the worst reading slump in two years.

I have blogged time and time again about this happening. Reading slumps are inevitable; we all know they're bound to happen. So usually when it does happen, I just have to stop reading, and carry on. Sooner or later, I will start to miss it.

Unfortunately for me, this slump doesn't seem like it's going away.

I have not read a single book in two months.

I haven't felt excited about picking up a book or talking about anything reading-related in a while now.

Surely there's something wrong with me. Tell me how to get over this odd bump, because I do miss the feeling. Not entirely sure how. Just give it time, I guess?

So tell me, what gets you over a reading slump? What gets you inspired to pick up a book again? And if there are any specific titles that never fails to do the trick, please recommend them!

this little blog is now two!

Unbelievable. Random Ramblings is officially two years old. Thank you for all the support, as always, despite me ironically having a horrible reading slump at the moment.. we shall talk again soon <3

how many books did you read + 2012 goals

In 2010, I was able to reach my annual goal of reading 100 books a year for the first time, reading about 120 books. In 2011, it may be that things have just been more hectic around here, or I haven't really found a new 'favorite.' Maybe it's the combination of that plus being lazy. Haha. Regardless, I'm happy I was able to read a few memorable ones out of the 70 books I was able to read.

• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
• Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
• Watchers by Dean Koontz
• Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
• The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan
• Raptor Red by Robert T. Bakker - no review yet

This new year, I would like to be able to read at least 100 books again. This may or may not happen, but it's fun trying to reach the goal anyway.

I'm curious as to how you did in 2011 and what your reading goals are this 2012! What were your favorites from the past year? Let me know so I could check those out too. I hope you are having a wonderful start of the new year!

last day of the year.

Wishing you nothing but a good New Year's Eve tomorrow and a good New Year's Day.

I hope you had an overall amazing time in 2011. For me, it has been a crazy ride. There's been many ups and downs. Thankfully, this year is ending very, very well.

So Thanks for sticking with me throughout this year - reading with me, blogging with me, and sharing stories with me. I appreciate every conversation, and I hope to see you again next year <3

!!!! movie trailer alert !!!!

You guys!!! I've been a bad blogger. I told myself I was going to blog everyday this December, at least up to Christmas, but things have been crazy around here. A bad combo of finals week, weeks leading up to finals week, and an awful reading slump has restricted me from writing and checking your blogs too. So I'm sorry. I feel like this post will get me back on track though, because I'm pretty excited over this.

Sooooo...

I had to write this post really quickly because I know, nobody else would get more excited about this than you! The trailer for the Hobbit, coming out December 2012, was released yesterday, I believe. And can I just say... goosebumps! ;)



Enjoy!

Christmas Gift Idea: Bookish Jewelry

If you're not sure what to get a bookish friend or a family member of yours for Christmas, and you think they might like book-related jewelry things, check out just some of these finds from Etsy.

I personally love browsing at Etsy, as you find so many cool things over there! I have to warn you it can be dangerous though, because you might want to just buy everything.

buy here

buy here

buy here

buy here

buy here

buy here

What do you give someone who loves books as much as we do? Aside from actual books, of course... let me know!

Book Recommendation of the Week

I haven't done one of these 'book recommendations of the week' in a while, so I thought I should. And to be honest, with all the books I've specifically recommended before, I am not sure why I have never suggested Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, when it actually may be one of my favorites!

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Genre: Science Fiction

When I Read It: 2010

Initial Impression: I used to be not into science fiction as much for some odd reason. It's not like I didn't like the genre, because I obviously enjoyed sci-fi movies and shows. Unfortunately, as far as books go, I have just never found a read that I enjoyed. So, when I picked this up, mainly because of countless suggestions from guy friends (including my brother) I was a bit skeptical.

What I Thought: I LOVED IT.

Why I Loved It: It had everything I would want in a sci-fi/adventure/fantasy type of novel. It was intriguing and interesting, engaging and exciting. I had a hard time putting it down, and I was just so into the entire story and the entire world the author created. Also, I absolutely adored the main characters. And for such a character-driven story, that part was crucial. To me, I was completely immersed in what was going on. Simply put, it's an entertaining story, and it's told perfectly.

Who Should Read It: To be honest, I think everyone should pick this one up and try it out. It's one of those books that can be good for everyone. It doesn't really matter what type of reader you are - and how old or how young you are - it's still going to be a good story at the end of the day.

hello, December!

My favorite time of the year is finally here!

I can't even tell you how excited I am for this month! From little things like the weather to the clothes that come with the weather to other things like the parties and events with family and friends, the festive mood everyone seems to have, the non-stop Christmas music we hear everywhere, the yummy holiday drinks, the holiday shopping, gift giving, and of course, the free time we get to actually lounge around and get some holiday reading done.

I'm also planning to blog every day until Christmas day, which I'm excited about! It should be fun, especially now that I should get more free time! Feel free to join me if you'd like.

So... that being said, here's to December 2011. Tell me your favorite things about the month! And of course, here's me wishing you have an amazing, memorable one. Have fun, be safe, be happy. And as always, happy reading <3