Smilepal
20-some archivist who can't read enough books. I love fantasy, crime novels and non-fiction, but always open to suggestions! If I’m not reading, I’m probably gaming 👾🏳️🌈
14340 points
Smilepal commented on a post
The body positivity in these books is one of their most underrated features. Some fresh, much-needed rep
2Smilepal commented on Smilepal's update
Smilepal commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum
OK it's time! I want to hear your top 6 books for the first 6 months of 2026! And then 6 books you're looking forward to reading in the next 6 months. Plus your 1 biggest disappointment and your 1 best bookish experience.
My favourites:
- A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majundar
- Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
- Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker
- Chosen Family by Madeleine Grey
- Kin by Tayari Jones
- It's Not What you think by Claire Mackintosh
Looking forward to:
- Exit Party by Emily St John Mandel
- As you wake break the shell by Becky Chambers
- Taipei Story by RF Kuang
- American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee
- Time Travel for Beginners by Jaclyn Moriarty
- Under Story by Chloe Benjamin
Disappointment: Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy
Best bookish moment: Every time I've gone into a library with my 8 year old, telling her not to get too many books, and leaving with a stack we can barely carry.
Tell me yours.....
88Smilepal commented on jadieblue's update
Smilepal commented on a post
Did you know that Violet looks boyish? No? That's okay because Pacat isn't afraid to remind you. I'm counting four times in the first couple chapters? Come onnn. There's other similar adjectives (or even better, show and don't tell). I'm enjoying this book so far for the most part, but the repetition of this feels really jarring.
9Post from the Dark Rise (Dark Rise, #1) forum
Did you know that Violet looks boyish? No? That's okay because Pacat isn't afraid to remind you. I'm counting four times in the first couple chapters? Come onnn. There's other similar adjectives (or even better, show and don't tell). I'm enjoying this book so far for the most part, but the repetition of this feels really jarring.
9Smilepal joined a quest
¡Ay wey! Mexican Authors 🇲🇽💚🎉
💎 // 357 joined
Not Joined
A collection of Mexican literature across genres by acclaimed Mexican authors.
0Smilepal commented on a post
Even before starting the book, I really appreciate how much care Harris took with the authors note. It gives really good context for the story, and provides content and trigger warnings. Harris makes a point of saying that the readers should listen to their gut, and take a break from reading if they’re not in a good place for it. After how disdainful some authors are of warnings/complaining that their surprise twists are more important than readers well being, is reassuring to see that others chose to take the kinder and more considerate option.
2Smilepal commented on a post
“I’m a moody dick as it is”
Well at least I can’t say he’s not self aware 🙄
Also editing to say wow he is the biggest man-baby in the sourcebook quest yet. Pitching a fit about having to ride in a golf cart with two dudes, we’ve got a winner here
8Smilepal joined a quest
Southern Gothic Fiction 🪕👻🏚️
💎 // 568 joined
Not Joined
A selection of contemporary titles exploring the decay, despair, and trauma of the reconstructed American South. Come for the atmospheric settings, stay for the commentary on the legacy of the South's oft-romanticized past.
0Smilepal commented on Smilepal's review of Remarkably Bright Creatures
I started this book thinking it would be a quirky and unique book about an octopus, and left ugly crying about aging, the grief of losing loved ones, found family, and the importance of belonging. While objectively speaking, it wasn't necessarily the best written book I've ever read, and the plot was a little too convenient at times, it was exactly what I needed right now, and feels like a well-timed glimmer of hope. Even though things change, people move away, ect--we can still find meaning, and companionship, and closeness. Cameron was the one part of this book that annoyed me, and a lot of that is because I've dealt with a lot of Camerons irl. You know the type, "nothing is my fault", 30-some year old men that behave like children, and refuse to take responsibility. He doesn't need a girlfriend, he just needs THERAPY. That aside, this is definitely a book I'd recommend, especially if you don't mind something that's slower paced, and a little meandering.
14Smilepal commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum
Check off the things you have and haven't done and give us your total score!
- Read a book in one sitting
- Owned multiple copies of one book
- Spent hours in a bookshop
- Gone to a book signing
- Cried over a book
- Pre-ordered a book
- Skipped ahead to the ending
- Hated a book everyone else loved
- Bought a book for its cover
- Stayed up all night reading
- Met a friend in a book club
- Had a book hangover
- Read an entire book series
- Damaged a library book
- Thrown a book across the room
- Binged on reading all day
- Fallen asleep reading a book
- Ruined a book in a bath
183Smilepal commented on Smilepal's review of Ace of Spades
View spoiler
2Smilepal wrote a review...
View spoiler
2Smilepal commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum
Ok I absolutely love the array of options for avatars on PB, but obviously there aren't an infinite number of options. If you could have anything as your avatar what would it be?
I wish that I could have one of the cat avatars but it would look like one of my cats. Neither of the cats look like mine (but I do dream of getting a black cat one day!) Alternatively, I'd love if there were a black tea option because I don't drink green tea so the green tea avatar doesn't speak to me.
Again, I'm not demanding that J&L make infinite avatars this is more of a "you have a magic wand" sort of scenario!
223