MAY SHOWERS: GETTING BACK THE BLOGGING MAGIC

It’s almost surprising how well May went by for me! I got back into blogging, my May reads have all been wonderful books, and I’ve been taking good care of my physical health.

So, June is Pride Month. I have some rad blog tours coming up and while we do well to celebrate our community, do take a moment to also remember that Pride began in a 1969 protest known as the Stonewall Riots. It was against police brutality and the violation of their human rights. Remember Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera who were drag queens, worked with the homeless LGBT+ youths and those affected by AIDS, and were also key activists in the Stonewall Riots. Remember their sacrifices and the people who came after. There is much that needs to change and we, as book bloggers, can help in our tiny corner of the world.

ON THE BLOG

🌺 This is the month where I got back my blogging magic! I began the month with a discussion on R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War. It might be a bit early to say but  The Poppy War is my favourite read of the year. I was so excited to have the chance to talk about this amazing fantasy with Dani from Perspective at a Writer. In our discussion post, Dani and I explored the culture and history written in The Poppy War, we shared our favourite characters and scenes, and also recommended similar reads. Check out the discussion: The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang.

🌺 I need to make a list of my Year of the Asian reads. For May, I read three books by Asian authors! This has brought up my count to seven books and eight manga volumes. I recommend all three of these reads; they deal with themes on family and relationships and having control over one’s life. 

🌺 As it was Asian Pacific Heritage Month, I did a book tag but I put a small twist on the book tag! In it, I recommend books by Asian authors and books which I am hoping to get my hands on. So check out my I Should Have Read That Book Tag: Asian Pacific Heritage Month Edition.

🌺 As part of Charvi from Not Just Fiction’s Off Tangent Thoughts meme, I shared my thoughts on The Importance of Book Reviews and Writing Own Voices Reviews.

🌺 As part of my writing posts, I share the Books Which Have Influence My Writing, and I also take a moment to look back on My Old Writing & Old WIPs by Answering Diverse Ink’s Monthly Q&A.

🌺 For those who would like to try some quiet reads this summer, do read my post on Why I Love Quiet Books and take your pick from my recommendations!

🌺 And finally, let’s take a moment to look through the books that have shaped our reading tastes. I talk about the books I choose from different eras, the ones I’ve loved and one I want to read.

🌺 The books I reviewed this month are

📚 The Watermight Thief by Jordan Rivet: A Magic Thief, An Adventurous Princess, and Feather Dragons

📚  Fate of Dragons by Alisha Klapheke: Dragons, Elves, and Sea Folk in a Near Apocalyptic World

📚 The Bone Charmer by Breeana Shields: A Gorgeous Story on Defying Fate in a Macabre World of Bone Magic

🌺 I participated in my first ‘Can’t Wait’ Wednesday this month! Is it something you enjoy and would love to see more of?

RECOMMENDED BOOKS OF THE MONTH

I’m quite happy with the books I read this month since a majority of them earned either four or five stars from me. My favorites of the month are quite varied as you can see! If I had to recommend one out of the five, I believe it would be A Thousand Perfect Notes by C.G. Drews. 

HOW WAS MY MONTH?

🌺 May turned out to be a very chill month for me, and although I didn’t get very far in re-writing Ghoul WIP, I was able to pinpoint plot-holes, figure out a new character, and re-assess the direction of my novel. This month I plan on doing some character introductions and have put out a small poll asking whether people would be interested in me doing videos of my WIP progress or simply talking about my characters.

I want to get back on IG and add in some writing updates sort of content to my #bookstagram! I've been thinking of doing those IG vids to introduce you to my characters, and gen thoughts! Would you be interested in following my thoughts and process w my novel? #writingcommunity

— Camillea is working on #TikbalangWIP (@CamilleaReads) May 30, 2019

🌺 I watched Detective Pikachu! Okay, so it’s not a big achievement or anything but I consider it one of my self-care moments (which I have been terrible at!). The movie was a wholesome nostalgic experience. I may or may not have cried at the sight of Bulbasaur. This movie has officially made it into my feel-good movies.

Source: IMDB

🌺 I am now an official member of Akemi Dawn Bowman’s Harley in the Sky street team! The book is out in Spring 2020 but I got a glimpse of the cover and guys, it is glorious! Don’t forget to add it on Goodreads.

🌺 This one is so mundane, but I got my ears pierced. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time but was too scared of it looking ugly. Anyways, I took the plunge. This month seems to be one about stepping out more; I find myself doing things I’ve been scared to do and in spite of the three breakdowns I’ve had this month, I’ve been pushing forward quite well.

LIKED POSTS 

🌺 Marija from Inside my Library Mind chats with us about The Idiosyncrasies of My Reading. 

🌺 Stock up your TBR for Pride Month with Vicky from Vicky Who Reads recommended Underrated Queer Novels, May from Forever and Everly’s All Queer Book TBR, or Read Rainbows’ amazing list of Queer Superhero Books!

🌺 Kelly from Another Book in the Wall has a thoughtful discussion on whether Engagement Equals Success as a Blogger.

🌺 Charlotte at Inskslippers Reads guests posts on the Sun and Chai blog to talk about coming out scenes in books and shows, and the difference it makes to have someone who understands writing them.

🌺 Kaleena from Reader Voracious shares their ARC Request Templates for bloggers!

🌺 This last one is a Youtube video from Saajid at Books are my Social Life who discusses why they don’t read books by white men.

How was your May? Do you have a TBR for June?

Have you watched Detective Pikachu?

Would you like to see me make short videos about my writing process and maybe some books?