Month: October 2023

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“The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” by J.S. Malpas.

Hey everyone, today I want to talk about a book that totally warmed my heart – “The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” by J.S. Malpas. Which was mentioned in the cozy fall reads post. As a student with a great amount of work, finding a book that whisked me away to a snug place was a total win, and this one nailed it.

Imagine a cute café in a small town, filled with the cozy scent of pumpkin spice and freshly baked goodies. That’s the setting of this story, and let me tell you, it feels like you’re right there, soaking up the atmosphere. Perfect for fall!

The main character, Emily is a student, so many of us could relate to her struggle of balancing studies and personal dreams. Watching her try to revive a struggling café hit home – it’s that classic tale of going after your dreams no matter what.

The other characters were like a bunch of puzzle pieces, each adding their own flavor to the story. From the cafe regurlars to the mysterious chef. They all made the story feel real and welcoming, like making friends in real life.

The best part? This book talks about sticking it out when things get tough and going after what makes you happy. To every struglling person out there it mgiht felt like a gentle push to chase what truly matters.

The story flowed really nicely, making it a perfect read during study breaks. The author’s way of painting pictures with words made the scenes feel so alive – I could almost smell the coffee and hear the café buzz.

And the ending? It tied everything up just right, leaving me feeling satisfied without being too obvious. It’s the kind of ending that sticks with you, leaving a sweet feeling long after you finish. (I’ll drop the details in order to avoid spoiling it for you).

So, if you’re after a heartwarming story that feels like a big hug on a chilly day, “The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” is your go-to. Whether you’re a student looking for a break or just need a feel-good read, this book is like a warm blanket – cozy, comforting, and totally charming. Make sure to check it out, and let me know what you think!

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Post 6

I recently explored a variety of sites in search of new ideas to improve the appearance of my website. I wasn’t planning on redoing everything, however, I was thinking about adding some interesting details that may capture readers’ attention. 

One of the best sites I came across was “Goodreads.” I was drawn to this website for a few different reasons. Its user-friendly interface and easy-to-use style caught my attention right away. And am almost certain that some of you should be familiar with it, because it is quite popular. This little site community was established for readers to discover, evaluate, and connect over their favourite books thanks to the simplicity of the site.

The way the social components were seamlessly included was something I really liked. Goodreads’ integration of people’s reviews, suggestions, and discussions into its design creates a welcoming environment and motivates people to interact. It’s evidence of the ability of a thoughtfully created interface to build an engaging community. I thought about adding this part to my further posts, however, I do already have a comment section, and I also sometimes address readers for their comments or suggestions. 

I might add though that “Goodreads” is a highly professional website (in my opinion), good for inspiration but not as a comparison as their interface is more advanced. The way they’ve made personalization a priority letting users create book shelves, monitor their reading progress, and get customized recommendations adds a personalized touch that improves the user experience as a whole. This raised my interest in this website as well, but I believe you need more knowledge in order to create something similar to this, so for now, I’ll just stick with making the audience engage with my reviews and each other.

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Post 5

I have decided to incorporate another medium into my blog which is TikTok. I don’t know why I haven’t started with it earlier, honestly. Because TikTok is a place where I myself watch book-related content (booktok). It’s easy, it’s fast and you can find any source of info there. Not just your next read but something more detailed like a favourite chapter of a creator, possible novelas, or similar reads; new book drops are also being announced on Booktok. People engage in all sorts of ways there and I decided if I consume this content might as well create it. However, what I do is mostly edit fantasy and dystopian novels while on my website I have all sorts of genres. I believe that if people are looking for information on the website they are looking for more ‘serious’ suggestions, and a variety of them. Even when we take Instagram, mine is full of psychological, development, and historical books, while my TikTok FYP (for you page) compared to that seems more ‘childish’. I know algorithms do their job based on my research agenda, however, I do look for similar things on both platforms. So this was a very interesting finding of mine. 

So far I have been trying to post every day as I really want my content to hit as many Fyp pages as possible. The first video was a success, but the others however made me feel a little demotivated. I experiment a lot in order to find out what works best for me. For example, one time (I think it was Wednesday) I posted one video at around 10:50 am and another one at 11:05 am, the first one had only 5 likes and one hundred fewer views than the second one which had over 60 likes, and they are only 10-15 mins apart. By doing so I try to figure out the best time to post to keep myself consistent and to make people anticipate what will be happening. In terms of content though, aside from the edits that I had mentioned, I’m still figuring out what people might like more. The most favourite video on my page is the meme video so maybe people like humoristic edits more. I also noticed that readers (myself included) love it when their favourite characters from different universes get interconnected so I’m thinking about making some content based on that. Especially with the characters not only by one author but combining different ones. 

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“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern

As we already covered the top 5 cozy fall reads I was not able to leave you all with just simple list, so let’s dive in a little more and review one of these fascinating reads. Which is The Night Circus.

“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern provides an appealing escape into a magical and enchanted world. I personally am in love with fiction and mystery, so it was just a masterpiece for me. The story takes place against the setting of a mysterious battle between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who perform in the exciting “Le Cirque des Rêves”. However, this circus can only be seen at night, when a variety of imaginative tents, each more beautiful than the last, can be seen.

The writing of Morgenstern is truly incredible. She creates a colourful and captivating landscape that gives you the impression that you are exploring the surreal attractions of the circus. The characters in particular, Celia and Marco –  have been well-developed, and their transformation (which I want to mention but I believe it will be a little spoiler) is inspiring and you can feel it deep in your soul (I mean..I did:).

“The Night Circus” focuses on the complexities of human connections when faced with extreme circumstances as it examines themes of love, fate, and sacrifice. When you wish to lose yourself in a world where dreams come true on cold autumn evenings, it’s the ideal fall read, offering a very comforting experience. So grab your favourite hot beverage, settle into a cozy corner, and allow this story to transport you to a world of magic and wonder.

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Top 5 books for cozy fall read

There is nothing like cuddling up with a good book on a chilly fall evening. I’m excited to share my top five book picks for your fall reading list. Grab a cozy blanket, pour a cup of your favourite tea or coffee, and let’s start reading these beautiful books that will definitely add specialness to your fall evenings.

1. “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery

A famous classic that perfectly captures the spirit of autumn, “Anne of Green Gables” is a novel set in the beautiful countryside of Prince Edward Island, Canada. As Anne Shirley overcomes the ups and downs of life while surrounded by the vibrant colours of autumn leaves, you can follow her experiences. This touching story of family, friendship, and self-discovery is the ideal reading material for fall nights.

2. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern

Enter the magical world of “The Night Circus” with Erin Morgenstern. The most interesting story of a magical competition between two young illusionists. This novel’s surreal appeal makes it the perfect pick for those autumn nights when you want to escape into a world of imagination and mystery, as the circus is only open at night and provides a wondrous selection of enchants. (Might also count it as a Halloween-dedicated read)

3. “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The timeless classic “The Secret Garden” beautifully illustrates the wonder of nature and change. Discover a hidden, abandoned garden with young Mary Lennox and experience the wonder of nature’s regrowth as seasons change. This inspiring tale is a representation of transformation and hope, making it the ideal fall read. 

4. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Truman Capote

The lively New York City of Truman Capote’s novella may be a long way from the peaceful countryside, but the gorgeous prose and interesting characters make it the perfect setting for a fall evening. Watch the mysterious Holly Golightly’s adventures as she negotiates the busy city streets and her own complex emotions.

5. “The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” by J.S. Malpas

Consider including “The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” on your fall reading list to get into the true spirit of the season. This appealing contemporary romance novel is set in a charming village and tells the tale of love, friendship, and fresh starts. Join the characters at the cafe for a warm and comfortable reading experience. (Also perfect for a rainy day)

These five books are ideal reading partners for your cozy fall evenings since they offer a beautiful combination of classics, fantasy, romance, and charm. Let me know in the comments if you have read any of these books or if you have reading suggestions of your own!

Enjoy your fall reading journey!

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Mini assignment 2

Let’s Help Your Inner Genius 🙂

Greetings to you fellow Avengers! Tony Stark here but you obviously already know who I am. I am the host of this post here with some life-changing hacks to master the art of reading without burning out. Just like how I optimize Stark tech, it’s time to optimize your reading experience. Let’s dive in:

1. Suit Up with the Right Environment:

You need the right reading environment just like Iron Man needs the right suit. Establish a focused environment where there are no outside distractions, just you and the universe of your choice.

2. J.A.R.V.I.S. – Time Management:

Let’s talk about time management, a skill even J.A.R.V.I.S. would appreciate. Dedicate a specific time for reading, but make it realistic. It’s not about how many hours you read, it’s about the quality of your focus. J.A.R.V.I.S. doesn’t waste time, and neither should you.

3. StarkSpectacles – Your Visual Savior:

StarkSpectacles aren’t just a remarkable styling piece, they’re a reading game changer. Protect your eyes from screen tiredness with blue light-blocking lenses. These smart glasses enhance your reading experience, ease eye pain, and sharpen your focus. Think of it as a visual upgrade for your genius mind.

4. Note-Taking System:

I don’t just build suits, I build systems. Develop your own note-taking system. You can colour-code your insights, use stickers, and put in a dash of Stark-style humor. Your notes should be an extension of your thoughts, accessible for later review and sharing with your peers.

5. Stark Industries Book Club:

Even geniuses need a team. Establish your (Stark Industries) Book Club – a gathering of minds hungry for knowledge. Engage in discussions, share recommendations, and let this energy of diverse perspectives spice up your reading journey. Remember, collaboration is the ultimate power move.

Reading is a journey, not a sprint. Stay genius, my friends, and happy reading! 

– Tony Stark, out. #GeniusReads #BillionaireGeniusPhilanthropist

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Post 4

In crafting my website I have been targeting a really broad audience. I believe anyone who is interested in books, reading, and is looking for helpful tips and recommendations are welcomed, despite their gender, age and nationality. Although I might say there’s no children book content of course). Because if we take a look at it I have covered romance books (The Notebook) which are appropriate for everyone 13+ and up, in case if people are not interested in romances I added detective and mystery ones. I’m also thinking about adding easy reads and once depending on the mood, like what do you read when you feel lost or when you feel like you are burning out what easy reads could I recommend.

However, I’m also adding a variety of genres depending on the ‘timing’, if I feel like it will be the best one to post I do it. Like my blog post about “Top 5 Fall Cozy reads” perfect for these months. They include romance, fantasy, horror and match with the season’s change. Next I’m planning on sharing mystery, detective, and thrillers for the spooky season, because of the Halloween. So everyone will find something interesting on my website. Then maybe I’ll add a post about Chirstams and Winter reads and so on. It’s like when people bump into my website it’ll likely match their mood and what their looking for at that particular time. Well of course you cannot be a 100% sure in these cases as people on a rainy day may actually want to read something spooky and not something warming and cozy, but despite that I believe my website is for everyone, and every fellow reader is able to find something for themselves here.

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