CJ
@cjmerriman.bsky.social
1.2K followers 640 following 1.8K posts
Book lover. Other loves include my husband, my Furred Ones, my work, and my family. Oh yes, and a little thing called human rights. Let’s try not to lose them! 🚫DMs unless I say it’s ok.
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cjmerriman.bsky.social
Favorite book genres are fantasy, romance, mystery and psychological thrillers 📚💙
cjmerriman.bsky.social
My August Wrap Up #BookSky
A graphic showing all of the covers of the 19 books I read in August
cjmerriman.bsky.social
I’m reading something light first before diving back in with that next. I’m looking forward to it!
cjmerriman.bsky.social
It’s so good, but ch 21 in particular is full of graphic descriptions of war atrocities. That whole chapter is a giant trigger warning. I won’t ever re-read that one chapter even if I re-read the book. But otherwise the book is excellent.
cjmerriman.bsky.social
Yes, it was. It was literally a Take No Prisoners scene.
cjmerriman.bsky.social
But if you’re going to read The Poppy War pay attention to TWs. Ch. 21 by itself is every trigger warning there is. #BookSky
cjmerriman.bsky.social
The Poppy War. Compelling and horrifying. Rin frustrates but her motives are understandable. She is surrounded by good but equally flawed characters. Despite the nightmarish quality of some parts, I give this 5 ⭐️ The way it immersed me & made me feel with and for the characters was stellar. #BookSky
cjmerriman.bsky.social
My reading buddy, Brody
#BookSky 📚💙
My old dog Brody sleeping on the couch. It looks like he’s smiling in his sleep.
cjmerriman.bsky.social
Yes it was! Sad and sweet. Loved Tabby’s sassiness and Rhys’ vulnerability. Surprised that I liked a story involving wrestling. Have greater appreciation now. Still not a fan, but won’t make fun like I used to either. 🙂
cjmerriman.bsky.social
My reading slump is over! #BookSky 📚💙
The covers of the 9 books I read in June: Problematic Summer Romance, Deep End, 9 Month Contract, Wild Love, Wild Eyes, Wild Side, The Seven Year Itch, The C*ck Down the Block, and Summer Sons.
cjmerriman.bsky.social
Of these I’ve read To Kill a Mockingbird, Ann Frank, Animal Farm and The Hunger Games.
cjmerriman.bsky.social
I have so much to do and no desire to do any of it. I just want to curl up with my book and read. Work calls though and I must go. #BookSky 📚💙
cjmerriman.bsky.social
I need to be paid super well to read only the books that interest me. That would be perfect. #BookSky 📚💙
cjmerriman.bsky.social
The fourth book in the Empyrean series won’t be out until late next year or 2027 because of time with family and other projects including adaptation for TV. I would rather she spent time with family and skip adaptation to write. Prefer my imagination and want next book! 😂 #BookSky 📚💙
cjmerriman.bsky.social
On part 2 of The Poppy War.

*Spoilerish*

The war has started. I have theories about Rin’s origins and who Jiang is. Won’t say anything here so I don’t spoil, but I have thoughts. Rin is getting kind of obnoxious re: Phoenix and power. #BookSky 📚💙
cjmerriman.bsky.social
Good to know. I already hate Jun and I’m only about 15% in.
cjmerriman.bsky.social
My husband buried Brody in his toys. You can see how thrilled he is about it 😂
My black pitbull lies in his dog bed buried under his stuffed toys.
cjmerriman.bsky.social
That’s what I’ve heard. I’ve had the book for awhile but had to mentally prepare for it as much as one can I suppose. I’ll post my thoughts as I go along I’m sure.
cjmerriman.bsky.social
Next up: The Poppy War. A lot of people I know are reading it now so I’ll join them. #BookSky
The cover of The Poppy War is orange with an image of a young warrior drawing an arrow painted in black.
cjmerriman.bsky.social
Summer Sons was a lot better than I expected. I figured out whodunnit long before the reveal, but it was still an intense confrontation. The relationships were raw and gritty and realistic. Ultimately sad and hopeful. If you like queer southern gothic horror, this is a great read. #BookSky
cjmerriman.bsky.social
Such a good book 🙂
cjmerriman.bsky.social
Ok, halfway through Summer Sons and it’s getting better. More focus on the mystery, which is what interests me. It’s still not my favorite read but thankfully am enjoying it more. #BookSky 📚💙
cjmerriman.bsky.social
You’re welcome. Enjoy!