The Sunday Mix (22)

I do love the start of the year (in spite of the cold where I live), because the potential awesome that lies ahead is so enticing. I've got lots of (tentative) plans for all sorts of fun things in 2016, and I can't wait to see how everything will actually play out. I hope you had the most wonderful holidays with family and friends, good food and plenty of rest and relaxation (and for those who had to work - you're my heroes). And I wish every single one of you a most magnificent year to come! I just got back from ALA Midwinter (which you'll be hearing about later this week), which is why this post is going up a wee bit late, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.

WHAT I READ

• Kristin shared this really awesome art set of Disney x Christmas films mash-ups! I'm obsessed with Home Alone Rapunzel and the Inside Out gang's Charlie Brown Christmas. Which one is your favorite? (And yes, I know, Christmas is past. But these are still cute!)
• Rachel compiled a partial list of 2016 releases to look forward to. I'm definitely interested in reading a bunch of these titles (and I'm lucky enough to have review copies of a few). If you're curious about what's coming out next year, you should click on this link!
• Alexia muses about being a mood reader versus reading on a schedule. I generally like to set TBR goals for myself, and keep track of all the books I must read for review. But honestly, I'm such a big mood reader. I always choose what to read next based on what I feel like reading at any given moment, and I've learned not to give myself too much grief for not sticking to a schedule! 
• I really do adore the On the Same Page Secret Sister project! It's been such a fun experience, and this last round was lovely because my secret sister (whoever she may be) was the best. If you're interested in participating, check out this FAQ post!
• Josephine discusses comparing different books written by the same author. Personally, I don't find it too hard to keep books (or series) from the same author as separate entities in my mind. I actually think it's really cool when an author is able to make her stories easy to distinguish from one another! 
• Estelle talks about how certain books inspired, challenged and made her feel things in 2015. It's a beautiful piece, and one I highly recommend you check out. (I've read quite a few of the novels she's mentioned, and they really are brilliant.)
• Lauren reflects on why she loves reading challenges (and shares the ones she's joining in for 2016). I personally enjoy a low-key reading challenge. I chose to participate in the ones that would help me hit my personal goals for 2016, which is why there are only three. Are you joining any reading challenges this year?
• Grace shared her thoughts on this article via a very well-written discussion. As always, I'm impressed by the maturity and eloquence Grace possesses, and I really appreciated her thoughtful reaction as a teen to an article that (perhaps not purposely) criticizes YA literature.
• Estelle shares her personal recommendations for reads written by women. I trust E's taste when it comes to novels, and have actually read 8 of the ones she spotlighted in the post. Have you read any of these titles? I personally want to read Big Magic!
• I'll be honest - I wanted to share this interview Sarah J. Maas did with her best friend Susan Dennard because they are two of my favorite people in the world. Definitely check it out! And check out their books too. Obviously.
• Lili discusses the downsides of ARCs. Personally, I've been slowly working hard at being pickier at the books I request or accept for review. I will never take for granted all the opportunities I receive, and it's always amazing to get an early review copy of a novel that I'm super excited to read! But I don't want ARCs to dominate my reading life or my space; I'm determined to continue reading more of my own books. 

WHAT I ACQUIRED

from publishers: The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl by Melissa Keil

borrowed from the library: The Elite by Kiera Cass, The One by Kiera Cass, In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

bought: Incarnate (German ed.) by Jodi Meadows, The Assassin's Blade (Polish ed.) by Sarah Maas, Delicious by Sherry Thomas (Kindle edition), The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord (Kindle edition)

gifted: The Perfect Rake by Anne Gracie (Thanks Betty!), The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo (Thanks Mel!), A Tangled Web by L.M. Montgomery (Thanks Rachel!), The Hobbit (Folio Society ed.) by J.R.R. Tolkien (Thanks Hannah!), Civil War (Thanks #OTSPSecretSister!)