The Monday Mix (29)

The Monday Mix basically gives me the opportunity to share with all of you the links I loved online from weeks past. This includes everything from great reviews, articles about writing, inspiring posts and perhaps other things too. I've always valued the opportunity to share the great things I've read or seen, and this is my way to share the love with all the bloggers, authors + pubs out there!

Spring has finally made her entrance! She's brought warmer weather, longer days... and a ton of allergies. (Or that could just be me.) But regardless of my sneezes and sniffles, I've been basking in the warmer weather like a bear out of hibernation. It's fun to be out and about!

Over the past few weeks, we celebrated Mel's birthday (with a quiet dinner, a small concert + watching Pippin), and spent a lot of time watching My Fair Wedding (it's really fun!). I've been reading a lot too, which is always nice (especially when you're nearly through most of your review books!).

I've also been getting hyped for BEA! I'm truly looking forward to it, and to seeing all the friends who are coming into town for it this year. I have a pretty short list of books I want and authors I hope to see, so it seems like my BEA should be even more relaxed this year. My best friend is coming into town for two weeks before BEA, so that should add even more fun to May!

LINKS TO CHECK OUT

• I’ve always felt like there can be such beauty in many different art forms, even though what the artist intended might not necessarily be what the person viewing it will feel/think/see. Loved Kat Zhang’s thoughts on this!
• I think I need to live near Gillian, guys. We both love fantasy, and Disney, and all the baked goods! Check out her epic Percy Jackson cupcakes! OM NOM NOM.
• Do you play the comparison game? Sunny wrote a post about it.
• Bookish heroines rock my socks off, and Gillian compiled this awesome list of them.
• Judith & Ellis have this awesome feature — and I really feel like I’m learning Dutch! This edition is part 1 of the Harry Potter lessons.
• Hannah’s post about tweeting is amazing, and I agree with every word. 140 characters might not seem like much, but it definitely makes an impact depending on what you tweet.
• I love meeting bloggers who share my positive spirit! Hazel has a great post with 22 ways you can make the bookish community a happier place.
• Ginger shared her Teen Book Con experience! I honestly think I want to try to go to one of these, mostly to hang out with Racquel, Lena and Ginger. But also because it seems like crazy fun!
• Lauren always writes such thoughtful posts. Here she shares about series fatigue and first book syndrome! I've definitely had my share of first book syndrome experiences. Some, I've dropped the series, while others I persevered and discovered a new series to love.
• There’s so much heart in Molli’s post about why she writes healthy relationships. Her genuine appreciation and acknowledgment of why they're important is so wonderful.
• Sana shares her feelings about character one eighties. Join in on the discussion! Personally, as long as it's not abrupt and unnatural, I can deal with characters changing through a series of books. But if it just happens out of nowhere? It's too unbelievable for me.
• My friend Betty is going to have another (a third, specifically) baby Betty! I'm so thrilled for her, and bow down to her awesome mom status. Read all about her incredible story here.
• Heard of Edelweiss but find it daunting? Sana started a new series about it, and her first post introduces you to the site overall. It's definitely a helpful guide for EW users, newbie and veteran alike!
• How did Cassie take my recommendation to start reading fantasy books last year? Find out in her response post!
• Brittany recently did a survey about book reviews. She posted the results on her blog, and I think they’re pretty interesting! Book reviews make up majority of my blog content, and it always warms my heart to see people have come to read them (and even more when I get comments!).
• Are you a fan of the Bard? Are you looking for movies/musical inspired by Shakespeare? Well, Lindsey’s got the perfect list for you. I've seen most of these films (with a few notable exceptions that I need to remedy) and can second their awesomeness.
• It’s really interesting to see what author Annie Jackson has to say about reviewing. What do you guys think of authors sharing book reviews? (Thanks Sam!)
• I adored Enchanted (the Disney film), and here’s why you should adore it too. (Seriously, I used to be obsessed with the movie. And the soundtrack.) (Thanks Shae!)
• My darling friend Magan (of Rather Be Reading) shares the story of her daughter Everett’s birth. Go on and see how this beautiful mama and her handsome hubby welcomed baby E into the world!
• Sailor Moon + The Avengers? Sign me up! I have no idea why this hasn't come to my attention before now, but I am glad I know it exists in the world. (Thanks Gaby!)
• Elena has a great post with 27 POC author recommendations! I think everyone should make an effort to read more books written by and about POC, because diversity in books is IMPORTANT. As a POC, it’s always wonderful to read books where I can really identify with the main characters, not just looks wise, but in terms of culture too.
• This is such an interesting take on how to pack a lot of tasks into one day.(Thanks Jamie!) Author Amie Kaufman also shares some tips on how to be productive in part one of her new series on Pub(listing) Crawl. (Note: I'm always on the lookout for more posts about productivity. But I do believe that everyone has their own method that works for them.)
• Margot went on a road trip and took a film camera with her. This is the result — and it’s amazing, honestly. I feel blessed to know such talented people!
• Vanessa’s thoughts on diversity in tandem with fantasy are super interesting. Her post made me realize that one of the biggest reasons fantasy appeals to me so much is because I feel like the characters are really... malleable in terms of appearance, and the cultures are completely new and different.
• Dragon books, dragon books, dragon books! I can never resist a good dragon book. This is a list made by the team at Epic Reads.
• I adored Judith’s short and sweet post about why she reads YA! Basically, I share her sentiments. I read YA because I love it. Because I feel like I can identify with the characters. Because it's just FUN.
• Basically, Hannah’s book blogger to do list printable is the cutest. I LOVE IT. I also think you all need it in your life. But I could just be biased since I LOVE organizing things.
• Looking for “if you like this book, try this movie/TV show” recs or vice versa? Judith has an awesome list for you. I really liked her suggestions, both for the shows/movies AND the books.
• I may just be a wee bit obsessed with the new feature BEFRIENDED over at Rather Be Reading. The first ever post for it features a new favorite author - Emery Lord! Her picks for the goodies for her two BFF characters are pretty much spot on and totally covetable.
• Estelle and I share a mutual love of Lea Michele. E shared this post about her (Lea’s) inspirations, which is short and sweet. I loved Lea's picks, and totally admire her even more now!
• I just had to share this post because (1) Taylor Swift and (2) I want her clothes. (Thanks Magan!)
• The story of Everett at one month is just totally wonderful to read.I’m still over the moon for Magan and her husband, and I’m still gushing over that adorable face!
• Most people are probably sick of hearing this song by now, but I’m really liking this EDM version by Armin Van Buuren!
• Disney princesses + shoes paired together? It’s a match made in heaven by Mindy. (Thanks Brittany!)
• YA reader looking for something adult? Or adult reader looking to try YA? Brittany has compiled book recommendations for crossing over in an awesome infographic.
• For both fans and newbies to New Adult, I really enjoyed reading Dahlia Adler's thoughts on this new(ish) genre.
• Judith put together a list of fictional moms for Mother's Day, and I really liked her picks! There are a lot of favorites on there, and ones that I'm very curious about now.

POSTS RECAP

Reviews:

• Heartbeat - Elizabeth Scott (grief + family + issues)
• Love and Chaos - Gemma Burgess (New York + career + adventures)
• Wonder - RJ Palacio (disability + hope + perspectives)
• After Hello - Lisa Mangum (New York + choices + destiny)
• Wish You Were Italian - Kristin Rae (Italy + independence + romance)
• Bright Before Sunrise - Tiffany Schmidt (one night + friendship + impressions)
• The Forbidden Queen - Anne O'Brien (royalty + history + drama)
• She is Not Invisible - Marcus Sedgwick (disabilities + family + mystery)
• Far From You - Tess Sharpe (mystery + best friends + issues)
• We Were Liars - E. Lockhart (friendship + summer + unreliable narrator)
• Moth and Spark - Anne Leonard (romance + magic + dragons)
• Under the Never Sky, Through the Ever Night + Into the Still Blue - Veronica Rossi (adventure + romance + courage)
• Torn Away - Jennifer Brown (tornado + grief + hope)

Features/Events:

• An Author a (Mon)day: Emery Lord
• It Runs in the Family: Vampire Academy #1-3 - Richelle Mead
• Stacking the Shelves (6) + To All the Boys I've Loved Before Launch Party
• 2014 BEA Book Blogger Picnic + BEA Blogger Meet and Drink
• BEA Part of It/New York, NY: Grabbing a Cuppa (Coffee & Tea)
• {Bookish} Style Files: Met Gala 2014 Edition

Personal Posts:

• The Sunny Day: A Geography of Karaoke, Great with Family & Friends
• It's Your Birthday: Mel (2014 Edition)

Don't forget to check out my Tumblr (where I post photos and cover reveals and other fun things), and my sister's blog Snaps for Mel (where she recounts all our adventures)! I also have a Facebook page, where I post random links. You can also subscribe to my Youtube channel, my sister's YouTube channel and the Lit Ladies YouTube channel!

I hope you enjoy reading these posts as much as I did! Now it's YOUR turn - are there any posts (on your blog or other blogs) from last week that I missed out on? Please feel free to share links in the comments and I'll try to check them out.