The Innocent Smiley: An Innocent Life #22: January Recap

Thursday, February 1, 2018

An Innocent Life #22: January Recap

Hello hello there. *looks at blog posts* Wow, I did NOT post as much as I wanted to this January. Well, it doesn't matter because I read 26 books this month and I am proud. What an achievement.

So, you might be asking, Val, WHY are you flying through all these books (and how for that matter. This is a question I cannot answer). Well, this year, my bud Holly and I are engaging in a friendly reading competition. Currently, I am winning.

But other than that, things have been pretty mellow! The new school year has started, I'm still underpaid, I don't have to assist with teaching undergraduates this year, and I've had a cavity.

Monthly Prim Pic

A post shared by Valerie (@innocentreads) on Jan 25, 2018 at 7:13pm PST

I've also completed TWO series this month, which means I am ahead on my self-imposed series challenge. And in terms of the sequels challenge, I've read 5 sequels this month.

I read a lot during the snowpocalypse this month (which resulted in 2.5 days off from classes and work).

Lastly, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but Rashika got me HOOKED on a TV show. I mean I really loved Brooklyn Nine Nine, and I still do (even though I haven't caught up), but I am obsessed with The Good Place. It's hilarious, has short episodes, an interesting premise, and at the same time has a plot. The season finale will air tomorrow, and I just cannot wait. (I never gush about TV shows, so you know that when I say I loved a show it must be amazing).

I'm also on the third (?) episode of The Handmaid's Tale? I read the book this month, and though that was pretty bleak, the TV show is even more intense.

How was your January? Read much?

Comments (24)

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thewritinghufflepuff 22p · 374 weeks ago

I was in a bit of a reading slump this month (mostly because I was tired) so I only read three books, but I did read quite a few comics 😊 Good luck on your reading competition haha, sounds like it's going well! I absolutely love The Good Place - I hadn't even realised that the finale is already tomorrow!

1 reply · active 374 weeks ago

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vlangloisx3 116p · 374 weeks ago

Yes I think a couple of my books read were also graphic novels or comics hahah. And yes the finale is tomorrow and I just don't know if I can handle my excitement hahah!

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venosag 72p · 374 weeks ago

Holy hell 26 books! Good for you. I was happy with 9 which was more than I thought I would get to. Oh how I LOVE The Good Place. Such a smart and funny show. Have a great February!!

1 reply · active 374 weeks ago

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vlangloisx3 116p · 374 weeks ago

Thanks Grace! And yay I'm so glad all my friends love The Good Place!! :D

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bmaraia 32p · 374 weeks ago

26 books is a ton! I know how motivating a competition can be, haha.

I love The Good Place as well! I also recommend One Day at a Time, if you haven't seen it already.

I had a busy but nice January. I didn't read as much as I'd have liked, but most of what I read was great. Here's my wrap-up: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8630441-marai... 😊

4 replies · active 373 weeks ago

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vlangloisx3 116p · 374 weeks ago

It really is motivating! I think this is the most I've read in a month since maybe elementary school or something. I see that you've read 18 books, so you're not far behind me!

Oooo ok! I will check out One Day at a Time! I've never heard of it actually!

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bmaraia 32p · 373 weeks ago

Haha, only 15! Also, just realized that I sent you a link to GR, NOT my wrap-up. *face palms*

It's a Netflix show!

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vlangloisx3 116p · 373 weeks ago

I was going to ask about that but then I didn't hahahah. Where's your real wrap up??????

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Maraia · 373 weeks ago

http://buecher-monster.de/2018/02/01/roundup-janu...

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drizzleandhurricanebooks 46p · 374 weeks ago

HOW DID YOU READ SO MANY BOOKS? I am so impressed and I admire you so much haha.
I am OBSESSED with the Good Place as well, it's such a fun show! It has a plot and intrigue, yet it's fun to watch and I always want to see the next episode. I can't wait for the finale, but I'm nervous because I won't be able to handle the wait until we get the new season 😂
I hope you'll have a fantastic month! <3

1 reply · active 374 weeks ago

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vlangloisx3 116p · 374 weeks ago

I JUST KEPT READING AND READING AND NEVER STOPPED. And plus I am fueled by my competition because I NEED TO WIN hahaha. Awww I always welcome admirers LOL

I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE OBSESSED. GOOD GOOD GOOD. I'm also nervous because what do I do after season 2? I swear if there is a cliffhanger I will NOT BE HAPPY.

Thanks Marie! Hope you have a great February too!

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madalynhardwick 12p · 374 weeks ago

Oh wow, what a great reading month! Friendly competition is always fun. I hear soooo many things about The Good Place-- I actually just finished Brooklyn Nine Nine this month (which, by the way, you need to catch up!!), so that might be my next watch. I hope you have a great February, Val!

1 reply · active 374 weeks ago

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vlangloisx3 116p · 374 weeks ago

Yes they are always fun! And I DO need to catch up with Brooklyn Nine Nine!! And yes The Good Place needs to be your next watch hahahha, especially since I think the same people (or some of the same people, idk) helped with The Good Place! Thanks Madalyn, hope you have a great February too!

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erickaonpaper 9p · 374 weeks ago

OH MY GOSH, I literally. Girl. I literally started Brooklyn Nine Nine a week and a half ago, right, and finished it two days ago. Let me tell you, I went back to re-watch it. I fell so hard for Andy Samberg and Jake Peralta and I can't stop thinking about it. It's such a good TV show, I'm surprised I didn't start it earlier. Ugh. Anyway, I'm so happy/envious that you're up to 26 books this month! I fell into a hardcore book slump and covering it up with binge-ing a TV show isn't helping at all. Who woulda figured, right? Haha. Good luck with your compeition!!!

1 reply · active 374 weeks ago

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vlangloisx3 116p · 374 weeks ago

HAHAH I can't believe you ALREADY finished 5 seasons! I really need to get to that last season haha. AND YES I LOVE ANDY SAMBERG AS JAKE PERALTA! I surprisingly was able to binge a TV show while reading so many books, it was kind of hard to believe haha.

Thanks Ericka!!!

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shannonmiz 83p · 373 weeks ago

Everyone who is super impressed with Valerie should note that this total includes plenty of poetry and graphic novels. You're welcome for this public service announcement.

Also, you compete with Holly, Rashika has you watching The Good Place... and NOTHING about me. Wow. Offended. Especially since I was the one who said that Handmaid's was good.

I am done with this blog goodbye.

3 replies · active 373 weeks ago

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rashikabahl 60p · 373 weeks ago

i am done with this blog too. lets storm our together, Shannon.

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shannonmiz 83p · 373 weeks ago

YEAH. ::Tosses hair over shoulder; stomps loudly::

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vlangloisx3 116p · 373 weeks ago

Why are we friends.

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FoolsIngenuity 93p · 373 weeks ago

You read 26 books?!? I remember the days when I used to do that and now I read like 10, which isn't bad but why does my brain not feel like reading constantly like it used to? If this is adulting I am definitely not happy about it! I would have a reading competition with friends but I'd beat them so easy it would be embarrassing (IRL friends that is) and if I wasn't winning I would give up and pretend I wasn't trying... I get very competitive. I am with you on loving The Good Place, I'm a few episodes behind but its brilliant. I didn't think it was gonna be but it totally is.

1 reply · active 372 weeks ago

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vlangloisx3 116p · 372 weeks ago

Hahah yes I definitely beat my real life friends! And yeah, we're almost halfway through February and I have NOT done as well as I did last month. I think it definitely helped that I was still on break for half of January. Yay for the Good Place! Hope you catch up!

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elyjayne 65p · 373 weeks ago

Kitttttty.

...That is all.

1 reply · active 372 weeks ago

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vlangloisx3 116p · 372 weeks ago

YES

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