two

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K Rowling - My first audiobook choice from the library because Stephen Fry reading this series may be the most soothing thing in the whole world!

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas - This was an ongoing read because throughout Jan and the #MHBookBingo I was reading this on the side so it took me ages. But ultimately I did really enjoy it, I forget how much I love fantasy and I need to make sure I read more this year!

Love, Simon by Becky Albertalli

Rating:

Published: 30th January 2018
Publisher: Penguin
Pages: 303
Synopsis from Goodreads: Straight people should have to come out too. And the more awkward it is, the better. 
Simon Spier is sixteen and trying to work out who he is - and what he's looking for. 
But when one of his emails to the very distracting Blue falls into the wrong hands, things get all kinds of complicated.
Because, for Simon, falling for Blue is a big deal . . .

I received a copy of this book through my book club (Liverpool One Waterstones YA Book Club!) which has in no way impacted my thoughts! A big thanks to Penguin for sending us copies 😄


This has been on my TBR since it first came out in 2015 yet for some reason I need got around to it and honestly I was missing out! This book is fun and cute and all round good!

Mental Health Mondays #19 : Being taken seriously

If you've been following my posts for a while you'll be aware that I've had a bit of an up and down journey with the mental health services. I've been treated well and badly and then slightly better and then worse again which unsurprisingly has left me somewhat sceptical. For this reason and the recent changes in my situation I wanted to take time this week to let you all know that I'm finally being treated well and it feels very strange but very good!

Within the last month or so I finally got a disability support plan for my degree and, much to my surprise, they didn't tell me I was making a fuss over nothing but actually suggested numerous options which may be of help to me. As a result of this I have finally got support in my department at uni should I have issues, particularly with reaching deadlines, and if I need any assistance!

Sar vs TBR Episode I

Okay so it has previously become apparent that monthly TBR features just don't work for me because I enjoy writing them but then never read any of the books that I put on them so instead I'm introducing a new version of the same thing where I highlight a few of the books that have been gathering dust on my shelves in the past *coughs* 5+ years that I actually want to read this year and hopefully make myself excited to read them!

For now I'm going to pick five and then maybe I'll do another post once I've made some progress:

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Sixteen-year-old Starr lives in two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she was born and raised and her posh high school in the suburbs. The uneasy balance between them is shattered when Starr is the only witness to the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. Now what Starr says could destroy her community. It could also get her killed.

Honestly, why is haven't I read this yet? I know I need to!!

Mental Health Mondays #18: Romance & MH in Books

So it's Valentine's this week and I thought now was as good a time as any to write a little post on why I find the "romance making individual with mental health issues magically better" trope so frustrating.

Basically I'm just going to go on a little rant...

Mental Health Mondays #17: 2018 reboot

Hey, hi, hello, welcome! In case you hadn't noticed I've not written one of these posts for quite some time due to a wide range of factors (largely exam related). So for the sake of this post I'd appreciate it if everyone could just pretend that I haven't entirely missed out on posting in January! I'd like to take a little time to chat through the kinds of things I'm hoping to do with this feature in 2018, mostly because I need to plan it and I am currently very much lacking in inspiration for where to start with writing MHM's again. Hopefully this will help?!

Anyway here goes with my 2018 Mental Health Mondays aims/plans/goals/whatsits:

Mental Health Book Bingo Reviews #1: 10 Things I Can See From Here & Countless

As is always the way when it comes to my blog (and my life in general shh) I started my #MHBookBingo month with a plan and I was going to write reviews as I went and read a lot. But of course, the three exams and the ongoing stress and mental health problems decided different and the month is shockingly almost over and I've not written a review! Anyway, I've decided to remedy this by just posting my thoughts on the first two books that I've read for the bingo and then I'll do a second post when the month is over. But for now, I hope you enjoy these reviews!