Fandom Friday: Harry Potter July

Fandom Friday is hosted by Elizabeth from BookYabber. Every month, bloggers can showcase their favorite fandoms on the first Friday of the month. Fandom Friday provides a way for bloggers to blog hop and keep updated with everything fandom related. Because I am a huge Harry Potter fan, there will be lots of Harry Potter related information for the fridays of the month.

This month is perfect for one of my favorite fandoms. Not only is July the month of Harry Potter's and J.K. Rowling's birthday but I will be immersing myself with the magic of Harry Potter all month long!

I am fortunate enough to be attending Leviosa this month. Leviosa is a Harry Potter and YA lit convention occurring on July 7, 2016 - July 10, 2016 located in Las Vegas. And yes, this is happening next week!!! I can so stoked that I am going to be flying out to Vegas and will be in a hotel fill with Potterheads and YA lit lovers! It's the best of two worlds combined! Leviosa has 6 programming tracks which include academic, fandom, creativity, slash & queer track, YA lit and a writing track. Leviosa invited a lot of amazing guests such as Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley), Roshani Chokshi, Alexandra Bracken, Draco and the Malfoys, Sasha Alsberg and more. For the complete special guest list, please click here. I will be doing a recap of the event sometime after the event. Definitely check it out!

If you are a huge fan of Harry Potter and have never been to a Harry Potter convention, I would highly suggest MISTI-Con which will be held in Laconia, NH on May 18, 2017 - May 22, 2017. This is one of my favorite conventions to attend. The conventions usually take place every two years. 2017's theme will be "Coming Home," which represents a celebration of 20 years of Harry Potter fandom. You can check out my MISTI-Con 2015 recaps here: Day 1 and Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 and 5.

For those who haven't been keeping tabs about the upcoming Harry Potter news, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be premiered on July 30th in London and the play script book on July 31st. I am totally pumped to attend a midnight release party to get my hands on the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. There will definitely be a recap of the release party sometime in August. I am hoping to devour "the eighth book" once I get my hands on it.

Also, Ilvermorny has a back story now on Pottermore! If you're active on Pottermore, definitely get sorted into a house! I am not only a Ravenclaw, but I am also a Thunderbird. Can I be a Thunderclaw now? Information about Ilvermorny will help shape Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. For those who don't know, Ilvermorny is located on Mount Greyock in Massachusetts. I happen to live in Massachusetts and I am proud to live near Ilvermorny! This summer I will be less than an hour away from the Berkshires and will be super close to Ilvermorny.

Image from harrypotter.wikia.com

Are you a big Harry Potter fan? If so, what do you have planned for Harry Potter July? If you're not a big fan, what fandoms do you like? Do you ever attend conventions or do anything to spread your love for a fandom?

Top Ten Books for a New YA Reader

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten Tuesday asks bloggers to do a freebie. I decided to showcase books that I would suggest to a new YA reader. The following books are in no particular order.

1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is my absolute favorite book of all time and it's one of the books that I read when I was a teenager. It's a coming-of-age story that is unforgettable that delves into many things teens deal with everyday.

2. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is another book that I read when I was in high school. It's also my first Anderson book as well. This is a powerful book and it's authentic. 

3. 1984 by George Orwell is a dystopian novel that discusses nationalism, censorship and being watched by Big Brother at all times. It's not exactly a YA novel but it's a good launchpad to other dystopian reads. 

4. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell is a book about two misfits bonding over comics and music in the 1980's. Little did they know that their friendship would turn into something more. 

5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a dystopian that is fast paced and an adventure you will never forget. This is a good series to start with for those who want to give dystopian a try.

6. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli is a cute heartfelt book about how love has no color, gender or any other fixed requirements. Love is Love is Love.

7. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling is a middle grade series that slowly morphs into a young adult series. It's a good bridge from MG to YA. Of course those who love fantasy and a bit of magic will enjoy the Harry Potter series. 

8. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a classic! This coming-of-age story is definitely for those who love movies such as Grease and Crybaby. If you enjoy reading about socioeconomic divides, definitely check this novel out. 

9. Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley is a powerful yet a must read book for everyone. It's a raw and beautifully written novel about civil rights and love.

10. The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury is a entrancing retelling of Aladdin from One Thousand and One Nights. Khoury transports the reader as a spectator in this magical journey. For those who love Aladdin or novels about Jinn, definitely pick this fantasy novel up.

What books would you recommend to someone who is starting to read YA?

Harry Potter: 19 Years Later

Nineteen years ago, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was officially published. Little did J.K. Rowling know, she would change the world by a storm. Is it a coincidence that the epilogue in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is set 19 years later after the Battle of Hogwarts and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is released 19 years after the first Harry Potter book is published? I think not! Also, how fitting is it for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to be released on July 31st, which is both Harry's and J.K. Rowling's birthday.

Image from sherpotter.tumblr.com

Harry Potter has been an extremely important part of many people's lives. The fact that even after the seven books, Harry Potter still lives on through spin offs, fan fiction, podcasts, cosplaying, Quidditch, conventions, meet ups and more. Re-reading the books is a joy for many. Introducing the books to new readers is wonderful! Harry Potter is probably of the book series that can connect many people no matter what the age. And through this magic, we will always be strong and we will always be like a second family.

J.K. Rowling, thank you for making my life complete! I cannot wait for next year to celebrate 20 years of Harry Potter fandom. I will be introducing several Potter related posts throughout the month of July regarding fandom and Leviosa, a Harry Potter and YA Lit convention.

For those who are preparing for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Elizabeth from Book Yabber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I are planning to read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in July. Join us while we embark on this journey once more. We are coming home!

In honor of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child coming out next month, I will be hosting a pre-order giveaway for the book! 

GIVEAWAY

1. Open to residents of the United States.

2. Winner must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

3. The book will be sent from Amazon and I will not be responsible for delayed shipping or damaged items. 

4. Giveaway ends on 07/21/16 12:00 a.m. EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Marauders: B-Fest Day

The Marauders is a feature where Book Yabber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I will showcase our bookish adventures around New England. Whether it is a bookstore or a library, we wanted to discover new places to share with the bookish community. We each took an Animagus form. Can you guess who is who and what animal is each person's Animagus?

On Saturday, June 11th, I ended up meeting Elizabeth and Marci and Barnes & Noble near the Burlington Mall for some bookish fun. If you didn't know already, Barnes & Noble had B-Fest Teen Book Festival nationwide which started on Friday, June 10th and spanned all weekend long. It was the first festival Barnes & Noble hosted and it's pretty awesome that all the Barnes & Nobles nationwide had author events, trivia, swag, etc. Unfortunately, it was poorly marketed. If you didn't have a twitter account or aren't active on social media, you pretty didn't know about the event.

Elizabeth, Marci and I were able to pick up a few things at Barnes & Noble when swag was put out at 11 am. We obsessed taking pictures with Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco because the novel is fantastic! Afterwards, we headed to the Cheesecake Factory for some lunch and dessert. I got my usual Thai Lettuce Wraps and a Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake slice.

Because we had a lot of time to kill, the ladies and I decided to venture off to the Disney Store and took quite a good chunk of time there browsing the store. We took many photos with the castle and with stuffed animals. We counted how many Disney characters were in the three character trees.

Bottom left and right photo credit: Elizabeth

Claire's was next and I can't tell you when the last time I visited Claire's. I probably haven't been there since middle school or high school. Elizabeth, Marci and I took many photos of us trying on flower headbands and random hats and even a veil! Marci had fun with a parasol.

Left and right photo credit: Marci

A Starbucks trip was in need of next and Marci and Elizabeth ordered Pink Drinks off the secret menu while I ordered a Latte Macchiato. They were super delicious and they were just the pick me ups we needed to continue our day.

Photo credit: Marci

The ladies and I returned back to Barnes & Noble and were surprised that much of the swag was untouched. Again, it's because of the poor marketing. We decided to pick up three of some of our favorite reads at Barnes & Noble and made a book wheel showcasing the books we chose. Marci also went picture happy styling all of the chosen books. Aren't they wonderful looking?

Photo credit: Marci

I chose All the Feels by Danika Stone, Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch and Fangirl by Rainbow. I totally forgot to add Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum and The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord. However, I was only limited to three books. Contemporary is my favorite genre and these books mean so much to me. All the Feels and Fangirl are about fandom love which I can relate to so much since I am OBSESSED with Harry Potter. Love & Gelato, on the other hand, reminds me of memories when I was in Florence, Italy.

However, Elizabeth's choices of To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han and When We Collided by Emery Lord are also fabulous. I absolutely love both of them and they are contemporaries I would recommend to everyone. I also really want to read The Museum of Heartbreak by Meg Leder that Marci chose.

Photo Credit: Marci

Have you read any of the book pictured above? If so, what did you think of them? If not, which books do you want to pick up in the near future? Were you able to attend B-Fest this month? Leave a comment below!

If you want to follow The Marauders on social media, please check out the hashtag, #TheMarauders3, for pictures about our bookish adventures. We solemnly swear we are up to no good. Mischief Managed.

Photo credit: Elizabeth

Favorite Reading Spots

Do you ever think about where you read a book? Are you one of those people who can only read in certain locations or are you someone who can read on a whim anywhere? Personally, I can almost read anywhere but there are some locations I would call my favorite reading spots.

1. My Bed
I am a huge fan of reading right before bed. There is something about diving into a book before a good night's worth of rest. Sometimes it inspires my dreams.

2. Outside 
I love reading outside when the weather is nice. Sitting under a tree or reading on the deck with a glass of lemonade is a nice way to enjoy the weather and to catch up on some good books.

3. At the Beach or the Pool
Catch some waves and soak up the sun while reading a book. Just make sure you slather on that sunscreen.

4. On the Subway
I am one who loves reading on the subway. Because I use the subway often, I am always looking forward to passing the time. Reading is a good way to make the ride more enjoyable. The only thing I have to worry about is not missing my stop.

5. The Library
If I am browsing around at the library, I will often read a chapter of a book or two before taking a book out unless I am sold based on the synopsis. The library also provides a nice environment to enjoy reading.

6. At a Café/Coffeehouse/Teahouse
I often like to visit a café to enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea with a book on hand. Cafés that have the nice squishy comfy couches are my favorite!

7. In the Kitchen
I am often cooking or baking. When I am baking, I like to read in the kitchen while I wait for the timer to go off to check on the oven. Also, books go well with sweets like cookies or cupcakes.

Where do you like to read? Do we share any of the same favorite reading spots?

Top Ten Favorite 2016 Releases So Far This Year

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten Tuesday asks bloggers to share their top ten favorite 2016 releases so far this year. The following books are in no particular order.

1. The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi is one of the most beautifully written novels I have ever read. Her words are lyrical and poetic; her descriptions are opulent. Chokshi writes with passion. It's a definite must read for fantasy and mythology lovers.

2. When We Collided by Emery Lord is a wonderful contemporary about two people finding one another during the summer. Vivi and Jonah help each other during hard times. Lord has a gift for capturing moments in a snapshot. Pick up this book this summer!

3. The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski is a stunning ending to this fantastic trilogy. The world building and the political dynamics are still on point and the writing is passionate and compelling.

4. All the Feels by Danika Stone is a fangirl's dream book. If you are in love with a fandom, this is a must read book. Learn what a fandom really means to someone.

5. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch transports me to the time when I traveled to Florence, Italy. It's breathtaking! Love & Gelato is the perfect heartfelt and romantic novel for those who enjoyed reading Anna and the French Kiss.

6. Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum is an honest story that has captured my heart! If you're looking for a good contemporary read, this is the one to pick up now!!!

7. The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury is a retelling of Aladdin from One Thousand and One Nights. However, it is not a mere imitation of Aladdin but a extension of the world of the Aladdin that most of us know today. It's a magical journey that many should dive into.

8. The Lonely Ones by Kelsey Sutton is a whimsical MG novel. Sutton writes in poetic verse which makes the story flow quite nicely. She captures the emotions of Fain perfectly.

9. If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo is an important and powerful book that everyone should read. It's a coming-of-age novel that tackles bullying, questioning your identity, making new friends, divorce, moving and finding love.

10. Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee is a historical fiction taken place in 1906 in San Francisco. Learn what it means to live during the time of a historic earthquake in Chinatown. Acceptance, friendship and advocating for yourself are important themes in this novel.

Books Coming Out Soon:

1. How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather will capture those who love everything Salem. The novel is one part Mean Girls, one part Sleepy Hollow and one part Hocus Pocus. The eerieness, the mystery and the ambience makes How to Hang a Witch the perfect autumnal read.

2. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco fuses together gore and a mystery in the late 19th century Victorian era. Maniscalco does a fabulous job creating a compelling, atmospheric novel with a strong non-conventional female lead.

3. The Women in the Walls by Amy Lukavics devours you whole. It is equally intriguing, unsettling and chilling. This is a horror novel you want to pick up for sure!

What books are your favorite 2016 releases so far and why? I would love to see what books you enjoyed so far for the year. 

The Distance to Home by Jenn Bishop

Title: The Distance to Home
Author:  Jenn Bishop
Publisher: Random House/Knopf Children’s
Publication date: June 28, 2016
Pages: 240
Source/format: ARC to borrow from Rachel

Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Last summer, Quinnen was the star pitcher of her baseball team, the Panthers. They’re headed for the championship, and her loudest supporter at every game was her best friend and older sister, Haley.

This summer, everything is different. Haley’s death, at the end of last summer, has left Quinnen and her parents reeling. Without Haley in the stands, Quinnen doesn’t want to play baseball. It seems like nothing can fill the Haley-sized hole in her world. The one glimmer of happiness comes from the Bandits, the local minor-league baseball team. For the first time, Quinnen and her family are hosting one of the players for the season. Without Haley, Quinnen’s not sure it will be any fun, but soon she befriends a few players. With their help, can she make peace with the past and return to the pitcher’s mound? 

M Y  T H O U G H T S

I enjoyed reading The Distance to Home. Although Quinnen loses someone dear to her, she finally finds the courage to play baseball once again. This is a wonderful novel that delves about topics such as grief, friendship, sisterly bonding, courage and finding oneself. Jenn Bishop gives Quinnen a chance to grieve but also gives Quinnen a chance to bounce back to her feet and to pursue her passion once again. Bishop gives Quinnen hope! Hayley would be proud of Quinnen. The alternating past and present chapters gave a sense of knowing Hayley and Quinnen's sisterly relationship in more detail. You can definitely tell Quinnen looks up to Hayley and how they are best of friends.

Quinnen just needed time before she can carry on with her life. Losing someone is always hard but at such a young age, losing someone can be confusing. I love how Bishop includes a variety of supporting people in Quinnen's life. It is important for young readers to know that there is always someone that can help out. Whether is is someone to help you grieve or to take your mind off something, someone is always there to help when in need.