Sometimes, do you ever sit there and think… is this even worth it?
I've been book blogging on Crossroad Reviews since 2010. That is a long time to pour your heart into something. I do not make money most of the time. There are no big influencer checks, no brand deals, no viral moments paying my bills. I do it because I genuinely love books and I love helping authors get their stories out into the world.
Why I Returned My Boox Palma 2 and Switched to an iPhone 16e
So, I thought I was finally joining the cool e-ink crowd when I picked up a Boox Palma 2.
Spoiler alert: I didn’t keep it.
For something that costs over $300, I expected smooth sailing. Instead, I got glitch city. Every time I tried to do… well, basically anything, I had to refresh the screen. And not in a “quick tap and done” way—more like the device kept making me stop and reset my patience level. It was frustrating enough that I stopped wanting to read on it.
Then, life intervened. I went with my husband to the AT&T store and—surprise!—found out they still had the iPhone 16e on sale for just $0.46 a month. At that price, I couldn’t say no. I grabbed one, slapped on a red-filter screen protector, and honestly? This setup has been a dream.
Everything is in color, it’s fast, it actually works, and I haven’t once had to refresh my screen just to turn a page. Sometimes the best upgrade is the one you stumble into by accident.
Welcome to Our Weekly Bookish Discussion!
Every week, we dive into a new topic in the bookish world, exploring everything from reading habits to the latest trends in literature. Whether you’re a fan of fiction, non-fiction, audiobooks, or any genre in between, this is the space to share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with fellow book lovers. So grab a cup of tea (or coffee), get comfy, and join the conversation—because here, every opinion is valued, and every bookish discussion is worth having!
The Art of a Perfect Ending: What Makes a Book’s Conclusion Satisfying?
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of reaching the final pages of a book—whether it’s the bittersweet goodbye to beloved characters or the exhilarating rush of a twist you never saw coming. But what truly makes a book’s ending satisfying?
As book lovers, we’ve all been there—picking up a book with high expectations, only to find ourselves stuck halfway through, questioning whether to push forward or give up. Today, let’s dive into a topic that resonates with every reader: When do you decide to keep reading, and when do you call it quits?
Bookish Discussion: Make a Bookish Project – I’m Planning a Bookmark DIY Soon!
Hey, book lovers! 🎨📚
As much as we all love to dive into our favorite stories, sometimes it’s nice to get creative and make something bookish ourselves. Whether you’re looking for a personal touch to add to your reading experience or you want a fun, crafty project to do while binge-watching your latest bookish obsession, DIY book-related crafts are a fantastic way to indulge your passion for books in a new way.
Bookish Discussion: Tell Us About the Books You WISH Existed!
As readers, we often get lost in the pages of a book, imagining what could be next, or wishing for a story that would capture our hearts in just the right way. Sometimes, there’s a gap in the book world—one where the book we really want to read doesn’t yet exist. Whether it’s a niche genre, a unique plot twist, or a character dynamic we’ve never seen before, there are always books we dream about but have yet to find.
So, let’s talk about it: What are the books you wish existed? Here are some ideas to get the conversation started: Know any books that match these prompts? Let us know in the comments!!
The Role of Boys in YA: Idealized Heartthrobs – Yay or Nay? And Where’s the Spice?
Young Adult literature has long been a mirror to the teenage experience, exploring themes of identity, friendship, love, and growth. One consistent theme across many YA books, though, is the portrayal of boys as idealized heartthrobs—characters who seem almost too perfect to be true. Whether they’re the brooding bad boy, the charming best friend, or the mysterious heartthrob, these male characters often steal the show. But is it okay that they’re idealized this way? Should they be perfect, or is there room for more realistic portrayals of teenage boys?
And while we’re at it—how spicy should YA books be in 2025? Let's discuss both the romantic idealization of boys and the increasing desire for more mature themes in YA, especially when it comes to romance.
Welcome to this weeks bookish discussion! Today it's advice about being a book blogger.
