I want to jump right in to book reviews, but it seems a little disingenuous to gloss over the fact that it’s been almost two years since my last post. This blog has grown and changed right along with me over the last twelve (12!) years. I still remember sitting in the bedroom of my shared apartment my sophomore year at the University of Minnesota, typing out the first post after one of my college professors had mentioned the benefits of having a blog. I’ve been stuck on what to do with Wanders & Words for well over a year now, but I’ve finally decided, and with that new direction comes some change.
Wanders & Words Update
- I am shifting Wanders & Words to focus on book reviews and recommendations. I am going back to my roots; to what has brought me comfort through every life transition. Reading. I’ve loved reading since I was old enough to do so, and I’ve never found as much joy or contentment as when I have a book in hand. Or when I’m writing books of my own.
- I have archived many of the old Wanders & Words posts. I made that decision with a reluctant heart. They are still available to me, but the internet is a weird place. I am grateful I didn’t grow up with it as pervasive in my formative years, but it did take a big piece of my transition to a full-fledged adult. The posts I archived were personal. Things I hold closer to my chest as I age. My marriage. My son. My journey with health and wellness. I’ve kept a few highlights, specifically related to travel.
- A few more changes yet to come. Possibly a new logo + layout, but stay tuned. I’ll be making updates as times allows.
- I want to publish a book, and utilize this blog to work towards that goal. I’ve divulged that confession on my blog a handful of times. But instead of talking about it, I want to throw myself into all things reading and writing as I work towards it.
If you’re still here to follow my book review and recommendations – thanks for sticking around. I am sure I will include snippets of my life as I start writing again. In the meantime, feel free to follow my book account @whatscamillereading on Instagram.
Let’s get to it.
TOP 5 BOOKS OF 2023
2023 was the year I fell in love with fantasy series again and sprinkled in a few quirky non-fiction books. I stepped into the Sarah J Maas universe in 2023 when my book club picked ACOTAR January of last year and I haven’t looked back (or up from her books) since.
1) A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas
Romance. Fantasy. Enemies to lovers. A slow burn. And arguably the most dreamy love interest I have ever had the pleasure of reading. You’ll need to read the first in the series to get to this book, but it is worth it.
2. Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas
An urban fantasy with a spicy, sassy protagonist. This book has the most vivid, intricate world building. A bit of a whodunnit mystery, but with magical beings and messy, fantastical politics. Plus, there’s a sweet romance sub-plot and a jaw-dropping ending.
3. A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
The best epic fantasy I have read in a LONG time. The most beautiful, intricately woven story. Filled with themes of powerful women, magic, dragons, war, loyalty, and motherhood.
4. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
The phenomenon that swept up everyone last summer absolutely lived up to the hype for me. A fantasy romance based at a dragon riding college? YES.
5. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty
My oddball choice. A hilarious, poignant look into one woman and her work at a crematory and what it taught her (& me) about death.
5 BOOKS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2024
All of these upcoming releases are by authors I’ve come to know and love. Romance and fantasy (or a combination of the two) almost exclusively. Their respective release dates are in parenthesis, but if I’m being honest…I’ve already pre-ordered all of them.
- Heir by Sabaa Tahir (October 1)
- Funny People by Emily Henry (April 23)
- Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez (April 2)
- Somewhere Beyond The Sea by TJ Klune (September 10)
- Crescent City – House of Flame & Shadow (January 30)
Are any of these on your reading list for 2024??
I am planning some themed book lists, monthly wrap-ups of what I’ve read lately, and deep-dive reviews of some of my favorite books in 2024. Maybe a few posts about the writing process as I write, revise, and edit manuscripts. It’s still Wanders & Words. Just a little less wandering, and a lot more words.
