Graduation, A Big Move, and a New Job (+ What I've Been Reading!)

Things have been pretty crazy in-real-life for me these past few weeks. The end of my time as an undergrad is rapidly approaching (this weekend my final paper is due!) and the panic set in a few weeks ago. I've heard so many horror stories of graduates being unable to find a job post-college, so I kind of flipped out and started applying EVERYWHERE. In my hometown, in my college town, other places in Michigan, other states... I don't even know how many resumes I sent out. And then the calls started. Which sounds like the start of a horror story, but it's not - it was actually good calls. With interview requests and job offers. 

Which is why, near this end of this month, I'll be moving across the state of Michigan to Traverse City where I've accepted a position at the fabulous Brilliant Books. Now, some of you might already know that, for some time, I've worked in bookstores and libraries in addition to reading like a crazy person and blogging. I've had many great (and not-so-great experiences), but I'm not sure I've ever been as excited about working somewhere as I am about Brilliant Books. From the moment I walked into the store and met the booksellers there, I knew it was where I wanted to be. I'm a super anxious person and I often over-think things, but it just felt right. Plus, anyone that knows the Traverse City area of Michigan knows how gorgeous it is and that there is always something exciting happening. 

All of this explains why I haven't been blogging much these past few weeks - too much to do and a serious time shortage. That said, I've still been reading for pleasure when I can because it's one of those things that I need to do to be sane. And I fully plan on returning to blogging with a vengeance once I've completed my semester and have settled into my new apartment and job. In the meantime, I have a few blog tours that I've committed to, so you'll be seeing those pop up from time to time. And because I can't help but talk books, below you'll find some of my recent reads and a few thoughts on each!

Love and Other Foreign Words by Erin McCahan
 
This book was smart, funny, and so real that I kept wishing it'd never end. Plus, the main character has a preoccupation with linguistics and language that I loved! You won't want to miss this one. I'm also seriously kicking myself for having neglected reading McCahan's debut, I Now Pronounce You Someone Else for so long; this must be remedied asap!

Panic by Lauren Oliver

While this one wasn't my favorite from Oliver, I still liked it. I was actually surprised when I realized it was contemporary YA because the cover has a different vibe to me, but I suppose that's not so important in the long run. It has an interesting, though somewhat unbelievable premise, that kept me engaged and wondering how everything would turn out.

These Gentle Wounds by Helene Dunbar

To be honest, one of the main reasons that I put this book on my must-read list was that I knew it was set in Michigan. But, now, I don't even care what made me read this book, I'm just glad that I did. It features one of those deeply broken main characters that you just want to paste, tape, and staple back together. You should probably read it.