May Wrap-up: Wait it’s June Already?!

Where the hell did May go? I swear the first one or two weeks of May things were going so slow and then bam I’m writing this wrap-up. I’ve had a hell of a month and sure there were some low points but it has mostly been a good month for me. I read some great books, actually spent time in the outside world (more on that later) and finished my second year of university!

There’s a lot to talk about so let’s get started 🙂

Books I Read

KLARA AND THE SUN

The premise of this was very intriguing and the book delivered with its contemplation and questioning of what makes us human. I don’t usually read literary fiction or speculative fiction but I really liked this one. 4/5 stars

SON OF THE STORM

Wow, this was one of the finest and most engaging fantasies I’ve ever read. Every single page was an absolute treasure and you can read my raving review for this book here. Absolutely cannot wait for the sequel!!! 4.5/5 stars

A SPARK OF WHITE FIRE (re-read)

What more can I say about this book, it’s just pain and perfection. 5/5 stars

SISTER OF THE BOLLYWOOD BRIDE

Not gonna mince my words, this book was quite bad. The plot didn’t offer much, the romance felt very shallow and underdeveloped and I couldn’t get myself to care about any of the characters. It was just a quick and maybe mildly entertaining read. 2/5 stars

REA AND THE BLOOD OF NECTAR

You can read my review of this book here but basically this was an enjoyable fantasy and I loved the desi elements as well as the protagonists. But I had issues with the pacing as well as the worldbuilding and there were some plot holes as well. Overall a 3.5 stars

WE ARE OKAY

Not me crying buckets over this book. It’s so beautifully written, the author definitely knows how to tug at my heart strings. 4/5 stars

A HOUSE OF RAGE AND SORROW (re-read)

MORE PAIN. WHYYYYYYYY. I’m literally postponing reading the final book so much because it’s going to scar me for life. 5/5 stars

DNFs:

Sisters of the Snake: I wanted to like this so much, I truly did! And I think the book started out well, I was enjoying the set up and world-building but I couldn’t get on board with the pacing and writing style. I literally had zero interest in any of the characters

Books I Hauled

Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales

I won this in a giveaway and I’m so freaking excited! I loved the author’s debut novel and like a bisexual mc with a secret identity as a advice giver/note writer? Okay my explanation is terrible but I can’t wait to read this 🙂

Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao

I swear I’ve been planning on buying this for years now??? Long story short, I finally bought it and hopefully I can dive into it this month.

The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He

This was a late birthday gift from two of my closest friends and ahh I’ve read and loved this book and I finally own it in it’s beautiful glory! Read my review here.

Everything I Binge-Watched

MOVIES

PHIR HERA PHERI

This is supposed to be a huge Bollywood blockbuster and like I see why the humor might have enamored everyone when it came out but I wasn’t very impressed. And yes I didn’t see the first movie so I may have missed out a couple references but still, I was kinda disappointed.

THOR RAGNAROK

This is one of my comfort movies plus the Loki show is coming out in June so I’m rewatching all the Loki movies and perhaps getting slightly obsessed. *cough* I’m reading Loki fanfics at this point *cough*

TV SHOWS

LOL – HASSE TOH PHASSE

This was such a unique idea wherein some Indian comedians were holed up in a house with the challenge to not smile or laugh. Some craziness and hilarity ensued and it was definitely entertaining to watch.

EVERYTHING’S GOING TO BE OKAY S1

My friend Sai recommended this one and I didn’t expect to love it so much? It’s really different and kinda crazy but at the same time all these characters managed to capture my hearts. I’m currently watching the second season and it’s somehow even better!

NAILED IT DOUBLE TROUBLE

I’ve watched the entire Nailed It saga and hello there’s a new season? Always fun to watch messy cakes and even messier amateur bakers, lol.

SHADOW AND BONE

Yes, I FINALLY watched it. It was actually quite gripping and entertaining and my review isn’t going to be thorough or very critical but I agree with what many others said that the Asian discrimination angle that was taken wasn’t completely explored. If you want to go into it, actually go into it maybe? Other than that though I loved the Six of Crows trio although I’m yet to read that series. Also, they made Mal so much more likeable cause he’s not a possessive asshole anymore who didn’t really care for Alina before she got taken away. Also wow, the cinematics were certainly captivating!

AMIT TANDON: FAMILY TANDONCIES

I was just looking for something to laugh at and somehow I found a stand-up that I haven’t seen yet, lol. It was actually hilarious, the family stories resonated with me since they were often centered around siblings.

Life Updates

Ah yes, this time I took notes because depending on my memory would be crazy, lol.

Well first off, in the beginning of May my blog hit 1k WordPress subscribers!! I actually forgot that was this month but holy shit, I’m so freaking happy and proud. I love all of you, whether you read, like or comment on my posts. However you choose to support me, it’s highly appreciated!

First week of May also saw me finishing my fourth semester and it actually went pretty well and I ended up getting all As and A- so I’m pretty happy with that! I also went out of town for my cousin sister’s wedding which was a very small affair to the point we were filling out spots for the groom’s side’s functions as well, haha. The plan was to get one shot of the vaccine before leaving but of course all of the slots were booked. Nevertheless, all of us made it back corona free.

Still, the wedding was pretty hectic and chaotic and we were all anxious for so many reasons. The weather was not in our favor, due to covid the arrangements were falling apart and of course none of us wanted to get covid so we were all just santizing like crazy. Nevertheless, it was nice to leave my house and meet people and just breathe fresh air. But I was equally happy to get back cause eating hotel food for 10 days isn’t something I would like to do again.

And what do you know as soon as we got back my sister and I did get a vaccine slot! It was a crazy fastest fingers first contest but it happened! I finally got my first shot of the Covishield vaccine but it’s especially known for its side-effects when compared to other vaccines. I got the shot on 31st but since I’m writing this in June let me tell you that I had a high fever and my arm is still sore. But oh well, at least I’m partially vaccinated!

This is actually the most monthly updates you could expect from me during a lockdown. The next few months are going to be boring as I try to keep myself busy during my 3 month long summer break. But I’m actually going to be focusing on my writing so maybe I’ll tell you all more about it next month 🙂

How has your May been like?

What media and books did you consume in May?

Have you read any of the books I mentioned? If yes, what were your thoughts?