The BookTube Spin #2 - My List

 Back on January 28th I posted here about the BookTube Spin, round one. Through Rick MacDonnell, the BookTube Spin is a challenge he's hosting through his channel (as well as Instagram) for bookaholics who A) want to work at clearing up their TBR list; and B) are up for a little randomness/game of chance in their reading life. I was all for it, after watching his post explaining how it works (which you can find HERE), and for round one got THE LOST VILLAGE by Camilla Sten, which was #15 in the spin. The premise:

1)The Deep; 2) The Year of the Witching; 3) The Plot; 4) Red, White & Royal Blue; 5) These Violent Delights

Essentially, you choose 20 books off your current TBR. Books you already own, in particular books you have maybe been putting off reading ... maybe feared reading, due to their size, or content ... maybe been a bit intimidated to read for some reasons - whatever. Choose 20 titles, assign each a number, then post your list somewhere PUBLICLY (your blog, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, do a video on your own YouTube channel) to hold yourself accountable. You do NOT have to have a YT channel or be a book tuber in order to participate (neither apply to me), and you can even get in touch with Rick with your list as he wants to see them; nope, it's just a fun challenge, and round two begins on May 1st; in a few days on the 27 or 28th I believe, Rick will post a video on his channel, spinning a virtual wheel with numbers on it, 1-20, and whatever that number is - you read the corresponding title on your list between May 1st and June 30th. That's TWO MONTHS to read the one book, at which time Rick will do a rund three spin and start another challenge.

6) Into the Drowning Deep; 7) Midnight Crossroad; 8) The Only Good Indians; 9) Goblin; 10) Cemetery Boys

Onto the books: check out Rick's post above - they can be 20 you've been wanting to knock off your TBR for ages, or you can break them down, say 5 titles in four different genres or categories (classics, LGBTQ+ fiction, biographies, cozy mysteries, etc.) for variety; shoot, you can even only choose 10 titles and just double up on their places on your numbered list (again, watch Rick's post above, he explains it much better than I do).  For round two I removed two titles that I had managed to read over the last couple months, changed a couple more, then shuffled the others around for variety to post my current list now. Again, this is all just to put a little spark of random in your reading life, as well as knock a much-needed title off your TBR.

11) Blacktop Wasteland; 12) Hamnet; 13) Swimming in the Dark; 14) The Cost of Knowing; 15) The Push

So, now my round two list is officially public. Hope fellow book nerds will come aboard, and check out Rick's wheel spin in a few days to join in on the new round, as well. Welcome to the BookTube Spin, and keep reading!

16) Malibu Rising; 17) Lovecraft Country; 18) Skulduggery Pleasant; 19) The Lions of Fifth Avenue; 20) One by One

March Wrap-Up: The March of the Wooden Reader

Feel like I slogged off in March, with only six books read - but some good quality there, and who knew a kid's picture book about the celebrating of Persian New Year (Seven Special Somethings) would be one of my most interesting and entertaining reads of the year already? Also admit, though The Burning Girls was my first C.J. Tudor, it certainly won't be my last. And Carl Hiaasen ... oh my goodness, Mr. Hiaasen. If you're a Trump fan, do NOT read Squeeze Me. IOn the other hand, if you (like most people) despise Trump and all he represents, then you may want to commit parts of Hiassen's latest to memory. Should also mention that a visit with the Ratso Brothers always makes me smile ... so yeah, not a bad reading month for quality - and have a few goodies I'm already into or have completed for April, as well!

Film-wise, received an invite to a private screening to watch an Emile Hirsch (always a fan) film that's still "under construction", but having signed an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) for it can't discuss my thoughts (*sigh*, one less review to catch up on, I guess) until/unless the film come out. My strong opinions on the other two, however, more than make up the difference for that, and hopefully my total love for Zack Snyder's Justice League and so-so love for Godzilla vs. Kong will be on-board here soon, via upcoming reviews (from my mouth to God's ear)!

Lastly, March saw the premiere of "The Irregulars" on Netflix - the modern-day take on the Baker Street Irregulars of Sherlock Holmes's fame, with a supernatural twist. Have watched two episodes so far, and have fallen in love with the show, as well as at least half its cast. One goal for April: finish the other six episodes for season one ... and cross fingers for a season two!

Already two books down for April; hopefully a good sign. And warmer weather isn't hurting. Whatever you're up to, may your April be filled with great books, films, television ... and hopefully some comfy outdoor reading!

As always (no spoilers here): Reviews to come!