2021 wrap-up

we did it folks. we made it through another impossible year. i hope that you all were able to make the most of it despite the obvious state of the planet rn. reflecting back on it, i think i accomplished quite a bit. i started my first job, got accepted into northwestern for grad school, moved all the way to chicago and revamped my life a little bit. things during the last quarter of 2021 were really swell for me. i made a lot of great new friends out of my classmates, was able to reconnect with old ones, and i feel more sure of my future now than i did before. overall, a good year!!

in terms of reading, this was much better than previous years and that’s mainly because i was out of school and able to read on the job (don’t tell anyone). i think this year my taste in books has evolved a lot, as i’ve been seeking out more new adult or adult fiction. i still love a ya, but there’s a whole new world of stories to discover in na/adult and i’ve been having a hell of a time discovering that!! to recap the last year of reading i’ve had, i’m using the end of the year book survey created by Jamie @  The Perpetual Page Turner.

wishing you all a great new year ahead of you! all book titles link to their respective goodreads page! cheers to 2022 and here’s to hoping i keep up with my reading again!! let me know if we have any picks in common or if you have any recs you think i’d enjoy! 

2021 reading stats
number of books read: 34!

number of re-reads: 1 (the deal, pls don’t look at me i re-read this like once a month)

genre you read the most from: fantasy and romance 

best book you read in 2021?
i’ll choose one fantasy and one romance for y’all, since that’s all i read this year: The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang and It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey! honorable mention is Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo!

book you were excited about & thought you’d love more but didn’t?

this one hurts cause i loved the first two in the trilogy so much, but The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang. i think going into this one i just wasn’t in the right headspace for the themes it explores, so it was tough for me to get through. 

most surprising book you read?

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss! by no means was i expecting to enjoy this book as much as i did. i know how popular this series is, so i knew it had to be good, but this by far exceeded my expectations and i’m so excited to read the sequel. 

book you pushed the most people to read?

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang. i truly took it upon myself to recommend this to every single person i know and i’ve gotten 3 people (pending 2 more) to read it by now. it is hands down my favorite trilogy and has turned R.F. Kuang into an author i trust with my life. 

best series you started in 2021? 

to not end up sounding like a broken record i will not mention The Poppy War again (whoops i mentioned it), so i choose Jade City by Fonda Lee and Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson. Jade City was my first venture into adult fantasy and it was amazing. it truly set the tone for the rest of my reading year. Mistborn is absolutely genius and Brandon Sanderson is such a great author, i cannot wait to read The Stormlight Archive. 

     

a book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

honestly i know it’s still romance but i decided to read The Sweetest Oblivion cause everyone was talking about it on booktok and it was very out of my comfort zone. a whole mafia romance?? literally who would’ve thunk. 

most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

The Burning God by R.F. Kuang i do not need to explain myself. honorable mention: The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson. 

 

book you read in 2021 that you would be most likely to re-read next year?

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. when i say this book caused me emotional turmoil, i mean it. i love Emily Henry’s writing so much and i think she has an innate ability to create stories that everyone can relate to in one aspect or another. the way she discussed loneliness in pwmov made me rethink my whole life i’m not even exaggerating. i will definitely re-read this, the way i have all of her books, and continue to cry over alex and poppy. 

most memorable character of 2021?

darlington. daniel arlington. from ninth house. i just. love him. also kieran from the Blood and Ash series by JLA — he carried that entire series on his back. 

favorite non-romantic relationship of the year?

rinkitay. i have said it so many times but they are the standard for platonic soulmates and i crave so badly to have what they have. 

favorite quote from a book you read in 2021?

“She’s the only divine thing he’s ever believed in. The only creature in this vast, cruel land who could kill him. And sometimes, in his loveliest dreams, he imagines she does.” screaming crying shaking vomiting. this is Nezha’s pov from The Drowning Faith by R.F. Kuang. absolutely mad luv. 

book that shocked you the most?

The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang LMAOOOO

book that put a smile on your face/was the most fun to read?

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert. oh my god this has everything you could ever want in a contemporary romance. 

best 2021 debut?

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas and The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazlewood were both so good [sobbing]. unfortunately i didn’t read a debut fantasy this year but i would have loved to read She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan and will definitely prioritize this in the new year. 

    

hidden gem of the year?

i think everyone needs to read Jade City by Fonda Lee immediately. it has an incredibly refreshing concept of magic, great lore and world building, and an expansive cast of characters that bring a lil something something for everyone looking for an invigorating read. i loved it so much!!

one book you didn’t get to in 2021 but will be your number 1 priority in 2022?

Jade War by Fonda Lee — the second book in The Green Bone Saga!

book you are most anticipating for 2022 (non-debut)?

Babel by R.F. Kuang!!! dark academia! what else do i have to say! 

2022 debut you are most anticipating? 

i’m gonna choose two! first up, Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan! this is the start of a duology inspired by the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e. it is going to be epic, enchanting, romantic — everything i could ever want from a Chang’e retelling!! second, Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li! a heist novel inspired by the real life disappearance of Chinese art from western museums ft a cast of Chinese American students!! all very exciting for me :)

series ending/sequel you are most anticipating in 2022?

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey. pls give it to me now. 

#ReadADessen: Lock & Key + GIVEAWAY!

Synopsis: Ruby, where is your mother?

Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she's been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return.

That's how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn't seen in ten years, and Cora's husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future; it's a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give?

*Thank you to Penguin for sending me a copy of Lock & Key!*

I really enjoyed this one! I definitely have a feel for Sarah Dessen books now and what they're all about, and cannot wait to indulge the rest of her stories. She has a strong preference for stories that deal with friendship and romance, while also handling serious issues. Her books are meant to show what it's like to grow up and adapt to certain situations, to discover yourself and dare to take risks. I think Sarah Dessen books are perfect summertime reads! With that, I want to share with all of you some of my favorite summertime jams that include some new songs plus some oldies, but goodies, paired with my favorite quotes from the book.

1. “It's a lot easier to be lost than found. It's the reason we're always searching and rarely discovered--so many locks not enough keys.”
2. “I always tried to imagine what it would be like to open your door to find something you had given up on. Maybe it had seen places you never had, been rerouted and passed through so many strange hands, but still somehow found its way back to you, all before the day even began. ”
3. “We all have one idea of what the color blue is, but pressed to describe it specifically, there are so many ways: the ocean, lapis lazuli, the sky, someone's eyes. Our definitions are as different as we are ourselves.” 

There are only a couple of weeks left until the release of ONCE AND FOR ALL! Until then, you can all enter to win a set of ALL of Sarah Dessen's books! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter for a chance to win one (1) set of Sarah Dessen’s books in paperback (ARV: $132.00).

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on April 17, 2017 and 12:00 AM on May 29, 2017. Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about June 1, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

Waiting on Wednesday: An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

Here is where I share with you my anticipation for upcoming books! Breaking the Spine has introduced me to this and I am super excited to get to participate. Please feel free to comment what books you are looking forward to as well!!

Synopsis:  Isobel is a prodigy portrait artist with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread, weave cloth, or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. They crave human Craft with a terrible thirst, and Isobel’s paintings are highly prized among them. But when she receives her first royal patron—Rook, the autumn prince—she makes a terrible mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes – a weakness that could cost him his life.

Furious and devastated, Rook spirits her away to the autumnlands to stand trial for her crime. Waylaid by the Wild Hunt’s ghostly hounds, the tainted influence of the Alder King, and hideous monsters risen from barrow mounds, Isobel and Rook depend on one another for survival. Their alliance blossoms into trust, then love, violating the fair folks’ ruthless Good Law. There's only one way to save both their lives, Isobel must drink from the Green Well, whose water will transform her into a fair one—at the cost of her Craft, for immortality is as stagnant as it is timeless.

Isobel has a choice: she can sacrifice her art for a future, or arm herself with paint and canvas against the ancient power of the fairy courts. Because secretly, her Craft represents a threat the fair folk have never faced in all the millennia of their unchanging lives: for the first time, her portraits have the power to make them feel.

Wowza, I am so intrigued with this book and by the premise of the story. It sounds so interesting to have a set of individuals who cannot perform basic human crafts, such as writing on paper or baking a cake, and for them to actually have a craving for this sort of thing. For starters, I love anything that deals with the fair folk, so I already dig it. Second, I love that our main character is an artist. Third, I freaking love the idea of her being able to control the fair folk's emotions. This sounds like an enemies to lovers sort of book (which is my favorite trope), so I'm ready to see how the dynamics between these two characters pan out. Also, the cover for this book is absolutely stunning and is what immediately drew me in. 

An Enchantment of Ravens will be released September 26th, 2017! You can preorder it here: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

#ReadADessen: The Truth About Forever + GIVEAWAY!

Synopsis: In The Truth About Forever, when asked how she is coping with her father's death, invariably seventeen year old Macy Queen's answer is "fine," when nothing could be further from the truth. In actuality, she is drowning in grief while maintaining a flawless façade of good grades and unblemished behavior. Though she feels lost when her boyfriend heads to "Brain Camp" for the summer, she finds herself a job with the quirky Wish Catering crew, and meets "sa-woon"-worthy Wes, whose chaotic lifestyle is in direct opposition to her own.

As the two share their stories over the summer, Macy realizes she can no longer keep her feelings on ice. Though it feels like her future ended with her dad's death, Macy's learns that forever is all about beginnings.

*Thank you to Penguin for sending me a finished copy of 

The Truth About Forever!*

The Truth About Forever is the first Sarah Dessen book I have ever read (I knoooow - where have I been) and I must say, Sarah Dessen has a wonderful writing style. What I love the most about her writing style is the fact that she paints a vivid picture. The detail in everything is so intricate and planned out, that I couldn't help but get lost in it. There is a lot about this book, and others I presume, that is incredibly relatable and realistic - she writes about a lot of important issues and does so really well. While The Truth About Forever deals heavily with loss and the grief that comes after, friendship plays a large part in the story. It is through the establishment of these friendships that our main character is able to break free from her controlled life and find herself. Although romance is part of the plot line, it is such a slow progression from the day Macy and Wes meet, to the day they become friends, to the day they realize they're wonderful together. This is a story of self realization, the overcoming of loss, and the determination to save what you believe in.

The characters in this book were so much fun to read about. While Macy was quite the character to read about, I especially loved the Wish Catering crew and felt that each member added a different dynamic to the story. After the passing of her father, Macy is reclusive and afraid to break away from her shell. She's studious, organized, and not one for surprises. However, the most beautiful parts of the story were when Macy found herself in a sticky situation, because it brought her out of her comfort zone and into the welcoming arms of the Wish Catering crew. Here we find Kristy, Monica, Bert, Delia, and Wes. Kristy is the best friend you hope to find, Monica is the one who is always there, Bert is comedic relief, Delia is kind hearted, and Wes is obviously sa-woon. I thought the friendships between all the characters were light-hearted, supportive, and real. The relationship between Wes and Macy is soooo sweet - I loved that we were able to really watch the relationship blossom and overcome its obstacles.

Now, I'd like to share with all of you my top three favorite quotes from The Truth About Forever:

1. "There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.”
2. “Grief can be a burden, but also an anchor. You get used to the weight, how it holds you in place.”
3. “The choices you make now, the people you surround yourself with, they all have the potential to affect your life, even who you are, forever.”

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win one (1) set of Sarah Dessen’s books in paperback (ARV: $132.00).

 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on April 17, 2017 and 12:00 AM on May 29, 2017.  Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about June 1, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

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First We Were IV Playlist + GIVEAWAY

Synopsis: A group of friends start a secret society in this out-of-control thriller from the author of The Telling and The Creeping that examines the all-consuming love of lifelong friendship—and what someone is capable of when they’re afraid of losing it.

Izzie loves nothing more than her three best friends, Viv, Graham, and Harry, and the bond the four of them share. And she’s terrified of their friendship falling apart next year when they go off to college. To bind them together, she decides to create that will belong only to them, a special thing that they’ll always share between the four of them. And so they dream up the Order of IV, a secret society devoted to mischief that rights wrongs and pays back debts. At first, it works like a charm—but when the Order of IV’s escapades get recognition beyond their wildest expectations, other people start wanting in. And soon, what started as a game of friendship is spiraling into something dangerous and beyond their control—and before it’s over, they’ll pay the ultimate sacrifice.

In preparation for the release of this mischievous book, I've put together a playlist with all of the songs I felt really fit with the book and its themes and some that just gave me all the right vibes. FIRST WE WERE IV is the perfect read for anyone in the mood for a thrilling, mysterious, and dark adventure. With vivid imagery, intriguing writing, and an overall exciting plot, Alexandra Sirowy has blown me away with her story. Make sure to catch the giveaway at the end of this post and lemme know how you enjoy this playlist! 

Publication Date: July 25th, 2017

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Alexandra Sirowy is the author of the young adult thrillers THE CREEPING, the Bram Stoker Award® Nominated THE TELLING, and the upcoming FIRST WE WERE IV. Alexandra attended a women's college as an undergrad and received her graduate degree in International Studies. When she isn't writing, she loves to travel, read, eat, and get into mischief. She lives with her husband in Northern California.

One signed ARC of FIRST WE WERE IV

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Waiting on Wednesday: Want by Cindy Pon

Here is where I share with you my anticipation for upcoming books! Breaking the Spine has introduced me to this and I am super excited to get to participate. Please feel free to comment what books you are looking forward to as well!!

Synopsis: Jason Zhou survives in a divided society where the elite use their wealth to buy longer lives. The rich wear special suits, protecting them from the pollution and viruses that plague the city, while those without suffer illness and early deaths. Frustrated by his city’s corruption and still grieving the loss of his mother who died as a result of it, Zhou is determined to change things, no matter the cost.

With the help of his friends, Zhou infiltrates the lives of the wealthy in hopes of destroying the international Jin Corporation from within. Jin Corp not only manufactures the special suits the rich rely on, but they may also be manufacturing the pollution that makes them necessary.

Yet the deeper Zhou delves into this new world of excess and wealth, the more muddled his plans become. And against his better judgment, Zhou finds himself falling for Daiyu, the daughter of Jin Corp’s CEO. Can Zhou save his city without compromising who he is, or destroying his own heart?

This futuristic read sounds like the perfect book that is appealing to everyone. With a fast paced plot, Asian MC, and corrupt society polluted by the wealthy elite, Cindy Pon sets us up for an immaculately cultivated adventure set in Taipei, Taiwan. 2017 seems like the year for an increase in diverse YA novels and I have honestly never felt more happy about a lineup of releases. I've been waiting for a very long time to see myself portrayed in YA novels as a heroine and with the amount of books written by Asian authors and featuring Asian casts, (Forest of a Thousand Lanterns, A Line in the Dark, Warcross, When Dimple Met Rishi, American Panda, The Bone Witch, etc etc.) I feel like we're getting closer to the representation we as POC, in general, deserve. 

Want is definitely a book you want to place on your TBR and plan on having Cindy Pon's books blow you away in the near future. Want is released June 13th, 2017!! 

Books as Corgis #2

Hello and welcome to another edition of Books as Corgis. I got so many positive comments on the first one, that I thought I might as well continue bringing you these joyous posts. Please welcome, Books as Corgis #2!

Of Poseidon

by Anna Banks

          

• this corgi has taken on a mermaids tail and so, I've paired her with of poseidon (even though I haven't read it yet). pretty sure the main character of this book is a mermaid and there's romance involved in-between the waves of the ocean with a human boy. it sounds quite promising and since there aren't an abundance of mermaid novels to choose from, I should pick this one up soon. while reading it, maybe I'll pick up one of those mermaid tails tibby has.

Summer of Sloane

by Erin L. Schneider

             

• summer of sloane was one of my favorite debuts of 2016. the story was so easy to read and yet so addicting; I fell in love with the characters and the setting (you can read my review for it here if you're interested). this corgi here reminded me of the Hawaiian setting with his floral shirt and laid-back style. I sure wish I was laying in the sand with my best friends and this cute pup by my side.

The Darkest Minds

by Alexandra Bracken

            

• the darkest minds has a cast of characters is single handedly one of the best squads ever in existence. ruby, liam, zu, and chubs, the four of them save the world and carry each other's weight on their shoulders and I just love them so much. in this picture of corgis, you see seven little ones which I consider a squad equivalent to that of the black betty squad. plus, ruby, liam, zu, and chubs are like puppies anyways, so it works out.

Heartless 

by Marissa Meyer

          

• for this corgi with a donut around its nose, I decided to use heartless, just because it was the first book that came to my mind when I thought of baking. I'm sure y'all already know that catherine makes some of the most succulent treats, because I was always hungry whilst reading it. now, if you have a book that has more food in it, please tell me in the comments below, because I'm always looking for books like that. 

Dreamology 

by Lucy Keating

          

• for some reason, the way this corgi's eyes are closed reminds me of the cover of dreamology. if you're looking for a very cute contemporary read with magic realism, this is the perfect book for you. this was, again, one of my favorite debuts of 2016 (they killed it - they really did). I love how calm and precious this corgi looks. I wish I could find this much bliss, but alas, college is love college is life.

I really hope you guys enjoyed this post! Once again, I had so much fun looking for books to pair with these corgis. I find that my google search history is always extremely strange after these posts (I searched up YA books with donuts, so). Thanks for stopping by!!

Waiting on Wednesday: Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller

Here is where I share with you my anticipation for upcoming books! Breaking the Spine has introduced me to this and I am super excited to get to participate. Please feel free to comment what books you are looking forward to as well!!

Synopsis: Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class―and the nobles who destroyed their home. 

When Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The Left Hand―the Queen's personal assassins, named after the rings she wears―Sal jumps at the chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge.

But the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future, but one that Sal can have only if they survive.

I am so incredibly excited for Mask of Shadows. This book features a gender fluid main character, which, quite frankly, I have never ever read about in a YA novel before (if there are more books featuring gender fluid characters, please let me know in the comments below, I'd love to check them out!). This diversity aspect of the book already has me so freakin stoked, but the synopsis also pitches it as perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo. Books that are driven by revenge are honestly my favorite books ever. The passion that drives these characters forward is a force unlike anything you could ever encounter, which makes the book and its story that much more compelling. Also, I love assassins and anything that involves competitions - which I assume is why it is compared to that of SJM. The cover for this book is also wonderfully crafted, I love the intricate design and color scheme. I am ready for this duology to blow me away and potential (probably) crush me.

Mask of Shadows releases September 5th, 2017.

Romantic Books + Playlists

Romantic Books + Playlists 

this post was originally featured on Alex's  blog for Fictional Fever Week, but I loved writing up the post so much, I decided to tweak some things and switch out some books so I could share it with all of you here! 

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer 

"As I was saying. He could never use you. You own him. You should've seen the way he was looking at you while you were out"

"How?"

"Like you're the ocean and he's desperate to drown."

• Mara Dyer and Noah Shaw, aka madness, is my go to couple when people ask me who my favorite OTP is. There is so much dimension to the way these two care for each other. My heart bursts for them. Also, this isn't exactly a romance book, because I remember when I was reading it I was actually scared, but I think the dark themes and mystery of the story really enhance the romantic aspects. You can't help but root for these two to be alright and to end up together, and I just love them. I cannot wait to see what Michelle Hodkin has in store for us in The Shaw Confessions. 

                          The Darkest Minds

                 

"Now, darlin', I just had myself a little thought."

"Did you?"

"I did indeed. It being that you are seventeen and I'm eighteen, and we have every damn right to make out like teenagers. Like normal, happy, crazy kids."

• ok rubiam is one of my original otps. I love these two so much. liam loves everything ruby is made and capable of, and she loves him something fierce, and my whole world revolves around these two being in love and happy. their dynamic as a couple makes me extremely happy, because not only do they feed off of each other in terms of strength, but they also allow others to find a feeling of empowerment. together with chubs and zu, I love this cast of characters with my entire heart and soul, and now I really have to reread it. 

The Raven Cycle

"His feelings for Adam were an oil spill; 

he'd let them over flow and now there wasn't a damn place in the ocean that wouldn't catch fire if he dropped a match." 

• my sons Adam Parrish and Ronan Lynch. This was the slowest of all slow burn romances ever, but I am here for it and I love them. Ronan adores Adam so much and will likely do anything to see him smile, and I'm just wrecked. I am beyond happy with how this series ended up and am so excited for us to get our very own Ronan Trilogy. Ronan Lynch is my favorite character ever, so this trilogy will likely be my favorite trilogy ever. Hopefully my boy Adam makes an appearance, or better yet, just tag along for the whole trilogy - that would be quite nice. 

A Darker Shade of Magic

"So you confess it, then?" -

He brushed his lips against Rhy's throat.

"That you are mine."

• Alucard Emery and Rhy Maresh - I love them and didn't know I needed them together until it happened, but I've been drowning ever since. I haven't finished AGOS yet, so I don't even know if something terribly horrible happens to either of them, but I only need to read 100 more pages, please bear with me. So far that one little cameo of the two of them is enough to let me know that I need more of it. Hopefully I will finish AGOS in time for A Conjuring of Light to come out (which is right in time for spring break yay!). Anyways, I love these two and really hope they stay alive have more scenes together in the next book. 

The Love That Split the World

"If we were in the same world, the one where Kincaid was in love with you, I'd still be here. If you wanted me, I'd be here."

"Why?" I ask.

"I'm not sure the world and me are as complicated as you think, Natalie. I didn't mean to choose you or anything. I just know if I only get to build one porch in my life, I'd like it to be yours, and if there's one person I never have to hurt or disappoint, I'd want that to be you too.”

• ok The Love That Split The World is one of my favorite books ever. I love everything about it - the characters, the plot, and especially the writing. Emily Henry has become one of my favorite authors in just the span of one book, but I am already so impressed by everything she does. A Million Junes comes out this year, May 16th, and I will literally move the entire world for this book. I've heard amazing things about it thus far and will only continue to push people to read her books. I love Natalie Cleary and Beau Wilkes - they complement each other so well. Their personalities are incredibly meshy and they're so mushy and ah I love this book.