Categories
Book Club Books

#iwsgbookclub Nov. 2021 Poll & What I #read in Oct.

Please join the IWSG Book Club today on Goodreads for a short general poll. Aside from spotlighting two IWSG member books each month, we also want to engage in bookish whimsy and encourage others to have a healthy reading lifestyle. You don’t have to be reading or have read the 2 current featured books to be able to participate in this poll, so please, join in the festivities. Click the image below to see our fun poll. This month the topic is about seasonal reading.

Nov. ’21 General Poll

In October 2021, I read 1 romantic suspense and it was an IWSG Book Club spotlight read. I read 1 YA space opera, not a book club read but a book written by an IWSG member. Lastly, I read 1 historical mystery (ghost story) written by an author from my local area (Coastal Virginia). Check it out… Sorry I didn’t post my August and September reviews. Click to watch this video if you’d like to see them.

2021 Reading Challenge

2021 Reading Challenge
Toi has
read 48 books toward
her goal of
50 books.
hide

Below you’ll find my star ratings and review blurbs for each title I completed in the indicated month. If you have not signed up for my newsletter, please consider doing so. That’s where I post my thorough book reviews (and sometimes TV and movie stuff) as well as talk about my love of reading while offering tips for having a healthy reading lifestyle. You can also click the Goodreads links to see the thorough reviews. At the bottom of this post, you’ll also be able to watch a video of my monthly reviews, if that’s more your style.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through to make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Any amount I make goes towards my dream to host a book fair in Hampton Roads (Coastal), VA. Please see my About page for more details. Thank you for your support.

4.0 – Good continuation of the series.

 

Goodreads | Amazon

5.0 – I like space magic.

 

Goodreads | Amazon

4.0 – Dreamy man, nice small town.

 

Goodreads | Amazon

You can watch my update video here. Click below to watch my review video. There is a bonus review included.

So, did you read any good books in Oct. or did you try either of the IWSG Book Club Books?

What did you think of the ones I read? Any recommendations?

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter

Categories
Books

What I Read in June & July 2021

In June & July 2021, I read 1 nonfiction book, 1 science fiction, 1 anthology (fantasy), 1 crime thriller, 1 graphic novel, and a short story (contemporary drama). Check it out… Sorry I skipped July without an explanation or better planning.

2021 Reading Challenge

2021 Reading Challenge
Toi has
read 36 books toward
her goal of
50 books.
hide

Below you’ll find my star ratings and review blurbs for each title I completed in the indicated month. If you have not signed up for my newsletter, please consider doing so. That’s where I post my thorough book reviews (and sometimes TV and movie stuff) as well as talk about my love of reading while offering tips for having a healthy reading lifestyle. You can also click the Goodreads links to see the thorough reviews. At the bottom of this post, you’ll also be able to watch a video of my monthly reviews, if that’s more your style.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through to make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Any amount I make goes towards my dream to host a book fair in Hampton Roads, VA. Please see my About page for more details. Thank you for your support.

4.0 – Some good writing exercises.

 

Goodreads | Amazon

5.0 – Many twists and endings 😉

 

Goodreads | Amazon

5.0 – Only read An Imperfect Family by Tricia Drammeh

 

Goodreads | Amazon

5.0 – Still processing this one.

 

Goodreads | Amazon

4.0 – I wanted more of these stories.

 

Goodreads | Amazon

5.0 – Zombie sophistication!

 

Goodreads | Amazon

You can watch my update video here. Click below to watch my review video.

So, did you read any good books in June & July?

What did you think of the ones I read?

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter

Categories
IWSG

#IWSG July 2021: Quitting isn’t what it used to be.

You ever have moments in your life where no matter what you do, you keep coming up short? Well, that’s me right now. Thus, my late post. Just got back from a much-needed rest and visiting family, but there’s no time to reflect on it. There’s just too much to do.
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Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.

Optional Monthly Question: What would make you quit writing?

I don’t think I will ever quit writing, but I could quit trying to publish my writing. Right now, I’m not actively trying to publish anything, but only because I’m waiting until I feel I have something worth publishing. For me, it’s not about quitting, it’s about whether or not I want to keep doing it.
Quitting isn’t what it used to be. Societal standards have overwhelmed so many people that it’s gotten to the point where very few feel obligated to stick with something that doesn’t bring them joy anymore and I, for one, am glad. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with someone saying, “I’ve had enough.” That’s called moving on. It’s not the same mentality as someone who never had a passion for something and then quit because it didn’t make them a lot of money. That’s what quitting is.
Sometimes I want to take time off, knowing how quickly people forget you and write you off if you’re not constantly putting yourself out there, and it used to cause me to stick around. Fortunately, I’ve reached a point where I don’t care anymore. If people write me off or forget about me, well, so be it. Sometimes I just need time off. When I return to writing, blogging, vlogging, or whatever it is I’ve taken time off from, I’m doing it for me. I’m just as happy with a crowd of one as I am with a crowd of 100.

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IWSG BOOK CLUB ON GOODREADS

I’m currently struggling to complete any of the books I’ve started including our book club reads and not because they aren’t good reads. I’m feeling overwhelmed in many areas of my life and unfortunately, my read count and word count are suffering. Hopefully though, since I’m seeking help and support, I’ll be able to get back on track soon.

Now, on to the personal updates.

Discovered a new medical condition that’s been making my life difficult to navigate. Was in a car accident (I’m okay). My dog is very sick. The woes of technological issues, and the usual stuff we know as life have made the last month and a half very difficult, but I’m trying to keep it moving. I hardly made it around to visit many blogs last month, but I hope to be able to visit more this month.

I posted a few videos to my YouTube channel just to feel like I have a little control of what’s going on around me. Despite the minor hardships I’m currently dealing with (in comparison to what other people are going through) I am still very blessed.

Here are a few videos you can check out if you’re up for it.

Have U Seen This? #7 6/21 |  6-21 Mid Year Haul | and

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Ever thought about quitting?
Whatever you’re going through, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually stop by your blog.

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Pat Garcia,
Victoria Marie Lees,
Chemist Ken, and
Louise – Fundy Blue!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #36).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter