bisexual-book-worm

[bisexual-book-worm]

2022 Reading Wrapped

Keeping track of everything I read this year was a daunting but rewarding task! I jump from all types of media when I read, from library books, to physical copies, audiobooks, fanfics, comics, and graphic novels, and there just isn't a great place to keep track of all of that! So I kept a reading log on my iPad all year and here are some of my highlights!

I want to shoutout to all the amazing fics I read this year! So if you'd like to read any of these too, have at it! They were all amazing 😊

You Have Nothing to be Sorry For by hopeofnyan Fandom: atla Pairing: Zutara Word count: 2680 Summary: Katara does not deal well with being repeatedly abandoned and Zuko is the first person she talks to about several buried emotional burdens.

If There Was A Place I Could Call Home ( It'd Be in Your Arms Tonight) by tarotea_ji Fandom: atla Pairing: Zutara Word count: 1545 Summary: Sometimes winter nights are cold and lonely. Katara seeks out Zuko for company and they spend some quality time cuddling and talking. i.e. where two people are utterly in love with each other and just aren't ready to accept the extent of their feelings get a little bit closer to realizing. they are so soft for each other.

Also the title is based off of lyrics from Soren by beabadoobee. maybe that could be a song to listen to while reading this!!

Hopeless by tullyblue12 Fandom: atla Pairing: Zutara Word count: 56558 Chapters: 23/23 Summary: Kids grow up fast when a cruel world awaits them. In times of hopelessness, Katara and Zuko grow together. In times of separation, they hope to see each other again. ^This one does come with a content warning but the subject matter is very fade to black/you only see snippets in flashbacks, it's enough to know what's happening but not graphically depicted at all. But do be warned if you can't read any content that even mentions the R word. Also note that everything that happens between Zuko and Katara IS consensual

i want your company, i need your company. by xolaris_12 Fandom: The Owl House Pairing: Huntlow Word count: 2962 Summary: hunter coming over to willow's house late at night seemed to be turning into a weekly routine for them, but willow wasn't sure how long she could keep overlooking the root of it.

The one where she fell first (not really) by AnotherAttempt Fandom: The Owl House Pairing: Huntlow Word count: 2463 Summary: "Thank you, Hunter," she whispers, forehead touching his chest, very close to where his heart is.

"W-What for...?"

She grins, hug getting just a little tighter. As if on reflex, he does the same.

How endearing.

"For being here with me."

His arms double down in the hug, again. Hers doesn't.

"Anytime, anywhere," he says. "For as long as you'll have me, Willow."

She closes her eyes, lips trembling, heart on fire.

She loves him. If only he felt the same way...

Cotton Candy Kind Of Love by This_Is_My_Guest_Name Fandom: The Owl House Pairing: Gustholomule Word count: 2669 Summary: Gus and Matt are at the amusement park, and things might not go exactly the way they planned

I had a ton of others I also loved this year so it was really so hard to choose which ones to highlight! But I think these were so great and really really stood out to me.

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One Last Stop by Casey Mcquiston

Summary: (via goodreads)

For cynical twenty-three-year-old August, moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: that things like magic and cinematic love stories don’t exist, and the only smart way to go through life is alone. She can’t imagine how waiting tables at a 24-hour pancake diner and moving in with too many weird roommates could possibly change that. And there’s certainly no chance of her subway commute being anything more than a daily trudge through boredom and electrical failures.

But then, there’s this gorgeous girl on the train.

Jane. Dazzling, charming, mysterious, impossible Jane. Jane with her rough edges and swoopy hair and soft smile, showing up in a leather jacket to save August’s day when she needed it most. August’s subway crush becomes the best part of her day, but pretty soon, she discovers there’s one big problem: Jane doesn’t just look like an old school punk rocker. She’s literally displaced in time from the 1970s, and August is going to have to use everything she tried to leave in her own past to help her. Maybe it’s time to start believing in some things, after all.

Casey McQuiston’s One Last Stop is a magical, sexy, big-hearted romance where the impossible becomes possible as August does everything in her power to save the girl lost in time.

Rating: 5/5

Hours spent listening: 13 hours, 36 minutes

Finished reading on: November 7th, 2022

Thoughts: I love love loved this book! Casey is so brilliant and such a masterful writer. I will never stop reading her books. I loved August and Jane's love story so much, but I ADORED the whole cast of characters in this book as well! All of August's friends are so lovely, and exactly the sort of queer friendship circle I wish I had! So many times I wished I could jump in the book and hangout at Pancake Billy's with August, Jane, and the whole gang. You will not regret reading this very fun sapphic contemporary romcom! It'll make you feel a lot of emotions too, with Jane's backstory and the things she lived through in the 1970s.

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Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

Summary: (Via goodreads)

“That book. It was about two women, and they fell in love with each other.” And then Lily asked the question that had taken root in her, that was even now unfurling its leaves and demanding to be shown the sun: “Have you ever heard of such a thing?”

Seventeen-year-old Lily Hu can’t remember exactly when the question took root, but the answer was in full bloom the moment she and Kathleen Miller walked under the flashing neon sign of a lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club.

America in 1954 is not a safe place for two girls to fall in love, especially not in Chinatown. Red-Scare paranoia threatens everyone, including Chinese Americans like Lily. With deportation looming over her father—despite his hard-won citizenship—Lily and Kath risk everything to let their love see the light of day.

Rating: 5/5

Finished reading on: July 13th, 2022

Thoughts: Wow, this was an insanely good book. But I had to put it down quite a few times. I almost didn't finish it actually, because it just got so hard to read towards the end. And I knew it was coming, because of course it WOULD come. I ended up listening to it on audiobook towards the end which was very helpful in pushing past the hard parts. Something about listening to it instead of reading it myself made it a little easier I guess. I do think it is highly worth reading, but make sure you're in a good headspace when you do. I was rooting for Lily and Kath the whole time, and it absolutely paid off. I love that this novel explores not only sapphic relationships in the 1950s, but also the identity of being a first generation Asian American in San Fransisco at the time. The world in Lo's book really jumps to life in full color and I felt as though I was transported back in time as I read. I felt the full of Lily's emotions, from confusion, elation, fear, anger, and everything in between. Kath was a sweetheart, I'd totally crush on her too! This novel is definitely worth the read and I cannot wait to read the companion novel that Malinda Lo released a few months ago!

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Secret Invasion: Runaways/Young Avengers

Summary: (Via Marvel) The Skrulls are among us! The Runaways and the Young Avengers both have a Skrull on their team. Is this mere coincidence or something more sinister?

Rating: 3/5

Number of Issues: 3, but I only read 1

Finished reading: March or April 2021

Thoughts: I did not vibe with this one either, maybe I need to get into the Runaways. I only read the first issue in this series, and I do want to read the rest so I can continue reading the Young Avengers storyline! So it's on my list to read for this month!

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Young Avengers Presents (2008)

Summary: (via Marvel) They're back at last! Patriot, Hulkling, Wiccan, Vision, Stature and Hawkeye! Where have they been and what is their place in this new post-CIVIL WAR Marvel Universe? It will take six issues by six top creative teams to tell the tale! In this first installment, featuring PATRIOT, the grandson of the black Captain America struggles with his unresolved feelings about the death of Steve Rogers, and seeks out the Winter Soldier hoping to find some guidance. But who he's looking for and who he finds may be two different things! By Eisner and Harvey Award-Winning Best Writer Ed Brubaker and rising star Paco Medina.

Rating: 5/5

Number of issues: 6

Finished reading: March or April 2021

Thoughts: I enjoyed this collection! Each issue spotlighted a different character, so it was nice to see each one on their own and in their own storylines. I think it was a good way to get to know each character better.

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Civil War: Young Avengers & Runaways (2006)

Summary: (Via Marvel) As the public turns against Marvel's heroes, the gears of Civil War threaten to crush Brian K. Vaughan's Runaways. But when Allan Heinberg's Young Avengers offer their assistance, how can the Runaways believe they're on the same side? Don't miss this Civil War tie-in that promises to have lasting repercussions for both popular teams!

Rating: 3/5

Number of Issues: 4

Finished reading: March or April 2021

Thoughts: I didn't care for this series as much. It's only 4 issues but it was a little hard to follow, probably because I'm not as familiar with the Runaways cast. I did enjoy the storyline though, but it was not my fave in the YA storyline.

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Young Avengers Special (2005)

Summary: (Via Marvel) Discover the secret history of the Young Avengers when Jessica Jones and Kat Farrell investigate the kids' origins for a special issue of The Pulse. Who were they and what were their lives like before they met Iron Lad?

Rating: 5/5

Number of Issues: 1

Finished reading: March 2021

Thoughts: I like backstory, it was interesting to see where the Young Avengers were before they joined together as a group, it is easy to see how they're stronger together than apart. I read this one last March so it's been awhile, but I love anything Allan and Jimmy do for the YA.

[bisexual-book-worm]

Young Avengers (2005)

Summary: (Via Marvel) Meet the Young Avengers! Earth's Mightiest Heroes may not be sure if they want a next generation following their lead, but they're getting it whether they like it or not in this acclaimed series by Allan Heinberg and Jimmy Cheung!

Rating: 5/5

Number of issues: 12

Finished reading on: March 2021

Thoughts: I read this series last March, but I loved it a lot! This series introduces us to the many characters being introduced in the MCU through all of their TV shows. Characters like Wanda's sons, Wiccan and Speed (Billy and Tommy), Kate Bishop from Hawkeye, and Patriot or Eli from Falcon and the Winter Soldier! These characters are so awesome and I have such a soft spot for Billy and Teddy's relationship together, and I am so happy and proud to see them grow as a couple! I also love Kate and her little love triangle with Eli and Tommy. These characters are teenagers and Allan and Jimmy portrayed and developed them very well!

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Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Summary: (via goodreads) First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations. The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince. As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?

Rating: 5/5

Hours spent listening: 14 hours, 4 minutes

Finished reading on: 24 November 2021

Thoughts: This book was so so cute! I was a skeptic at first, scared it was over-hyped and that I just wasn't in the right mindset for it. So, I decided to give it a try via listening to the audiobook and man, was this the right move! The narrator, Ramon de Ocampo, really gave an awesome voice to Alex, Henry, and the rest of the crew in a way that each had their own voice and flairs due to his incredible voice work. I really enjoyed this book and the relationship between Alex and Henry. As someone who is half white and Mexican and who didn't realize she was bisexual until last year, when I was 21, I was able to relate to Alex on a completely personal level and I more than understood the complexities of his experiences with his sexuality. I think McQuiston did an excellent job approaching the subjects of being bi and figuring out your sexuality as an adult. And I adore Alex and Henry's relationship so much! I almost wish the book never had to end so they could keep being cute and in love. Definitely a fun read and I absolutely recommend giving the audiobook a try if you have access to Overdrive/Libby through your local library!

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Once Around the Sun by eleventy7

Summary: (via ao3) Later, Katara can see how it all fell apart. Azula in her cell, growing roses; Zuko surrounded by enemies, slowly dying; their friends in the Earth Kingdom, safely escaping. And herself at the centre of it, saving lives and breaking promises. Set after finale, eventual Zutara.

Word count: 146,974

Rating: 5/5

Finished reading on: 19 November 2021

Thoughts: Oh my god, where to begin??? I finished this fic a week and a half ago and I still can't stop thinking about it. It's everything I wished a season 4 could have been, had we gotten one. It is a perfect Zutara fic and the slowburn is SO GOOD I was literally screaming several times for Zuko and Katara to kiss!!!! Thank you @tinyhistory for this incredible fic because it is perfection and anyone out there who is obsessed with Zutara needs to read it asap. Do note, there is a major character death in one of the later chapters, but I do think it was truly handled beautifully. Also I cannot stop thinking about Katara and Zuko drawing shapes on each other's backs out of sand OH MY GOD. Please read this beautiful fic, you will not regret it!!!!

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The Shadow of Kyoshi by F. C. Yee

Summary: (Via goodreads) Kyoshi’s place as the true Avatar has finally been cemented—but at a heavy cost. With her mentors gone, Kyoshi voyages across the Four Nations, struggling to keep the peace. But while her reputation grows, a mysterious threat emerges from the Spirit World. To stop it, Kyoshi, Rangi, and their reluctant allies must join forces before the Four Nations are destroyed irreparably. This thrilling follow-up continues Kyoshi’s journey from a girl of humble origins to the merciless pursuer of justice still feared and admired centuries after becoming the Avatar.

Page count: Hardback, 341 pages

Rating: 5/5

Finished reading on: 12 September 2021

Thoughts: I loved this continuation of Kyoshi's story! I really liked seeing what the Fire Nation was like before Aang and Zuko's time, before the war started. It was also good to see more Rangshi content (a win for the sapphics 😌) I hope there will be more books like these in the future, written with the utmost care from a dedicated fan of the series like F. C. Yee! I also love how he wrote the relationship between Kyoshi and Rangi, because it is easy to forget that these books are written by a man, and I mean that in the nicest way! I definitely recommend reading this duology if you're a big Avatar fan!

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The Rise of Kyoshi by F. C. Yee

Summary: (via goodreads) F. C. Yee’s The Rise of Kyoshi delves into the story of Kyoshi, the Earth Kingdom–born Avatar. The longest-living Avatar in this beloved world’s history, Kyoshi established the brave and respected Kyoshi Warriors, but also founded the secretive Dai Li, which led to the corruption, decline, and fall of her own nation. The first of two novels based on Kyoshi, The Rise of Kyoshi maps her journey from a girl of humble origins to the merciless pursuer of justice who is still feared and admired centuries after she became the Avatar.

Page count: Hardback, 442 pages

Rating: 5/5

Finished reading on: 5 June 2021

Thoughts: Really really good book that delves into the Avatar-verse and fleshes out the life and characterization of Avatar Kyoshi. I liked learning more about Kyoshi's background and her life and seeing her developing relationship with Rangi take off (I squealed SO MANY TIMES). It was also just cool to see another perspective of an Avatar, one that was very different from Aang and Korra, one that took place before Aang but yet still felt familiar to the world that was created in Avatar: The Last Airbender.

[bisexual-book-worm]

Welcome to my reading corner!

Hi, I'm Emily! I've always loved reading but I haven't been able to read books like I used to in middle school, I'm always swamped with work in college and reading has become a lot harder for me to make time for or have energy for.

But, since the pandemic hit, I sort of fell in love with reading again, namely, through fanfics and this year, I started picking up novels and graphic novels again as well. In fact, I've probably read more books in 2021 than I collectively had the entire time I've been in college.

Being a fanfic reader (and writer) is really important to me. Fanfic writers put in so much work and besides kudos, shares, and comments, we don't get compensated for our efforts. Reading fanfiction is something that a lot of people read, but we don't publicly share that we read fanfiction out of fear of being shamed for it. But there are fanfics out there the length of novels, that are just as well written and meaningful as novels, if not more so. Fanfiction comes from the heart and soul of a fan, who simply just wants to live in their favorite world for a little bit longer and wants to invite others to keep living in this world, too.

Because fanfiction is just as important as novels, I've been wishing there was a place to log both books and fanfiction that we read, a place or an app that could treat the two as equals, where readers could review their favorite books and fanfics and see the full amount of reading they've done in a year all in one place. I'm not tech savvy enough, smart enough, or rich enough to make this idea a total reality in the form of an app, but I thought maybe starting a tumblr blog would be just as good.

So this is me introducing my blog as a place for me to share and review both the books I've read or listened to this year, as well as the fanfics.

A few notes under the cut:

Since it's November, for the sake of my time and sanity, I won't be logging the oneshots I read this year, just longer works, but it's definitely something I want to log starting from now on and into next year. And I also won't include books/fics I started but didn't finish because there have been many this year that just didn't grab my attention, and I more or less just want this to be a place for me to list works I've completely read just so I can look back and say "hey! I finished that book!"

This is a side blog and I am happy to have any followers! Just know my main account is @emsprovisions so that's where you might get a follow-back from :)