Contemporary-A-Thon Round 5 TBR | All the Romances

Contemporary books are very much my jam.

Or jelly, if you prefer. That’s why I was so sad when I couldn’t participate in the Contemporary-A-Thon earlier this year because that week was just too manic for me. But this time? Oh, this time, I am not missing out.

This round runs from Monday, September 23rd to Sunday, September 29th. I’ll be away from home for the first couple days of it, but I’m hoping it won’t slow me down too much. If you want more information on it, check out Chelsea’s video! She explains it super well.

Here are the prompts and what I’m hoping to read for each of them.

Read a 2019 release

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

I am so, so late in reading this book. It seems like just about everyone has devoured (and loved) it already, so the time is now! Better late than never. I just hope it lives up to all the hype.

This one released on May 14th, 2019.

Read a contemporary book with yellow on the cover

Technically, You Started It by Lana Wood Johnson

I truly appreciate the freedom that this challenge gives us. LOTS of contemporary books have yellow on the cover, but I figured this one would be perfect for the readathon, considering it’s told entirely in text messages, which will hopefully make for a quick read. Plus, who doesn’t love a case of mistaken identity?

Read a diverse contemporary (aim to read something outside of your own experience)

The Summer of Jordi Perez by Amy Spalding

This one has actually been out since early last year, but it’s remained on my radar since then.

It sounds like it’s going to be a short but sweet f/f romance set in sunny Los Angeles that has a lot of important messages about self-image. Plus, the main character has a blog! #Twinsies.

I’ll be picking this one up on audio from my library.

Read a contemporary with an illustrated cover

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Illustrated covers have really been on the scene lately in the book world, so I would’ve had zero problem finding a book that wasn’t already on this TBR.

But, since this readathon is during the school year, if I don’t double up on at least a couple challenges, there’s no way I’ll get through it.

Read a dark / hard-hitting contemporary

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I haven’t made a firm decision on this challenge yet. The thing with readathons is I usually try to avoid books with heavier topics because they’re harder to get through quickly. They don’t quite put me in a slump but I usually read a little slower once I’ve finished them because I’m still absorbing everything.

Nevertheless, I’m definitely still attempting this challenge, it’ll just depend on if I pick up That Night by Amy Giles or The Quiet You Carry by Nikki Barthelmess, the latter of which has glowing reviews but definitely seems darker.

Either way, I’ll probably be completing this challenge last, just so it doesn’t slow me down too much.

Read a contemporary with plants on the cover

I Wanna Be Where You Are by Kristina Forest

I wanna read this book real soon (haha). I’ve been meaning to read this book for months (story of my freaking life). But it’s perfect for a readathon, because it’s under 300 pages.

You may have to look twice to notice, but Chloe very conveniently has flowers in her hair, and last I heard, those count as plants. Check and check.

Read a contemporary that is beloved by a member of the book community (and shout out the creator!)

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Why yes, I am using this 2019 release with an illustrated cover for not one, not two, but three challenges. How very observant of you.

Seriously though, this book is on the long side, so I need to be strategic. ait is loved by countless members of the community, but a few that instantly come to mind are Chelsea, Maha, and Melanie.

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Even though I’m doubling up on some challenges, five books in a school week is still pretty ambitious for me, so if you wanted to stay updated on how badly I’ll be doing be sure to check out my Twitter!

Are you guys participating in the Contemporaryathon? Considering it? What books are you hoping to pick up? Do our lists overlap at all? Tell me in the comments! 🙂

Stay bookish,

Jordyn

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