Mamma Mia! Book Tag

Hello beautiful people!

A few days ago, Romie @ Romie We Deserve Love did the Mamma Mia! Book Tag and not only did I scream, because that's all I wanted and it gives me a reason to talk about how much I love Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and to write a post with gifs of Lily James, but also because I didn't know it existed (okay, it was only created recently, but still)?! Thank you, Romie, for bringing it to my attention, you're amazing! So of course, I'm doing this tag today, because how could I not? This tag was created by Ashley @ Ashley Outpaged and you can find the original video here.

Like so many people, I adore Mamma Mia and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. I was so excited about the sequel coming out, even more when they announced that Lily James would play young Donna, because I've loved her since Downton Abbey and will watch anything she's in. She's such an amazing actress and I'm so glad she's finally getting more recognition! I've been so obsessed with the movie and have been listening to the soundtrack all the time for the past month. I can't wait until the DVD release, so I can rewatch it again and again.

But anyway, time for the tag!

Side note: I couldn't find gifs for all the songs, but I did my best haha. Also, as I put gifs, minor spoilers for the movie I guess?

When I Kissed the Teacher | Name a book with a shocking plot twist

I'm usually quite good at figuring out plot twists, but The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid had a shocking plot twist for me! It kinda made it easier for me to predict the twists of that type of books now though, but I'm not mad, as it was splendidly done in that one. But maybe the most shocking plot twist was that I knew I wanted to reread it a hundred pages into it? How did you do that, Taylor Jenkins Reid? Um... I was also trying to find a way to mention it, as it's one of my favourite books and Evelyn would totally have kissed the teacher too, so... you know... 

Waterloo | Name a book you're positive you'll be in love with

Am I supposed to think of the books in my TBR? That I have added on Goodreads? Well, we'll just take into consideration my enormous TBR, which is made of... two books (at long last, I won't have a TBR by next Monday and I'll be able to conduct a very interesting I-don't-have-a-TBR experiment, but I digress). Anyway, I'm quite positive I'll love Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, I've been so excited about this one and it's actually set during the Napoleonic Wars, so I find even funnier that it's my answer for the Waterloo question. Now, I better love it, or it'll be awkward.

Why Did It Have To Be Me | Name a book you went to 
to get over a reading slump

I don't have reading slumps really often and the last really bad one happened in 2015. The book that got me out of it was Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, I read it in one or two sittings. Since then, it has ignited a love for everything Becky Albertalli writes and I adore the movie, so it'll always have a special place in my heart.

I Have a Dream | Name a book character that inspires you

It's not going to be very original, as I already mentioned this character in the Mid-Year Freakout Book Tag, but she means so much to me. Juliet Ashton from The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society inspires me all the time, through her personality, through her writing, through her whole story. I also picture her as Lily James because of the movie, so it's true it fed my love for her even more. If I had to pick another character, so my answers would be a bit more original, Frances Janvier from Radio Silence also really inspires me to work hard, pursue what I love and put myself out there, even when it means going out of the path most people take.

Andante, Andante | Name your current read

I'm currently reading two books. First, I'm reading The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, which I'm planning to finish today (I have a hundred pages left, so), as there is a 24h readathon happening tomorrow. I've been pleasantly surprised by it, as I haven't been screaming at the historical inaccuracies that much, it's quite easy to read once the plot has really started and it's so entertaining. I'm also slowly making my way through Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales: a Selection, I've been reading tales here and there. Can you tell that we're in August and I'm participating in the #classicsathon?

Knowing Me, Knowing You | Name a book you had to break up with and DNF

I recently DNF-ed The Rules Do Not Apply by Ariel Levy, which made me a bit sad because I so wanted to read it, but I didn't click with her writing at all and as it was about her life (which was so heartbreaking), I didn't want to force myself to read it. I started it during my 31 books in 31 days challenge, I didn't want to drag it behind me all month, and it was a wise decision. Sorry, little book.

Mamma Mia | Name a book you recently read again

I reread The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows at the beginning of the month (what a surprise) and fell in love with it even more than the first time around. It's definitely one of my favourite books of all time and such a gem, I already want to reread it, which might be a problem, as I just did. I almost wish I could keep this treasure to myself at times, even though many people fell in love with it before I did, haha, I'm a bit possessive when it comes to it. *hides* Also, Juliet Ashton is probably my favourite book character ever, but I already said that.

Dancing Queen | Name a book that made you want to dance around the room

I had trouble finding an answer to this question, until I got through my Goodreads shelves, saw Autoboyography by Christina Lauren and realised it was the perfect answer. It is quite a hyped novel, but I totally agree with it and this book made me so happy (and broke my heart several times, but oh well). Not only was the bi rep absolutely amazing, but I related to Daniel so much, which was quite unexpected. I adored the way the romance was written, but also seeing present and supportive parents, it made my heart full. I need more contemporary novels like this one. Tanner and Daniel, I miss you.

Super Trouper | Name a series you haven't finished due to its intimidating size

I still need to finish some trilogies, but that's not because of their size, so I'm not quite sure it counts. However, I still haven't started the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin, nor Robin Hobb's huge Realms of the Elderlings series (there are three trilogies and two spin-offs series or something? WHAT?) due to their intimidating size. I am finally finding motivation to read fantasy again, though, after such lack of that this year (for me, that is). The book coming out this Fall about the Targaryens makes me want to pick up the A Song of Ice and Fire series really soon and it's on my reading bucket list of 2018, so it's time. I think I also got the final push from my boyfriend to read Robin Hobb's books, he just read the first one and adored it (he literally said he loved it more than Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone? He only read the series last year, but still?), and my parents have been obsessed with it for years. Time to stop putting those series off.

Writing this post has been so much fun, as I had no choice, but to listen to the soundtrack yet again to type my answers! I'm not tagging anyone in particular, but if you're obssessed with the movie like I am and want to do this tag, bam, you've been tagged!

That's it for me today y'all, now I'll go back to singing along to the soundtrack!

Have a nice day,

Lots of love,

Lucie

The Deserted Island Book Tag

Once again, I come back with a tag! But this time, I was actually tagged, thanks to Geraldine @ Corralling Books! :) 

It was a really hard tag to do, because I had to choose between some of my favourite books, it's like choosing between my future children. I CAN'T. For example, Harry Potter could be chosen for every category (there are six categories so it could work, haha).

Water — A book you simply cannot live without

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling - I can't choose a book among them, because they're all so good! I first read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone when I was six, I'm not even kidding. So yeah, Potterhead for life! I couldn't watch the first movie in the theaters because I was too young, but well, my parents were right because every time I saw Voldemort's face I hide behind our sofa, which was ridiculous, but it made me sad. I watched all the others in the movie theaters though. 

Food - A book that is a close second on your favourites list

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare - Any book in the Infernal Devices would apply to this category actually! I know Geraldine, it was your answer, but I don't have another. I started reading in English for this trilogy so it makes me so emotional every single time. *run and start to reread every book in the trilogy* If you'reading this post today, it's because of these books. And I'm proud to say that I have a first edition copy of Clockwork Princess (!!).

Shelter - A book that makes you feel at home and safe

The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima - This series is everything I love in a high fantasy novel and... I have also a ridiculous reason for choosing it *hides*. My boyfriend recommended it to me at the beginning of our relationship... So the series really mean something to me. I loved it but read it in French, so I'll definitely get myself all the books in English in the future! I'm also really excited for Flamecaster, which is set twenty years after the events of this series. My copy is already preordered, who is surprised?

Flare Gun - A book you would recommend to someone who doesn't read

Legend by Marie Lu - I don't read a lot of dystopian novels these days, but this one is really easy to get through and it's one of my favourites. The world-building isn't complicated, there is a lot of action and a swoon-worthy romance. You guys know that fantasy is my favourite genre, but it doesn't please everyone and can be hard to get through sometimes, especially if you aren't used to them. Contemporaries are easier but well, some people need their action ;)

Matchsticks - A book that warms your heart

This is what happy looks like by Jennifer E. Smith - I don't read a lot of contemporary novels, but I love the cute and fluffy ones, where you just wait for the characters to get together. Jennifer E. Smith definitely writes this kind of novels and I love them so much! This one is definitely the cutest, it's a summer romance between a super popular actor and a regular girl. Of course, it's complicated and everything, but I felt so many things. The emails about the pig asdjkehjqs. And the e-novella, which was kind of a sequel ,was just as cute! <3

Compass - A book that directed you towards your love of reading

To be honest, it's actually Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, like I mentionned before, but I already talked about it for the first question. So well, I'll talk about another books series that I loved when I was that age: Dancing Shoes by Antonia Barber, which was amazing! Of course, it's about ballet and I started practicing when I was four, so I was all about that!

Which book can't you live without? Any book you would recommend? When did you start reading and thanks to which book?

The Lunar Chronicles Book Tag

Hi guys!

If you didn't know, Stars Above was released February 2nd, which is so exciting! If you don't know, it's the bind-up of novellas for The Lunar Chronicles and there is an epilogue! For fans of the series, it's such exciting news! But at the same time, I'm not ready to read it, because it'll mean it's the end of the series. For real. I'm so not ready to let it go, guys!

Because Stars Above was released, I was telling myself it's the best time to do the Lunar Chronicles Book Tag. This tag was created by Brittany @ The Book Addict's Guide.

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CINDER | The cyborg | a book that’s often misunderstood or under-appreciated

You have no idea how long I searched for an answer. I think a classic would be perfect to answer this question, but here is the thing: I'm French so I read a lot of French classics, but not English ones, so let's talk about French classics! I remembered that in my first year after high school, our litterature teacher assigned us to read The Charterhouse of Parma by Stendhal. All my classmates were so 'meh' about it and most of them never finished it. I devoured it and loved it. Everyone -at least in France- knows about The Red and the Black by Stendhal, which I wasn't a big fan of, I found the Charterhouse of Parma to be so much better. It's a love story by the way!!

KAI | The prince | a book about royals/royalty

The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows is all about royals characters, it's in the title, ha-ha. Ten years ago, the Indigo Kingdom conquered Wilhelmina's homeland and since then, she's been in hiding. Of course, she wants her kingdom back. For that, she's infiltrating Skyvale's palace, capital of the Indigo Kingdom, where the royal family lives.

ADRI | The evil stepmother | a book with a horrible/cringe-worthy parent

Fallon's father in November 9 by Colleen Hoover, he's one of the worst parents I've ever read about. He's so selfish and couldn't even look at her daughter in the eyes at the beginning of the novel. All he cared about was his career and he didn't believe in her daughter, because of what she looked like. How about no? 

IKO | The spunky sidekick | a book with your favorite happy-go-lucky character

I would pick Sloane from Since You've been Gone by Morgan Matson. Even though we don't see her most of the book, she's the one who pushed Emily to do crazy things all the time. In the book, she isn't there, but she has a huge place, because she leaves a bucket list to her best friend. She  seemed to be a carefree and fun character to be around when Emily talked about it.

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SCARLET | The rescuer | a book with a character on a mission

In the Book of Ivy, Ivy has to marry the president's son, Bishop Lattimer, but she also has to kill him. This is a dystopian novel where two families struggle for power in their city. Ivy has to complete her mission for her family, but the more she gets to know Bishop and his family, the more she thinks there is more to it than power and questions what her family believes in.

WOLF | The fighter | a book with a brutal fight (with words or fists)

Assassin's Heart by Sarah Ahiers -that I just reviewed- is about assassins so of course it involves fights and deaths. So yeah, it's not the happiest book in that aspect, but I still loved it. This world is obviously brutal, because the Families worship a goddess of death. 

LEVANA | The villain | a book with the absolute worst villain

The worst of all times, I don't know, but Lady Savant from A Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren DeStefano was pretty bad. She was lusting after power and was ready to do everything to have it, like killing children. Yup. She abducted the main character and all. It was a middle grade novel and if I had been younger, I wouldn't have gone out again.

THORNE | The rascal | a book with the biggest schmoozer

My boyfriend is, ha-ha. I'd say Nikolai from Siege and Storm, by Leigh Bardugo, who also happens to be one of my favourites... Like everyone else ;)

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CRESS | The hacker | a book about technology, or sci-fi

If you didn't know, I named my computer Cress, so yes, I'm far in my love for this series, but anyway. Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner is the conclusion to the Starbound trilogy, which was set in space. One of the main characters of the book, Gideon, is the best hacker of the world and I loved reading about that aspect. 

ERLAND | The doctor | a book with an illness or revolving around medical issues

I don't read a lot of books revolving about medical issues, but the first that comes to mind is Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon.  Maddie is allergic to everything, so her house looks like an hospital, which is so creepy. Everything is white and people have to go through decontamination to get into her house. What a nice place to live.

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WINTER | The unsound mind | a book with the craziest character you’ve ever read

So it means mental illnesses I guess? Tbh I haven't read a lot either because I'm not the biggest fan of contemporaries, but Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone was so good. I'm putting it into this category, because the main character was so unreliable and I gasped out loud when I read the last third of the book.

JACIN | The soldier | a book with a military theme

In Fire Falling by Elise Kova, the characters are marching up to go to the front, so of course, it's all about an army. I would have liked a little more fighting since it involves an army but well, it'll probably be in the next book that I probably won't read.

Have you read Stars Above yet? Which book is your favourite in the Lunar Chronicles? Who is you favourite character in the series and why? Are you excited for Heartless, Marissa Meyer's upcoming book?

Chocolate Book Tag

I was looking for a fun tag to do, and I found the Chocolate Book Tag, which sounds really fun, because it combines two amazing things: books and food! You can find the original video here.

Will looked horrified. "What kind of monster could possibly hate chocolate?” (Clockwork Angel, Cassandra Clare)

Dark Chocolate -- A book that covers a dark topic (abuse, domestic violence, rape, lonlieness, bullying, death, etc)

This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee is a retelling of Frankenstein, so of course, it involves death and trying to get back from that, humanity and so on. I really enjoyed this book and it made me want to read the original story.

White Chocolate -- Your favourite light-hearted/humourous read

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. This is definitely a book I read to be entertained and it totally works! It's a cute contemporary and I love it, I live next "Le Champo" movie theaters actually, so it was so much fun reading this book. I think I stayed up all night to read it, about two years ago.

Milk Chocolate -- A book that has a lot of hype that you're dying to read.

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard. I loved her Something Strange and Deadly trilogy and devoured it in a few days last year. I'm so excited to read this book, but my order hasn't come yet (I'll have it on Monday or Tuesday, I hope)... I'm totally dying with anticipation.

Chocolate with a caramel center -- Name a book that made you feel all gooey in the middle while you were reading it

The Unearthly trilogy by Cynthia Hand, because the OTP feeling is real, okay? I think I need to reread this trilogy because it's been such a long time (two years I think) and I loved when Tucker called Clara "Carrots", and what a great relationship they had and just how basically they were screaming OTP all the time. They're my babies <3

Wafer-free Kit-Kat -- Name a book that surprised you lately.

The Secret Fire by C.J. Daugherty and Carina Rozenfeld. It's actually the last book I read, so stay tuned for my review on Thursday. I haven't heard a lot about this book, French bloggers are talking about it though, because Carina Rozenfeld is a French author, which made me really excited. I wasn't disappointed, it felt like a YA urban fantasy from five years ago and I loved it. Do you remember when the main characters had families with dark secrets that could change their destinies? This book was like that and those secrets were so interesting. Moreover, having two points of view actually made sense, because it was two faces of the same coin. I'm really excited to read the next one, even though nothing has been announced yet.

Snickers -- A book that you are going nuts about?

Soundless by Richelle Mead. I love this author, I read every book in her Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series (which means 12 books). But this book made me mad, because I felt like the author desperatly wanted to write something so we could stop thinking about her like the author of those two series. I was just disappointed, because I'm used to her books being fun, sassy and swoony-worthy. Here, it was not the case. Because of that, I lowered my expectations for The Glittering Court, but I'm still hoping. *sigh*

Hot Chocolate with cream and marshmallows -- What book would you turn to for a comfort read?

I'd turn to The Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare because it's one of my favourite  trilogies of all times and I love to get back to these characters and this world! I'm not even a Jessa or Wessa shipper, I just love everyone so much, haha.

Box of chocolates -- What series have you read that you feel has a wide variety and a little something for everyone

Everyone is expecting this, but I don't care, because I can't help but think of Alan Rickman everyday... So Harry Potter! It's about friendship, magic, school, family, love, death, sports, laughing and so much more!

This is a very old tag, so I won't tag anyone, but feel free to do it. Moreover, if you have ideas of tags I could do, let me know in the comments, I love to do this kind of post ;)

Which chocolate is your favourite? Snickers was mentionned above and I loooove it. But basically everything with nuts.

The Joy of Christmas | Book Tag

It's Christmas! Merry Christmas everyone!

I hope you all have an amazing day  full of happiness with your loved ones!

To celebrate Christmas, I decided to do a book tag, which was created by Samantha @ Novels and Nonsense. She tagged everyone and I am everyone, right? Let's do this!

1) Anticipation: The Christmas excitement is real, what book release(s) are you most anticipating?

I actually have a post coming on that subject Tuesday, so yeah... To name those from January: Passenger by Alexandra Bracken, Truthwitch by Susan Dennard, The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine, The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman... So many great books are coming out next year, it's so exciting.

2) Christmas Songs & Carols: What book or author can you not help but sing it's praises?

Victoria Schwab. I've read all the YA and adult books she wrote so far, and loved them all. I read The Archived last year and loved it, it was such a great premise, I'm really excited for the next one! Vicious was so unique, but I don't know what to think about the upcoming sequel (even if I'm sure it'll be great). And finally, A Darker Shade of Magic... I'm sure it's my favourite by her. This author has such interesting ideas and it makes me looking forward to each of her books. I'm really excited about This Savage Song!

3) Gingerbread Houses: What book or series has wonderful world building?

Of course, I have to mention a high fantasy book, because it is the best. The Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson had an amazing world-building, I felt like I knew the culture of the characters, I could have lived here without making mistakes or looking weird, haha.

4) A Christmas Carol: Favorite classic or one that you want to read

I feel like I always say the same one at this question *sigh* So we'll go with one I want to read! I'd love to read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, because it's Christmas and I've seen the Mickey movie so many times! I love this story and I'd like to see it into words.

5) Christmas Sweets: What book would you love to receive for Christmas

Let's go see my Amazon wishlist! Well, most of the books aren't released yet, But for the released ones, I'd love to receive:

- Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

- Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrios

- Frozen Tides by Morgan Rhodes

6) Candles in the Window: What book gives you that warm fuzzy feeling

Harry Potter obviously! Just thinking of this book makes me full of love, because childhood memories.

7) Christmas Trees & Decorations: What are some of your favorite book covers?

8) Christmas Joy: What are some of your favorite things about Christmas And/Or some of your favorite Christmas memories?

Making the Christmas tree is my favourite thing ever! With my family, we used to do it the first Wednesday of December, but since I'm in Paris during the week, we did it the first Saturday of the month this year! Since I'm the elder, it's my role to put the star in the tree (and I'm contesting loudly if someone tries to do it!). Opening/Giving presents is also great of course!

For the memories, when I was three or four, I was with my cousins and we had to go upstairs to put our pajamas on. When we get back, there were Santa Claus' footsprints everywhere, with candy along the way, and it led to our presents! I want to do that for my children in the future.

What about you? What do you love about Christmas? What were your best memories? What are you doing for Christmas this year?