Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

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.

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jan 25

Favorite book genres are fantasy, romance, mystery and psychological thrillers 📚💙

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Sep 1

My August Wrap Up #BookSky

A graphic showing all of the covers of the 19 books I read in August

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 13

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 13

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 6

I’m reading something light first before diving back in with that next. I’m looking forward to it!

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 6

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.

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 6

Yes, it was. It was literally a Take No Prisoners scene.

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 6

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

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 6

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

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 4

My reading buddy, Brody
#BookSky 📚💙

My old dog Brody sleeping on the couch. It looks like he’s smiling in his sleep.

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 3

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. 🙂

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 3

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.

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 3

Of these I’ve read To Kill a Mockingbird, Ann Frank, Animal Farm and The Hunger Games.

Reposted by CJ

George Conway 🇺🇸🚫👑🐸 @gtconway.bsky.social · Jul 2

@sarahlongwell25.bsky.social

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 2

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 📚💙

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 1

I need to be paid super well to read only the books that interest me. That would be perfect. #BookSky 📚💙

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 1

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 📚💙

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jul 1

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 📚💙

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jun 30

Good to know. I already hate Jun and I’m only about 15% in.

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jun 29

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.

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jun 29

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.

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jun 29

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.

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jun 29

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

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jun 28

Such a good book 🙂

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jun 28

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 📚💙

CJ @cjmerriman.bsky.social · Jun 28

You’re welcome. Enjoy!