Eeeeee, loving the bangs 😍 I think the most important thing is that your content is creatively fulfilling to you personally. If that means only talking about what you like then I think that's all the better! Creativity is that energy and fire within that can feed and drive us without taking away anything from ourselves since creativity is endless (although focus is not😭) when you are at your best and most in your own zone then your audience benefits the most as well. You are a multifaceted and complex individual so shutting each of you videos into a box of "negative" or "positive" I think limits you in some ways. I looooove your determination and drive to ponder on the positive and good things in your life but also know that you are awesome as you are intricate. I appreciate the person that you are and im glad to hear about he books youve enjoyed recently. Been wanting to pick up bloom but you sold it for me for sure. ❤❤❤
You just hit me with a truth bomb with this one: creativity is endless (although focus is not). And SO MUCH spot on advice and wise words in this! You are right that classifying a video as "positive" vs "negative" can be limiting and hold back my true expression of speech. I appreciate your wisdom a lot, I really needed to hear it!!!!
OHH thank you for the recommendation!! I will definitely be checking out "The Witching Hour"; Anything that can help break this slump is welcome! That's amazing your copy is so well loved! 💯🙌
Good to see you!!! ❤ I love the bangs and your shirt is soooo cute! I agree, this year has been rough reading wise. I’ve been in many slumps and barely read anything in August at all. Ugh!!
Thank you so much! I appreciate it!💗 I totally understand the reading slumps; they can be really tough to get through. The other day I tried starting three different books before I finally just gave up because my brain wasn't processing. I ended up going for a walk yesterday and starting a new audiobook and that finally helped me break through a bit!!
Mikala, this was still a very successful year for you reading wise. You found new books you love and that move you ❤ don't ever feel like you need to make any video that makes you not wanna film it
I LOVE this top SM and your hair ❤️❤️ Omg my sweet friend 13:35 I love your honesty and humility here with what it's like now. I'm eager to go back and watch your other videos now bc I could definitely feel what you are talking about here. Sending you all my love. Im so so so glad that you found yourself allowing yourself a reading slump. You are more than the books you read and the content you post and you deserve to just pause and do puzzles and enjoy things slow. Lots of love to you❤❤❤
I love your new bangs looks. 😍I really needed some good horror recommendations from you, I feel like I am not finding many of those lately. As a lover of short story collections I feel embarrassed to say I didn’t know His black tongue was a collection of stories. I’ll do my best to find the audio version and listen to it. Thank you for this recommendation.
Aww, thank you!!! And I feel the same way where I have been struggling to find a really good horror read lately. My last like 6+ reads have all been 3 stars or less and I NEED to break this streak!!!!! Hope you love "His Black Tongue"! Can't wait to hear what you think if you get to it!
Oooo! I love your bangs. Adding Gollitok to my TBR. I need to read a Darcy Coates. Glad to hear you are getting back into reading. Maybe you could do a reading vlog where you record your experience rereading Cackle.
Aww, thanks! Glad you’re adding Gollitok to your list-and Im getting into reading from Darcy Coates, she just has such an extensive backlist!📚✨ Getting back into reading has been slow but I may finally be starting to get out of this slump! Ohh I LOVE that reading vlog idea, I am writing that down thank you!!!
Ahhhh your hair is stunning 😍 I’d say just do what you’re doing and chat about the books that you enjoy and just do what lights you up. Your channel was originally for you and I think it’s important to just do you and not worry about chatting about books you couldn’t be bothered with. I literally never chat about books I DNF 😊 I hope you’re taking care of yourself. Baby steps 💛
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! It really means a lot to me. Even though some days are a bit harder than others Im trying to keep my focus on making sure to stay true to myself while sharing the books that light me up and hopefully that can get me feeling excited again about what I read again! Appreciate the support, and I’m definitely going to try to be just taking it one step at a time!
I’m so glad I finally had time to relax and watch your video. I’m sorry to hear your struggling and I’m here and support you. I hope with this new season you feel better. I have been in a book slump as well . I totally can’t wait for fallish stuff, Halloween, watch beetles juice and get thru my tbr. I’ve been building up my horror stack of books oh my I need to start reading before next thing you know it’s Xmas. I’m happy to watch any video you post 🕯️☕️📖🍂🍁
I truly appreciate your kind words and support! It’s great to know we’re all in this together, and I hope we both find our reading groove this fall! This summer has been a bit tough and especially with reading I just haven't had the motivation, but Im SO with you that I cannot wait for fall and Halloween and the new Beetlejuice! (We almost went to see it yesterday but just ran out of energy, so hopefully next week!) I know itll be Christmas before we know it which is crazy and Im not ready yet LOL! Thank you for your comment, it's always lovely to chat with you!💌💗
You look gorgeous! Literally right before I watched this video I filmed my own and talked about how right now I can only talk about things I like. This publishing year never really picked back up, and tbh most of my long-term anticipates reads from favorite authors ended up being duds. I already have five adult books on my radar for next year and I’m telling myself that if I only read those books, that’s actually a good reading year by most metrics….knowing that there will inevitably be more books. This is one of the reasons I like cozy mysteries - a lot of series have new installments annually so you’re not stuck too long without something new. But even some of the bigger booktubers took breaks this year because things have just been too slow and disappointing. I’m glad you’re feeling better!!
AW thank you so much for being so kind to me! I really appreciate your kind words and insights! It’s comforting to know that so many of us are navigating the same ups and downs in our reading journeys. I SO feel you on only having the energy to talk about things that were good right now, like my last 6+ reads were all 3 stars and I feel like I should film a wrap up video to go over them but I dread it every time I think about it because my energy is so low. ALSOOO what you said here about reading more quality over quantity, like just those ones you are really anticipating and letting go of the rest sounds amazing and like something I want to do as well to help me find the joy in reading again! While I hope we all get back to loving what we are reading again it does help to know Im not the only one whos been feeling it! Thank you for your comment, I ALWAYS appreciate your thoughts!!
My only grievance with Cackle was I wanted a sapphic relationship, and Bloom gave me that in spades. 🥰 She has quickly become a favorite author, even her middle grade has been great. Glad to see you back, absolutely love the bangs!
OMG YESSSSSSSSSS I swear to god that was the one thing about Cackle the whole time I was yearning for was the sapphic romance, like I remember reading it and just wanting the two characters to be together so much! Ive never heard anyone else say that so I feel like I just totally was seen LOL! I agree that Bloom gave us that and even though it was a more "evil" spin on the character archetypes it was still so enjoyable to read!!! I cant wait to read more from the author!
Thank you for this video, i haven't heard of any of these titles and that was refreshing. Ok, I have read Darcy Coates and I have heard of CJ but the rest are new to me. I'm definitely going to check out Golitok. Thank you again for the recs
Thank you for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear you found some new titles to explore. Golitok has some interesting twists, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 💯
I'm digging your use of background music here. Really adds to he video. I know I suggested short stories in a previous comment, but I also think something humorous would help get you out of the reading slump. There is the Stephanie Plum mystery series by Janet Evanovich, so you might want to try the first one, One for the Money. Of course, Agatha Christie books are just pure comfort, and I believe I suggested you try Dead Man's Folly. But if you read graphic novels, there's this 4 volume manga series you might get some laughs out of. It's called Azumanga Daioh and it is a slice of life series about a group of high school girls and their eccentric teachers. I cracked up with it. Sometimes we need something light-hearted and fun.
I really appreciate your thoughtful suggestions! I remember my sister LOVING the Stephanie Plum series and I would love to try it for myself. I also agree that Agatha Christie books are total comfort reads, I recently started Appointment With Death but didnt get to finish it and had to place a new hold at my library! I will try Dead Mans Folly next! I will be checking out Azumanga Daioh as well! Can't wait to explore these titles!
Aww thank you!!! 💌 I actually have never read a Karin slaughter, some of her storylines intimidate me a bit. Like Ive seen others talk about Pretty Girls but the story sounds like it would traumatize me so Im too scared to read it 😅
OMG Strega by Johanne Lykke Holm?!!! I read this book last year and i LOVED IT!!! I havnt really heard anyone else mention it though so thats so cool you would recommend it too! I totally agree it has those small town witchy vibes Im looking for!
I've been reading less but I'm blaming it on my other hobbies that require my full attention. I love puzzles too, they are great to do while I listen to an audiobook.
Yes thats a good point that some times other things in our life can suck up our reading time or energy! Thats my problem when I get a "new" hobby I go all in on it then everything else can kind of phase out. BUT I'm trying not to lose the spark for reading this time if possible because sometime reading slumps can last me years! I agree puzzles and audiobooks go together so well!
Sorry you've been in a reading slump, I feel like my 2024 has not been great either. Especially in the summer I've been reading YA & manga because I haven't wanted to commit to harder books. But glad you found some here you liked, I'm definetely adding a few of these to by TBR!
2024 has really been one of those more difficult years for sure! Ohhh I have actually been reading some graphic novels too this past month and its been a really good confidence boost that I can finish some things and get back in the reading mode again! I feel like I need to gravitate a bit towards shorter and lighter at the moment!
I totally get it! It can be a real struggle finding a book that clicks! I've been starting so many and finishing so few 😅 I feel like my capacity to read a ton every month has just diminished LOL
Sorry to hear the slump has been so sluggish. I'm not sure the best way to get out of one. Perhaps a short story so there's not much of a commitment. Good luck.
OMG YOU DO?!!! Jaimee you absolutely do not have to do that but also if you wanted I could send you something and we could do a book swap! I would absolutely PRIZE a signed copy of Bloom 😭💗 I am not on insta any more but I do have an email mikalareads@yahoo.com if you want to connect!
Love your shirt. Very cool.
I really appreciate your kind words! Thank you!
Oh girl I have missed you your hair is so pretty ❤❤❤
Thank you for the sweet words! It means a lot to me and I’ve missed you all too!💌💗
@mikalareads of course I love it when I see you in my videos I stop everything to watch you lol
Eeeeee, loving the bangs 😍
I think the most important thing is that your content is creatively fulfilling to you personally. If that means only talking about what you like then I think that's all the better! Creativity is that energy and fire within that can feed and drive us without taking away anything from ourselves since creativity is endless (although focus is not😭) when you are at your best and most in your own zone then your audience benefits the most as well.
You are a multifaceted and complex individual so shutting each of you videos into a box of "negative" or "positive" I think limits you in some ways. I looooove your determination and drive to ponder on the positive and good things in your life but also know that you are awesome as you are intricate. I appreciate the person that you are and im glad to hear about he books youve enjoyed recently. Been wanting to pick up bloom but you sold it for me for sure. ❤❤❤
You just hit me with a truth bomb with this one: creativity is endless (although focus is not). And SO MUCH spot on advice and wise words in this! You are right that classifying a video as "positive" vs "negative" can be limiting and hold back my true expression of speech. I appreciate your wisdom a lot, I really needed to hear it!!!!
Girl, your hair looks gorgeous!
I’m so grateful for your sweet compliment! It means a lot to me!😭💗
Whenever I'm in a slump I always reread "The Witching Hour" by Anne Rice. My paperback copy has been read atleast 10 times and it's falling apart 😂
OHH thank you for the recommendation!! I will definitely be checking out "The Witching Hour"; Anything that can help break this slump is welcome! That's amazing your copy is so well loved! 💯🙌
You are a lovely human... we will always be here whenever! I don't care how often I have to reiterate that either... that's what friends are for!
Good to see you!!! ❤ I love the bangs and your shirt is soooo cute! I agree, this year has been rough reading wise. I’ve been in many slumps and barely read anything in August at all. Ugh!!
Thank you so much! I appreciate it!💗 I totally understand the reading slumps; they can be really tough to get through. The other day I tried starting three different books before I finally just gave up because my brain wasn't processing. I ended up going for a walk yesterday and starting a new audiobook and that finally helped me break through a bit!!
Mikala, this was still a very successful year for you reading wise. You found new books you love and that move you ❤ don't ever feel like you need to make any video that makes you not wanna film it
I LOVE this top SM and your hair ❤️❤️
Omg my sweet friend 13:35 I love your honesty and humility here with what it's like now. I'm eager to go back and watch your other videos now bc I could definitely feel what you are talking about here. Sending you all my love.
Im so so so glad that you found yourself allowing yourself a reading slump. You are more than the books you read and the content you post and you deserve to just pause and do puzzles and enjoy things slow. Lots of love to you❤❤❤
Your makeup and hair look really good here with that top! Great recs, I haven’t heard of some of these but they sound really good.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you found the recommendations helpful and definitely let me know if you try any of them! 💌💯💗
I love your new bangs looks. 😍I really needed some good horror recommendations from you, I feel like I am not finding many of those lately. As a lover of short story collections I feel embarrassed to say I didn’t know His black tongue was a collection of stories. I’ll do my best to find the audio version and listen to it. Thank you for this recommendation.
Aww, thank you!!! And I feel the same way where I have been struggling to find a really good horror read lately. My last like 6+ reads have all been 3 stars or less and I NEED to break this streak!!!!! Hope you love "His Black Tongue"! Can't wait to hear what you think if you get to it!
Oooo! I love your bangs.
Adding Gollitok to my TBR. I need to read a Darcy Coates.
Glad to hear you are getting back into reading. Maybe you could do a reading vlog where you record your experience rereading Cackle.
Aww, thanks! Glad you’re adding Gollitok to your list-and Im getting into reading from Darcy Coates, she just has such an extensive backlist!📚✨ Getting back into reading has been slow but I may finally be starting to get out of this slump! Ohh I LOVE that reading vlog idea, I am writing that down thank you!!!
Ahhhh your hair is stunning 😍
I’d say just do what you’re doing and chat about the books that you enjoy and just do what lights you up. Your channel was originally for you and I think it’s important to just do you and not worry about chatting about books you couldn’t be bothered with. I literally never chat about books I DNF 😊
I hope you’re taking care of yourself. Baby steps 💛
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! It really means a lot to me. Even though some days are a bit harder than others Im trying to keep my focus on making sure to stay true to myself while sharing the books that light me up and hopefully that can get me feeling excited again about what I read again! Appreciate the support, and I’m definitely going to try to be just taking it one step at a time!
Hang in there. You are doing great!
Thank you for the encouragement! It really means a lot to hear that.
I’m so glad I finally had time to relax and watch your video. I’m sorry to hear your struggling and I’m here and support you. I hope with this new season you feel better. I have been in a book slump as well . I totally can’t wait for fallish stuff, Halloween, watch beetles juice and get thru my tbr. I’ve been building up my horror stack of books oh my I need to start reading before next thing you know it’s Xmas. I’m happy to watch any video you post 🕯️☕️📖🍂🍁
I truly appreciate your kind words and support! It’s great to know we’re all in this together, and I hope we both find our reading groove this fall! This summer has been a bit tough and especially with reading I just haven't had the motivation, but Im SO with you that I cannot wait for fall and Halloween and the new Beetlejuice! (We almost went to see it yesterday but just ran out of energy, so hopefully next week!) I know itll be Christmas before we know it which is crazy and Im not ready yet LOL!
Thank you for your comment, it's always lovely to chat with you!💌💗
You look gorgeous! Literally right before I watched this video I filmed my own and talked about how right now I can only talk about things I like. This publishing year never really picked back up, and tbh most of my long-term anticipates reads from favorite authors ended up being duds. I already have five adult books on my radar for next year and I’m telling myself that if I only read those books, that’s actually a good reading year by most metrics….knowing that there will inevitably be more books. This is one of the reasons I like cozy mysteries - a lot of series have new installments annually so you’re not stuck too long without something new. But even some of the bigger booktubers took breaks this year because things have just been too slow and disappointing. I’m glad you’re feeling better!!
AW thank you so much for being so kind to me! I really appreciate your kind words and insights! It’s comforting to know that so many of us are navigating the same ups and downs in our reading journeys. I SO feel you on only having the energy to talk about things that were good right now, like my last 6+ reads were all 3 stars and I feel like I should film a wrap up video to go over them but I dread it every time I think about it because my energy is so low.
ALSOOO what you said here about reading more quality over quantity, like just those ones you are really anticipating and letting go of the rest sounds amazing and like something I want to do as well to help me find the joy in reading again! While I hope we all get back to loving what we are reading again it does help to know Im not the only one whos been feeling it!
Thank you for your comment, I ALWAYS appreciate your thoughts!!
Love the hair! The Gathering sounds good! Have you read A Sliver of Darkness by C.J. Tudor? I enjoyed that one too.
My only grievance with Cackle was I wanted a sapphic relationship, and Bloom gave me that in spades. 🥰 She has quickly become a favorite author, even her middle grade has been great. Glad to see you back, absolutely love the bangs!
OMG YESSSSSSSSSS I swear to god that was the one thing about Cackle the whole time I was yearning for was the sapphic romance, like I remember reading it and just wanting the two characters to be together so much! Ive never heard anyone else say that so I feel like I just totally was seen LOL! I agree that Bloom gave us that and even though it was a more "evil" spin on the character archetypes it was still so enjoyable to read!!! I cant wait to read more from the author!
@@mikalas_nook I need more cottage-core horror recs!
Thank you for this video, i haven't heard of any of these titles and that was refreshing. Ok, I have read Darcy Coates and I have heard of CJ but the rest are new to me. I'm definitely going to check out Golitok. Thank you again for the recs
Thank you for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear you found some new titles to explore. Golitok has some interesting twists, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 💯
You look so pretty! ❤ thanks for sharing your recs
I really appreciate your sweet comment! It means a lot to me that you enjoyed the video and the recommendations! 💌💗🥰
I'm digging your use of background music here. Really adds to he video. I know I suggested short stories in a previous comment, but I also think something humorous would help get you out of the reading slump. There is the Stephanie Plum mystery series by Janet Evanovich, so you might want to try the first one, One for the Money. Of course, Agatha Christie books are just pure comfort, and I believe I suggested you try Dead Man's Folly. But if you read graphic novels, there's this 4 volume manga series you might get some laughs out of. It's called Azumanga Daioh and it is a slice of life series about a group of high school girls and their eccentric teachers. I cracked up with it. Sometimes we need something light-hearted and fun.
I really appreciate your thoughtful suggestions! I remember my sister LOVING the Stephanie Plum series and I would love to try it for myself. I also agree that Agatha Christie books are total comfort reads, I recently started Appointment With Death but didnt get to finish it and had to place a new hold at my library! I will try Dead Mans Folly next! I will be checking out Azumanga Daioh as well! Can't wait to explore these titles!
@@mikalas_nook excellent. Sometimes, it's just a shift in tone that's needed and not genre. Have fun.
I am loving your fashion in this also what was your rating on pretty girl by Karin slaughter
Aww thank you!!! 💌 I actually have never read a Karin slaughter, some of her storylines intimidate me a bit. Like Ive seen others talk about Pretty Girls but the story sounds like it would traumatize me so Im too scared to read it 😅
Both Bloom and Spitting Gold are on my Autumn TBR so hearing your review was fantastic! Massively looking forward to them now! 🖤
OHH I think both of these titles make excellent Fall season reads, I don't think you will be disappointed by them!!! 🙌📚💌
Just picked up spitting gold 🖤
If you like small town,witchy then i highly recommend Strega.
OMG Strega by Johanne Lykke Holm?!!! I read this book last year and i LOVED IT!!! I havnt really heard anyone else mention it though so thats so cool you would recommend it too! I totally agree it has those small town witchy vibes Im looking for!
YAY! 😄
💗📚😍🌞💌📗
I've been reading less but I'm blaming it on my other hobbies that require my full attention. I love puzzles too, they are great to do while I listen to an audiobook.
Yes thats a good point that some times other things in our life can suck up our reading time or energy! Thats my problem when I get a "new" hobby I go all in on it then everything else can kind of phase out. BUT I'm trying not to lose the spark for reading this time if possible because sometime reading slumps can last me years! I agree puzzles and audiobooks go together so well!
Sorry you've been in a reading slump, I feel like my 2024 has not been great either. Especially in the summer I've been reading YA & manga because I haven't wanted to commit to harder books. But glad you found some here you liked, I'm definetely adding a few of these to by TBR!
2024 has really been one of those more difficult years for sure! Ohhh I have actually been reading some graphic novels too this past month and its been a really good confidence boost that I can finish some things and get back in the reading mode again! I feel like I need to gravitate a bit towards shorter and lighter at the moment!
I feel you. I read every day but struggling to find books to like. 😔
I totally get it! It can be a real struggle finding a book that clicks! I've been starting so many and finishing so few 😅 I feel like my capacity to read a ton every month has just diminished LOL
Sorry to hear the slump has been so sluggish. I'm not sure the best way to get out of one. Perhaps a short story so there's not much of a commitment. Good luck.
I think that's excellent advice - it will make reading not so intimidating and hopefully get me back in the reading groove again!!!
PS. I have a signed edition of Bloom, if you don't have a copy of it I'd be more than happy to send it to you!
OMG YOU DO?!!! Jaimee you absolutely do not have to do that but also if you wanted I could send you something and we could do a book swap! I would absolutely PRIZE a signed copy of Bloom 😭💗 I am not on insta any more but I do have an email mikalareads@yahoo.com if you want to connect!
@@mikalas_nook Emailed you :)
Have you tried The Invocations by Crystal Sutherland? So witchy, so good!
Ohhh I actually just saved it to my library TBR the other day!!! I may have to pick it up asap hahah!! 💯🙌
@@mikalas_nook oooo now I feel pressure 😂😂 I really hope you like it!
Where did you find the audiobook for “his black tongue”?
I had it available on my Hoopla account through my library!
Brother is an amazing book
Thank you for the recommendation!!
Reading slump solidarity.
Totally feel you on that! Slumps can be rough, hopefully we’ll bounce back and get our reading mojo again hahah!