Way back in the early ‘80s, I was struggling to get through a cheap paperback that I all of a sudden realized I hated it. It actually made me angry how much I disliked it, but no way could I throw it in the trash. So I opened the front door and threw it out on the lawn. I happen to live on a popular street that kids use to walk back and forth to high school. Before I started dinner, I looked out the window and was happy to see the book got picked up. Yay for recycling 😆😅😂🤣 ! 📖 📕
I set a goal on goodreads, but I barely use it now that I use storygraph. My goodreads goal was 50, and I am at 38. I have now started a goal on Storygraph at 45 LOL The 38 books that I have read so far is more than I read last year so I will take it. I think starting to listen to books while I was working out at the gym has helped.
📚 I have only read 25 out of my 75 book goal this year. I usually use books for escapism. But after loosing my Mum in February, my world fell apart. I felt like reading to escape was somehow saying I wanted to forget her, and I just couldn't get past that feeling. I have started picking up a book again from time to time, but I'm still finding it hard to enjoy them like I used to. I'm going to try book journaling in 2025 to see if I can find that peace again. Thank you Erin for being my teacher in all things Journaling and for some wonderful sounding book recommendations. I hope you know that you make more of a difference than you probably ever thought a few youtube videos could. xx
I'm really sorry for your loss. I hope you find a way to cultivate joy for yourself as well as keeping your mom memory present. I know it's not an easy task. I am currently losing my mom to dementia. I don't know your particular situation or your mum, but im sure she would want joy in your daily life. I hope you can journal in the new year and find thoses simple moments of peace and joy along the way. May 2025 Be kind to you that way.
@@melinagerbert4507 Thank you for your kind words and well wishes. I'm sorry to hear about your Mum also. It is the hardest thing in the world to to watch and be helpless to help. Especially if your very close. Take every single moment with her that you can and leave no doubt in your heart, or hers, about just how much you love her. I will be thinking of you and sending you love. Because love is the only thing that gets you through the hard days. xx
@@vermilionrose3134 thanks you for your kinds words as well. I totally agree with you to make sure we give all the love we can to them for the time we have with them. This situation with my mom has been the hardest of my life in many ways but it has also change my way of seeing life. I try to be kinder and more intentional in my life. I love what you said about love is what gets you through the hard times, it's true. Even the memory of love has Incredible healing power. I'll keep you in my thought as well xx thank you
So, I only really started tracking in October so I originally set a goal of 10. I’m at 19 books. I do track FanFiction if it’s already on goodreads as an option. But I usually have at least 3 different stories I’m reading at a time so I guess 19 books since 10/24 isn’t bad. 📚I had stopped really reading for a long while so I’m glad I’m working my way back into it. 😊
So excited for your 2025 reading journal update! I'm really interested to see how you use the square journal and how it works with the yearly spreads. 📚
As a swamped college student...I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO READ AT ALL IN NOVEMBER!!! T-T I have all these books just sitting there waiting, half-read because I had to start cramming and focusing on the final exams professors were trying to throw out before actual finals. You'd think I'd have time now, right? NO! Now it is straight into studying for finals! I'm hoping I'll be able to finish all the books I started during winter break.
I've read 117 out of my goal of 120 so I'm almost there! Favorite book of November was Echoes of the Imperium by Nicholas & Olivia Atwater. Highly recommend! Project Hail Mary was one of my absolute favorite books I read this year, and it's officially my favorite sci-fi ever! I 100% agree with those feelings towards that one character
i have a friend who uses a lot of sample pots with her dip pens, i made her a little glow in the dark resin holder so they dont tip over when she is using them. she loves them.
Two of my favourite re-reads were “These old Shades” and book 2 & 3 of the Challion Series. For new reads I enjoyed Seeing with the Heart (a non fiction book) and Paladin’s Grace. At this point Story Graph says I’m ahead on my main goal. Nice to see the reading increasing again. 📚
I just got that cat PET tape from the Washi Tape Shop from their Black Friday sale and can't wait to use it! My favorite November read was Priory of the Orange Tree but she is a long one! 📖
My favourite in November was How to be ferociously happy and other essays by Dushka Zapata. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve bought copies for my friends for Christmas.
Omg! I read a good girls guide to murder back in 2022 when i was 18 and it really had a chokehold on me! It got me back into reading mysteries but it also slowed my reading a lot because nothing else could top it 😅
My boyfriend and I read “Project Hail Mary” last summer. I loved every minute of it! I don’t care too much for science, but they did make it easy to understand. And yes we both would die for our favorite space scientist ❤
That's fair! I knew she had a version for nonfiction but I don't read much of it, and I'm not using the system from January on so I was just too lazy to look it up 😅
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea and A Pirate's Life for Tea were my faves from November. I have found myself drawn to the lower stakes cozy fantasy and cozy mystery books almost as a palate cleanser from some of my other reads. They're kind of like my feel good books where I know things will work out. 😊 📚
That makes so much sense! I just finished a Pirate’s Life for Tea a few days ago too - I liked it more than Treason! I always love a good swashbuckle though 🤣
I've been wanting to start a reading journal, but I could never justify having a dedicated journal for it because I am a very slow reader (my goal was 10 books this year, which I did manage to hit!). But seeing how you do your dutch-door spreads and written reviews has really inspired me to give it a shot anyways! Thank you for your content! 📚
My reading goal for the year was 25 and I’m hoping to read three books this month that’ll get me to 55! It’s the most books I’ve ever read in a year, and I don’t expect next year to be the same, but I’m very proud of it! And these videos have really inspired me to add more book spreads into my everyday journal
Im so glad you enjoyed Project Hail Mary ! :) when I saw last month you read it this month I was really interested to know your thoughts. I really liked this book, more than The Martian, but Weirs humor can be a little grating/juvenile at times. But overall a really amazingly interesting book. I recommend it whenever I get the chance.
The Martian was released in 2014, and Project Hail Mary in 2021. I have a feeling Andy Weir learned how to write a compelling story in the years in between, because it did no favours to The Martian that it was written in epistolary form. The movie improved The Martian (LOVE the movie). Now I’m worried whether they can live up to the perfection that is Project Hail Mary. Note: I did not find the humour at all grating or juvenile, but tastes can certainly differ 😊
Love how your December spreads turned out! Also I LOVED the first 2 Good Girls Guide books, but the 3rd was not good, IMO. My favorite read of November was Broken Harbor by Catherine Cowles!
I've actually knocked my goal out of the park lol I didn't want to set it too high so I aimed for 24 but I've just finished my 51st! In all fairness several of those were novealls but still, that's the most I've read since I started journaling so I'm quite happy with how much I've been reading this year 📖 Favourite book from November was probably T. Kingfisher's Swordheart, it was really fun and had a lot of cute moments.
I love watching your reviews. I get so many good ideas for journaling and if I have to unhaul some books your ratings might be a small influence as we seem to like the same stories. 📚
This was so relaxing! I love watching you create! My fave book of November was This Girl’s a Killer. It’s a thriller novel with a bit of snarkiness from the MC that I found to be very entertaining. Think Dexter without so more gore and a sarcastic killer. I loved it. I’m anxious to see that you decide to use as your rating system as I’m not happy with the one I currently use. Thanks for sharing! 📚📖
📚 I got the beautiful cats and books tape during the Black Friday sale. I can’t wait to use it! November wasn’t a great reading month for me, and December isn’t going well so far either. Better luck next year, hopefully.
📚 I love to read and this is the first year I’ve used Audible since I’m on the road so much. I’m right on track to hit my goal of 100 books, which is about half of what I’m used to reading.
I understand your frustration with the CAWPILE system; sometimes you can just feel the star rating and when it doesn't line up... I thought about seperating the star rating from CAWPILE or better define what each number means (1-10) within each letter/category.
📚 I had such a reading slump in November, 6 books completed and 1 DNF, I usually do 10-15 a month. Still not 100% back on form yet but I'm not putting any pressure on myself. I had a reading goal of 100 books this year and I'm currently at 133, so very pleased with that!
I just got back into reading this year. I didn't set a goal. I have read 25 books so far. I find looking up books and buying the books have become almost a bigger hobby than the actual reading of them lol I have been trying really hard not to buy any this month with Christmas coming. And being I have so many already to be read. I have a reading journal but not as fancy as what you're doing. I just basically keep track of what I've read, the author, how many pages, rating, how long it took to read and what I thought without spoilers. I was thinking for next year I may set a goal but nothing huge and then when I'm done reading that number of books, going back and reading some of my favourites that I've already read previous years! My journal is big 7 1/2 X 10 1/4 Oh and my favourite book I read this year is Mary:An Awakening of Terror by Nat Cassidy.
My book reading goal this year was just 12 books. I have been in a reading slump for so long, I just wanted to get myself started again. Well, then I decided to join my first book club, and then your Bewitched Reading Challenge, and then discovering a few series.... Book Club: I've read fully 8 of the 12, DNF'd one but started reading the runner up for that months, and am in progress with three others... delays in getting the books and slumped on book club during the challenge, but I will have 12 Book club books finished by end of the year. Personal reads, which include those I read for the challenge, currently sit at 25 with one in progress. I have two more that are pending that I want to finish for December, so my personal total will be at least 27. So if all books get finished I will have a final total of 39 or more. Just over triple what I had set as my goal. It's been a good book reading year. I'll be using the Archer and Olive square for my 2025 reading journal. I have a really pretty bound journal that has been sitting on a shelf for ages and decided as I will go back and make a 2024 reading journal too. I'm hoping I can get that done by the end of March. I am still deciding on my goal for 2025. And I have faith in you.. you can make it. 📘
As I have stated before, my first reading journal will be 2025. I'm still somewhat on track of the books I've read each month which ranges 7-10 books. I can't wait to start my reading journal though. I've taken a lot of my inspiration from you of course. 📚
My favorite reads from November are “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” and “The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea”. I’m actually like 20 books ahead of my goal which is wild cause normally I don’t get close to completing it. 😅 Can’t wait to see your setup for next year! 📚
I’ve read 37 books out of my goal of 50 but I’m in a reading slump right now. Hoping to start The Briar Club by Kate Quinn to get me out of my slump! I love watching your reading videos! I had the same feelings about the Ali Hazelwood book. I kept reading but it made me really uncomfortable. I normally love her books. Happy December! 📚
AS soon as you started talking about finishing you audio book and setting up The Awakening I was like NOOOOOO..... Because I did the same thing! got two chapters in and it was almost a DNF for me... But I stopped and physically read them and liked it a lot better. Not a favourite or anything for me but it was a way better way to consume them. I am also not going to reach my reading goal for the first time but i'm so okay with it as the reason is I had my first child :)
@ No no no you are valid. I just think all fantasy’s or mystery’s would be better in a book since there’s more space for more details. But the series was still an enjoyable story if we don’t compare it to the book :)
I read 5 books in November and I think I'm up to 30 books read and my goal for the year was 24. I'm in the middle of the Oz Chronicles, so 2 of those books were from that series, which am enjoying, but the latest book wasn't quite as good - Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz.The other series I am in the middle of - Symphony of Ages - I also read 2 of this month (books 5 & 6) and enjoyed greatly.
I read A good girl's guide to murder last Month nd I really liked it. It didn't feel like YA to me. I have the second book on my e-reader. As I kid I used to read a lot. This year I started reading more books (finally!). I haven't set a reading goal, I'm happy that I am reading more now. That's enough for me at the moment. 📚
📚 I read 4 bangers in November: Warbreaker, The Spears Cuts Through Water, The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi and Ancillary Justice. It was extremely hard to pick a favourite of the month lol.
Gorgeous spreads. If you want a cozy fantasy with a bit more plot (and a lovely romance), I can't recommend The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst highly enough. The audio is also excellent.
📚 My fav books that I read last month were The Shepherd King duology by Rachel Gillig and I also really enjoyed Set the Record Straight by Hannah Bonam-Young (a cute-spicy sapphic Christmas novella)
I've been participating in yearly reading challenges in StoryGraph and so far, I completed 2 of them - one was to read 52 books from my backlist and the other one is the SG genre challenge. I'm almost done the Buzzword challenge from Books and Lala. And my SG/GoodReads goals were to read 115 books and I completed that a while back. I'm at 144 now. In my defense, I work a boring job, I have ADHD and need to watch or listen to something while I work so I listen to audiobooks haha📚
I'm currently reading the Ramses series by Christian Jacq, I'd genuinely forgotten how immersive and beautifully written they are. I love your December set up, I have the books and cats washi and PET tape, it's going to be part of my new reading journal set up along with ravens. I'm not setting mine up until I've seen your video though as i might want to steal ideas from you as it's my first square reading journal too. I'm intrigued with how you're going to go your reading system next year as well, as cawpile isn't really working for me. 📚
Ooh, I really love the December theme ✨️ some slight christmas vibes but nothing overwhelming! I feel like I get enough christmas vibes and decorations around me without needing it in my journal as well haha 💕 When I was at my book circle in Nivember people were really hyping up Project Hail Mary, so I might have to read that at some point, I just have soooo many TBR's already lol, I only do physical books so there's a lot...whoops Wonderful video as always ✨️📚 and the spreads for your favourite november reads were especially pretty!
I have not done very good at all this year. I had a goal of 25 (because last year I only read 7) and at this time, I’m only at 13. I did join the Page Mages book club in October, for inspiration, but have only read one book off the Bewitched Book Challenge. I’m hoping to read four more books before the end of the year, but not positive I will make it. 📚
I enjoy your relaxed outlook on things like lettering not being perfect. I don’t think the people that wrote with dip pens back when that was all they used always had perfect handwriting either
My reading goal was 100 and I actually made it to 126-who knew!! My favorite books where The Reformatory and All the Colors of the Dark. I do tend to read Mystery and Horror. I had a little horror break down for a while. I usually keep a guided journal but I have a 8X8 A & O for this year, I am nervous but going to try.
📚 My fave new read for November was The Redemption of Althalus by David and Leigh Eddings and my fave reread was the first two books in the Death Gate cycle by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, they finally brought these books out in audio book form so I was so excited to listen to them as I read them when i was 20 or so. 😂
i set a goal at the beginning of the year (25) and was at 19 in October, so really got my shit together and now i’m at 44! So im going for broke next year and setting the ambitious goal of 100.
I got back into reading this year and thought I'd start with 24 book goal. I'm pleased to say that I've reached it but won't be reaching the new goal I set which is 40 books. Maybe next year
AGGGTM wasn't hateful (the Netflix show) but it wasn't as good as the book. They did change some things, as they usually do, but I was thrown by the fact that they moved it from the US to England. It just threw me off. I did hear they are making book 2 as the second season. I'm working on Book 3 - which my daughter says is her favorite! :) They all keep you guessing, though!
📚i reached my low bar goal of 100 was hoping for 120 this year but def not gonna make it. oh well! love how much fun your having in the travel journal size
I was really afraid you were going to say you didn’t like Project Hail Mary-which would mean I’d have to stop considering your opinion of books 😅. What a relief!
📚 📖 My standout book for November was The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman (third in a series). My goal was to read 100 books. I listen to a lot of audiobooks to help get through my daily tasks and/or while I knit. I also count the books that I read to my child. Due to that, I have read over 200 books.
I know youre not going into 2025 with CAWPILE, but there is a way to use it for non-fiction books! I can't remember where I found this last year when I was setting up my 2024 reading journal, but not only does it have the non-fiction categories, but there's also a great guide for scoring each one! Credibility- Is the material trustworthy? Is it well researched and referenced? Is it unbiased? Accessibility- Was the informaton presented understandably? Was it too specific or for a wide target audience? Writing- Was the writing well done? Were the examples and information presented engagingly or dry? Pay-off - Were there impactful takeaway points? Were there tangible strategies and a way forward? Individuality- Did the book bring something new to the topic? Were the ideas unique? Logic- Did the information make sense? Were the techniques used reasonable and will they work? Enjoyment- Was your enjoyment consistent throughout the book? Would you recommend it to a friend?
I’m looking forward to seeing an 8x8 for a reading journal! I’ve already met my goal this year. I’m a bit new to your channel, what app do you use on your phone for your stats? 📚📖
It's definitely not as snarky as our lil marshmallow but Pip is just as smart and creative! Time for a rewatch... which means it's time to go cut my hair again I guess 😉
I'm not going to get to make my reading goal this year. I have a different job title at work, and it took away A LOT of my audiobook time. Then I've hit a few reading slumps at the end of the year. I'm not mad/upset about not getting to make my reading goal, but I wouldn't say I've made peace with it either. lol I know i wont be able to read enough books in 27 days to get to it, so I'm not going to force myself to do it. I'm rolling with my reading slump right now. 😅
i can't remember any of my November reads - I don't know if this is long covid at play, work pressures (I'm in retail) or they weren't that great. 📖 Currently reading Codebreaker Girls which is by the main character's daughter, Jan Slimming, it's part memoir and part fiction but good.
I’ve read I think 3 or 4 of the ZA series books & I’ve given up on it too.. it was interesting at first & I love (spoiler warning) Darcy & Lance, but not even that ship could keep me going
I've read all three GGGTM books and although overall I really liked the series it was very unbalanced. I'm not saying that in a negative way even though it sounds like it, I just can't think of a better way to describe it. For someone who enjoys true crime and murder mysteries that are less cozy and more serious, the second book will probably be boring and the third will probably be their favourite. For someone looking for the more cozy and mystery side, the second will be the best one. I think my advice for you would be to go into the second book with a blank slate. If you think it's gonna be like the first, you're probably be disappointed. I don't think it's bad at all, I just think it's very different. I think all three are very different to each other and imo it should be considered and rated as a trilogy. For the whole story and "growth" to be understood, you need to read all of them. If you think it as a trilogy, it's actually really cool imo. Tryna not give anything away but yeah, kinda goes from good girl's guide to murder to more just... murder in the final book. I highly suggest all three though. Sorry if this was a confusing comment 😂😂😂
I won’t achieve my goal. It’s 100 books but I’m at book 84 or 85 but that’s okay. I only started with active reading in April so I think I am doing okay 🤗💕
Way back in the early ‘80s, I was struggling to get through a cheap paperback that I all of a sudden realized I hated it. It actually made me angry how much I disliked it, but no way could I throw it in the trash. So I opened the front door and threw it out on the lawn. I happen to live on a popular street that kids use to walk back and forth to high school. Before I started dinner, I looked out the window and was happy to see the book got picked up. Yay for recycling 😆😅😂🤣 ! 📖 📕
I just receIved my cats and book washis, and I LOVE them. My absolute favorite stickers so far from the WTS. 📚📖
I read 5 books in November, and I think my favorite was Crown of Midnight. I love a plot in motion, and these books have yet to disappoint.
I set a goal on goodreads, but I barely use it now that I use storygraph. My goodreads goal was 50, and I am at 38. I have now started a goal on Storygraph at 45 LOL The 38 books that I have read so far is more than I read last year so I will take it. I think starting to listen to books while I was working out at the gym has helped.
📚 I have only read 25 out of my 75 book goal this year.
I usually use books for escapism. But after loosing my Mum in February, my world fell apart. I felt like reading to escape was somehow saying I wanted to forget her, and I just couldn't get past that feeling. I have started picking up a book again from time to time, but I'm still finding it hard to enjoy them like I used to. I'm going to try book journaling in 2025 to see if I can find that peace again.
Thank you Erin for being my teacher in all things Journaling and for some wonderful sounding book recommendations. I hope you know that you make more of a difference than you probably ever thought a few youtube videos could.
xx
I'm really sorry for your loss.
I hope you find a way to cultivate joy for yourself as well as keeping your mom memory present. I know it's not an easy task. I am currently losing my mom to dementia. I don't know your particular situation or your mum, but im sure she would want joy in your daily life. I hope you can journal in the new year and find thoses simple moments of peace and joy along the way. May 2025 Be kind to you that way.
@@melinagerbert4507 Thank you for your kind words and well wishes. I'm sorry to hear about your Mum also. It is the hardest thing in the world to to watch and be helpless to help. Especially if your very close. Take every single moment with her that you can and leave no doubt in your heart, or hers, about just how much you love her. I will be thinking of you and sending you love. Because love is the only thing that gets you through the hard days. xx
@@vermilionrose3134 thanks you for your kinds words as well. I totally agree with you to make sure we give all the love we can to them for the time we have with them. This situation with my mom has been the hardest of my life in many ways but it has also change my way of seeing life. I try to be kinder and more intentional in my life. I love what you said about love is what gets you through the hard times, it's true. Even the memory of love has Incredible healing power. I'll keep you in my thought as well xx thank you
@@melinagerbert4507 Thank you
So sorry for your loss. Love and hugs to you.
I’ve been loving the 8x8 size for a reading journal, but your videos have intrigued about the travelers size. 📚
So, I only really started tracking in October so I originally set a goal of 10. I’m at 19 books. I do track FanFiction if it’s already on goodreads as an option. But I usually have at least 3 different stories I’m reading at a time so I guess 19 books since 10/24 isn’t bad. 📚I had stopped really reading for a long while so I’m glad I’m working my way back into it. 😊
Tracking fanfics should be a thing coz wdym I read 200k works & in a day (based off real events (don’t judge pls)) & it doesn’t count anywhere??
Agreed! Reading is reading regardless of what it is. :)
So excited for your 2025 reading journal update! I'm really interested to see how you use the square journal and how it works with the yearly spreads. 📚
As a swamped college student...I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO READ AT ALL IN NOVEMBER!!! T-T I have all these books just sitting there waiting, half-read because I had to start cramming and focusing on the final exams professors were trying to throw out before actual finals. You'd think I'd have time now, right? NO! Now it is straight into studying for finals! I'm hoping I'll be able to finish all the books I started during winter break.
I LOVED Project Hail Mary. I also loved Veronica Mars, so I’ve put Good Girl’s Guide on hold at my library. 📕
I've read 117 out of my goal of 120 so I'm almost there! Favorite book of November was Echoes of the Imperium by Nicholas & Olivia Atwater. Highly recommend! Project Hail Mary was one of my absolute favorite books I read this year, and it's officially my favorite sci-fi ever! I 100% agree with those feelings towards that one character
Rocky has my whole heart!
your description of 'Ledge' made me think of a Mark Lawerence book 'The Girl and the Stars'
Ooh I’m not familiar with that one Marie! Do you recommend it?
@@ErinSmith it is set in the same world as the Red Sister series, I would recommend if you like his stuff lol
Most certainly have Project Hail Mary on my TBR and as you suggested, I will read now in December this year and move it on up. THANK YOU. 🥰📚
I hope you have a wonderful time reading it Heather!
It’s AMAZING!!!!!
Hi Erin. Thanks for sharing this. I really like the dutch door thing where you hide the writing. That is a neat idea I think I will try.
I read Project Hail Mary in November too. I loved it!
i have a friend who uses a lot of sample pots with her dip pens, i made her a little glow in the dark resin holder so they dont tip over when she is using them. she loves them.
I am a new subscriber. Watching your videos are making me want to do my own reading journal. Your work is so pretty. 😊
Two of my favourite re-reads were “These old Shades” and book 2 & 3 of the Challion Series. For new reads I enjoyed Seeing with the Heart (a non fiction book) and Paladin’s Grace. At this point Story Graph says I’m ahead on my main goal. Nice to see the reading increasing again. 📚
📚 I also loved Hail Mary. It was my 5 star book in September :)
I just got that cat PET tape from the Washi Tape Shop from their Black Friday sale and can't wait to use it! My favorite November read was Priory of the Orange Tree but she is a long one! 📖
I love graphic audio! I have that Good Girl’s Guide book on my tbr. 📖
My favourite in November was How to be ferociously happy and other essays by Dushka Zapata. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve bought copies for my friends for Christmas.
Omg! I read a good girls guide to murder back in 2022 when i was 18 and it really had a chokehold on me! It got me back into reading mysteries but it also slowed my reading a lot because nothing else could top it 😅
My boyfriend and I read “Project Hail Mary” last summer. I loved every minute of it! I don’t care too much for science, but they did make it easy to understand. And yes we both would die for our favorite space scientist ❤
In the spreadsheet CAWPILE, she suggests a rating for nonfiction, and I basically ONLY read non-fiction and still use CAWPILE.
That's fair! I knew she had a version for nonfiction but I don't read much of it, and I'm not using the system from January on so I was just too lazy to look it up 😅
Beautiful spreads as always 📖
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea and A Pirate's Life for Tea were my faves from November. I have found myself drawn to the lower stakes cozy fantasy and cozy mystery books almost as a palate cleanser from some of my other reads. They're kind of like my feel good books where I know things will work out. 😊 📚
That makes so much sense! I just finished a Pirate’s Life for Tea a few days ago too - I liked it more than Treason! I always love a good swashbuckle though 🤣
The Sun Down Motel was my fav of November! 📚
I've been wanting to start a reading journal, but I could never justify having a dedicated journal for it because I am a very slow reader (my goal was 10 books this year, which I did manage to hit!). But seeing how you do your dutch-door spreads and written reviews has really inspired me to give it a shot anyways!
Thank you for your content! 📚
One of my memorable reads from November was Summer on the Bluffs by Sunny Hostin. It was a book about perfection and secrets. 📖
My reading goal for the year was 25 and I’m hoping to read three books this month that’ll get me to 55! It’s the most books I’ve ever read in a year, and I don’t expect next year to be the same, but I’m very proud of it! And these videos have really inspired me to add more book spreads into my everyday journal
Im so glad you enjoyed Project Hail Mary ! :)
when I saw last month you read it this month I was really interested to know your thoughts. I really liked this book, more than The Martian, but Weirs humor can be a little grating/juvenile at times. But overall a really amazingly interesting book. I recommend it whenever I get the chance.
The Martian was released in 2014, and Project Hail Mary in 2021. I have a feeling Andy Weir learned how to write a compelling story in the years in between, because it did no favours to The Martian that it was written in epistolary form. The movie improved The Martian (LOVE the movie). Now I’m worried whether they can live up to the perfection that is Project Hail Mary. Note: I did not find the humour at all grating or juvenile, but tastes can certainly differ 😊
I LOVE Veronica Mars! I regularly rewatch it, too. It’s so good! 📖 One of my favorite reads of November was Anathema by Keri Lake.
Love how your December spreads turned out! Also I LOVED the first 2 Good Girls Guide books, but the 3rd was not good, IMO. My favorite read of November was Broken Harbor by Catherine Cowles!
I've actually knocked my goal out of the park lol I didn't want to set it too high so I aimed for 24 but I've just finished my 51st! In all fairness several of those were novealls but still, that's the most I've read since I started journaling so I'm quite happy with how much I've been reading this year 📖
Favourite book from November was probably T. Kingfisher's Swordheart, it was really fun and had a lot of cute moments.
I love watching your reviews. I get so many good ideas for journaling and if I have to unhaul some books your ratings might be a small influence as we seem to like the same stories. 📚
They filmed some of the Project Hail Mary movie in my home city! Still haven't read it but it is on my TBR pile though.
This was so relaxing! I love watching you create! My fave book of November was This Girl’s a Killer. It’s a thriller novel with a bit of snarkiness from the MC that I found to be very entertaining. Think Dexter without so more gore and a sarcastic killer. I loved it. I’m anxious to see that you decide to use as your rating system as I’m not happy with the one I currently use. Thanks for sharing! 📚📖
Deciding if I want to try out some version of CAWPILE in the coming year. probably not going to hit my goal this year, but there’s always next year!!📚
Oooh Veronica Mars! Have you read the 2 books yet? I really enjoyed them.
I had no idea they existed! Thank you for putting them on my radar!
📚 I got the beautiful cats and books tape during the Black Friday sale. I can’t wait to use it!
November wasn’t a great reading month for me, and December isn’t going well so far either. Better luck next year, hopefully.
📙 My fav November read was “The woman in the cabin”. The characters drove me a bit crazy but I just found it so engaging I couldn’t stop!
📚 I love to read and this is the first year I’ve used Audible since I’m on the road so much. I’m right on track to hit my goal of 100 books, which is about half of what I’m used to reading.
I understand your frustration with the CAWPILE system; sometimes you can just feel the star rating and when it doesn't line up... I thought about seperating the star rating from CAWPILE or better define what each number means (1-10) within each letter/category.
📚 I had such a reading slump in November, 6 books completed and 1 DNF, I usually do 10-15 a month. Still not 100% back on form yet but I'm not putting any pressure on myself. I had a reading goal of 100 books this year and I'm currently at 133, so very pleased with that!
I just got back into reading this year. I didn't set a goal. I have read 25 books so far. I find looking up books and buying the books have become almost a bigger hobby than the actual reading of them lol I have been trying really hard not to buy any this month with Christmas coming. And being I have so many already to be read.
I have a reading journal but not as fancy as what you're doing. I just basically keep track of what I've read, the author, how many pages, rating, how long it took to read and what I thought without spoilers. I was thinking for next year I may set a goal but nothing huge and then when I'm done reading that number of books, going back and reading some of my favourites that I've already read previous years!
My journal is big 7 1/2 X 10 1/4
Oh and my favourite book I read this year is Mary:An Awakening of Terror by Nat Cassidy.
📚Another lovely video with lots of cool ideas 😊
My book reading goal this year was just 12 books. I have been in a reading slump for so long, I just wanted to get myself started again. Well, then I decided to join my first book club, and then your Bewitched Reading Challenge, and then discovering a few series.... Book Club: I've read fully 8 of the 12, DNF'd one but started reading the runner up for that months, and am in progress with three others... delays in getting the books and slumped on book club during the challenge, but I will have 12 Book club books finished by end of the year. Personal reads, which include those I read for the challenge, currently sit at 25 with one in progress. I have two more that are pending that I want to finish for December, so my personal total will be at least 27. So if all books get finished I will have a final total of 39 or more. Just over triple what I had set as my goal. It's been a good book reading year. I'll be using the Archer and Olive square for my 2025 reading journal. I have a really pretty bound journal that has been sitting on a shelf for ages and decided as I will go back and make a 2024 reading journal too. I'm hoping I can get that done by the end of March. I am still deciding on my goal for 2025. And I have faith in you.. you can make it. 📘
As I have stated before, my first reading journal will be 2025. I'm still somewhat on track of the books I've read each month which ranges 7-10 books. I can't wait to start my reading journal though. I've taken a lot of my inspiration from you of course. 📚
I re-read Bel Canto (the annotated edition) in November. It was as good if not better then it was 20 years ago. 📚
My favorite reads from November are “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” and “The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea”. I’m actually like 20 books ahead of my goal which is wild cause normally I don’t get close to completing it. 😅 Can’t wait to see your setup for next year! 📚
I’ve read 37 books out of my goal of 50 but I’m in a reading slump right now. Hoping to start The Briar Club by Kate Quinn to get me out of my slump! I love watching your reading videos! I had the same feelings about the Ali Hazelwood book. I kept reading but it made me really uncomfortable. I normally love her books. Happy December! 📚
AS soon as you started talking about finishing you audio book and setting up The Awakening I was like NOOOOOO..... Because I did the same thing! got two chapters in and it was almost a DNF for me... But I stopped and physically read them and liked it a lot better. Not a favourite or anything for me but it was a way better way to consume them. I am also not going to reach my reading goal for the first time but i'm so okay with it as the reason is I had my first child :)
I didn't read A good girls guide to murder, and I loved the netflix series!!!
OH maybe I should watch it then! 😂
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No no no you are valid. I just think all fantasy’s or mystery’s would be better in a book since there’s more space for more details. But the series was still an enjoyable story if we don’t compare it to the book :)
I read the book and watched the show. Loved both but book is better. Watched it with hubby who is picky about shows and he really enjoyed it.
I read 5 books in November and I think I'm up to 30 books read and my goal for the year was 24. I'm in the middle of the Oz Chronicles, so 2 of those books were from that series, which am enjoying, but the latest book wasn't quite as good - Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz.The other series I am in the middle of - Symphony of Ages - I also read 2 of this month (books 5 & 6) and enjoyed greatly.
I read A good girl's guide to murder last Month nd I really liked it. It didn't feel like YA to me. I have the second book on my e-reader. As I kid I used to read a lot. This year I started reading more books (finally!). I haven't set a reading goal, I'm happy that I am reading more now. That's enough for me at the moment. 📚
I’ve just come across your page and I love it. New subscriber here. 📚
Thank you for coming along on the journey with me! 😍
Comparing books to Veronica Mars??? Erin don't play with me like that. That's a high bar you've set!
It's maybe not as witty as our favourite marshmallow but definitely as thrilling! My headcanon is that Pip is a Veronica fan!
📚 I read 4 bangers in November: Warbreaker, The Spears Cuts Through Water, The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi and Ancillary Justice. It was extremely hard to pick a favourite of the month lol.
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Gorgeous spreads. If you want a cozy fantasy with a bit more plot (and a lovely romance), I can't recommend The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst highly enough. The audio is also excellent.
Oh this is reassuring to hear - I have it on hold at the library! Looking forward to reading it! 😍
@@ErinSmith I hope you enjoy it!
📚 My fav books that I read last month were The Shepherd King duology by Rachel Gillig and I also really enjoyed Set the Record Straight by Hannah Bonam-Young (a cute-spicy sapphic Christmas novella)
I've been participating in yearly reading challenges in StoryGraph and so far, I completed 2 of them - one was to read 52 books from my backlist and the other one is the SG genre challenge. I'm almost done the Buzzword challenge from Books and Lala. And my SG/GoodReads goals were to read 115 books and I completed that a while back. I'm at 144 now. In my defense, I work a boring job, I have ADHD and need to watch or listen to something while I work so I listen to audiobooks haha📚
I'm currently reading the Ramses series by Christian Jacq, I'd genuinely forgotten how immersive and beautifully written they are. I love your December set up, I have the books and cats washi and PET tape, it's going to be part of my new reading journal set up along with ravens. I'm not setting mine up until I've seen your video though as i might want to steal ideas from you as it's my first square reading journal too. I'm intrigued with how you're going to go your reading system next year as well, as cawpile isn't really working for me. 📚
Ooh, I really love the December theme ✨️ some slight christmas vibes but nothing overwhelming! I feel like I get enough christmas vibes and decorations around me without needing it in my journal as well haha 💕
When I was at my book circle in Nivember people were really hyping up Project Hail Mary, so I might have to read that at some point, I just have soooo many TBR's already lol, I only do physical books so there's a lot...whoops
Wonderful video as always ✨️📚 and the spreads for your favourite november reads were especially pretty!
I have not done very good at all this year. I had a goal of 25 (because last year I only read 7) and at this time, I’m only at 13. I did join the Page Mages book club in October, for inspiration, but have only read one book off the Bewitched Book Challenge. I’m hoping to read four more books before the end of the year, but not positive I will make it. 📚
I’m ahead of my goal at this point. Who knows what next year will hold though. My favourite November read was The Booklover’s Library.
I enjoy your relaxed outlook on things like lettering not being perfect. I don’t think the people that wrote with dip pens back when that was all they used always had perfect handwriting either
My reading goal was 100 and I actually made it to 126-who knew!! My favorite books where The Reformatory and All the Colors of the Dark. I do tend to read Mystery and Horror. I had a little horror break down for a while. I usually keep a guided journal but I have a 8X8 A & O for this year, I am nervous but going to try.
📚 My fave new read for November was The Redemption of Althalus by David and Leigh Eddings and my fave reread was the first two books in the Death Gate cycle by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, they finally brought these books out in audio book form so I was so excited to listen to them as I read them when i was 20 or so. 😂
i set a goal at the beginning of the year (25) and was at 19 in October, so really got my shit together and now i’m at 44! So im going for broke next year and setting the ambitious goal of 100.
I got back into reading this year and thought I'd start with 24 book goal. I'm pleased to say that I've reached it but won't be reaching the new goal I set which is 40 books. Maybe next year
📖thank you for sharing!
AGGGTM wasn't hateful (the Netflix show) but it wasn't as good as the book. They did change some things, as they usually do, but I was thrown by the fact that they moved it from the US to England. It just threw me off. I did hear they are making book 2 as the second season. I'm working on Book 3 - which my daughter says is her favorite! :) They all keep you guessing, though!
The books were originally set in the UK, and changed for the US audience. The show is adapting the original version of the book!
@maireadsbookshelves I didn't realize that! Good to know - that changes a lot. Wonder what else they changed. Thank you!
📚 my favorite read of November was Crossroads by William Paul Young. I *love* your setup for November and December ❤
📚i reached my low bar goal of 100 was hoping for 120 this year but def not gonna make it. oh well! love how much fun your having in the travel journal size
I was really afraid you were going to say you didn’t like Project Hail Mary-which would mean I’d have to stop considering your opinion of books 😅. What a relief!
Eep sorry to scare you like that! 😅
Hi Erin! Just wanna suggest if you maybe wanna try doing some fun/bright/colorful theme, i think it would be a fun experience 😅🥰🥰
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My standout book for November was The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman (third in a series).
My goal was to read 100 books. I listen to a lot of audiobooks to help get through my daily tasks and/or while I knit. I also count the books that I read to my child. Due to that, I have read over 200 books.
I know youre not going into 2025 with CAWPILE, but there is a way to use it for non-fiction books! I can't remember where I found this last year when I was setting up my 2024 reading journal, but not only does it have the non-fiction categories, but there's also a great guide for scoring each one!
Credibility- Is the material trustworthy? Is it well researched and referenced? Is it unbiased?
Accessibility- Was the informaton presented understandably? Was it too specific or for a wide target audience?
Writing- Was the writing well done? Were the examples and information presented engagingly or dry?
Pay-off - Were there impactful takeaway points? Were there tangible strategies and a way forward?
Individuality- Did the book bring something new to the topic? Were the ideas unique?
Logic- Did the information make sense? Were the techniques used reasonable and will they work?
Enjoyment- Was your enjoyment consistent throughout the book? Would you recommend it to a friend?
Aww thank you for this! I knew there was a variant but I was too lazy to look it up for a one off 🤣
📚 and my November best book is “educated” by Tara Westover 😊
I’m looking forward to seeing an 8x8 for a reading journal! I’ve already met my goal this year. I’m a bit new to your channel, what app do you use on your phone for your stats? 📚📖
I use Storygraph - it's my favourite! I still use Goodreads too, for the community features, but I prefer Storygraph for its stats!
You had me at Veronica Mars!! I also suffer from the delusion that I could pull off anything as well as Kristen Bell 😅
It's definitely not as snarky as our lil marshmallow but Pip is just as smart and creative! Time for a rewatch... which means it's time to go cut my hair again I guess 😉
I'm not going to get to make my reading goal this year. I have a different job title at work, and it took away A LOT of my audiobook time. Then I've hit a few reading slumps at the end of the year. I'm not mad/upset about not getting to make my reading goal, but I wouldn't say I've made peace with it either. lol I know i wont be able to read enough books in 27 days to get to it, so I'm not going to force myself to do it. I'm rolling with my reading slump right now. 😅
📚 My stand out book for November was Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman.
I always set my reading goal to one book and then the hundred plus more are just a bonus 😂
I might borrow that idea next year!
i can't remember any of my November reads - I don't know if this is long covid at play, work pressures (I'm in retail) or they weren't that great. 📖 Currently reading Codebreaker Girls which is by the main character's daughter, Jan Slimming, it's part memoir and part fiction but good.
I’ve read I think 3 or 4 of the ZA series books & I’ve given up on it too.. it was interesting at first & I love (spoiler warning) Darcy & Lance, but not even that ship could keep me going
I've read all three GGGTM books and although overall I really liked the series it was very unbalanced. I'm not saying that in a negative way even though it sounds like it, I just can't think of a better way to describe it. For someone who enjoys true crime and murder mysteries that are less cozy and more serious, the second book will probably be boring and the third will probably be their favourite. For someone looking for the more cozy and mystery side, the second will be the best one. I think my advice for you would be to go into the second book with a blank slate. If you think it's gonna be like the first, you're probably be disappointed. I don't think it's bad at all, I just think it's very different. I think all three are very different to each other and imo it should be considered and rated as a trilogy. For the whole story and "growth" to be understood, you need to read all of them. If you think it as a trilogy, it's actually really cool imo. Tryna not give anything away but yeah, kinda goes from good girl's guide to murder to more just... murder in the final book. I highly suggest all three though. Sorry if this was a confusing comment 😂😂😂
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I read Zodiac Academy last month too and feel the same, not clue how it's so popular and people are obsessed with it, it was... not good XD
Thank you for this validation 😭 I was so confused!
@@ErinSmith Me too!!
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I won’t achieve my goal. It’s 100 books but I’m at book 84 or 85 but that’s okay. I only started with active reading in April so I think I am doing okay 🤗💕
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I am also not a Sci-fi gal, but ❤Hail Mary
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