Betwixt the Books Buddy Reading Challenge 2023 Announcement | We Created Our Own Reading Challenge

Wherein Michaela and Gretchen talk about the challenges that they chose for themselves to help guide their buddy reads in 2023. Are half of them failed challenges from last year … yep … but that’s okay. We are just going to try again until we succeed! You can join the challenge or see some of the books we have tentatively planned for these challenges here: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading…

If you just want to know what our challenges are they are also listed below. If you want more information or clarification on any of these challenges we talk a bit about them in the video or you can visit the storygraph page where we describe them in a bit more detail as well!

1. Read an antiracist nonfiction book.

2. Read a book featuring an Ace protagonist.

3. Read a book that has been translated into English.

4. Read an entire series.

5. Read a second chance book.

6. Read an ARC and review it on time.

7. Read a queer romance.

8. Read an adult book written by a traditionally YA author.

9. Reread a book we have already read and reviewed.

10. Listen to a full cast audio book.

Bonus Challenges

1. Read a book recommended by one of Gretchen’s favorite authors.

2. Read a book recommended by one of Michaela’s favorite authors.

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2022 Mid Year Book Tag

What is one to do when they run out of steam on reviews? Ah, a tag! Michaela recommended this one to me and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. I feel like the beginning of this year is already so far away. Links to videos I couldn’t take, the creators, and the questions are all below the video.

I ran out of cards halfway through, so here are all the other reviews/videos I mentioned:

– Neon Gods Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWSL8…

– Betwixt the Books Electric Idol Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMibj…

– APRC Supplemental Video including Unthinkable by Jamie Raskin and The British are Coming by Rick Atkinson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TewrB…

– Book Lovers ARC Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPgd3…

– 5 Star History Video: https://youtu.be/PdwNSmwFTy8

– You Deserve Each Other Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4uBI…

The Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag was co-created by Earl Grey Books and Chami: https://youtu.be/X_Wh0rPGfRg

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2022

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2022

3. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

5. Biggest disappointment

6. Biggest surprise

7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you)

8. Newest fictional crush

9. Newest favourite character

10. Book that made you cry

11. Book that made you happy

12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)

13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

Betwixt the Books Discuss: Editing | Why do we feel betrayed by our favorite authors lately?

Wherein Michaela and I speculate about a trend we have noticed and ask the publishing industry to maybe, possibly, just slow down a minute and really make the best possible books.

Well, that was unexpected… | Something Wilder by Christina Lauren ARC Review

This was a super wild ride, and I can’t wait to tell you about it. It isn’t going to be a great character story, but oh boy will there be an adventure!

5 Stars to Book Lovers by Emily Henry | ARC Review

I hadn’t even planned on coming out from under my finals-created rock, but there was no way I couldn’t share my thoughts about this book with you guys. It was SO GOOD. It was just, emotionally, exactly what I needed.

2022 Q1 Wrap Up

This is so many books. I am so tired. This is an incredible speed run, if I do say so myself, and it’s still 30 minutes long. I need to … read less.

Links to the reviews I didn’t have cards for:

Bridgerton Mega-Review: https://youtu.be/yLGv2mgJrFE

Supplemental #13: https://youtu.be/TewrBh4InNQ

Written in the Stars Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVOfN…

Fool Me Once ARC Review: https://youtu.be/89rSYsg04Js