June 2019 First Book in a Series BOTM - Carry On, by Rainbow Rowell

[Felicia]

A #1 New York Times-bestseller
Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who's ever been chosen.

That's what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he's probably right.

Half the time, Simon can't even make his wand work, and the other half, he starts something on fire. His mentor's avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there's a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon's face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here — it's their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon's infuriating nemesis didn't even bother to show up.

Carry On - The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow is a ghost story, a love story and a mystery. It has just as much kissing and talking as you'd expect from a Rainbow Rowell story - but far, far more monsters.

[Agne]

It's my second time reading this book and I forgot so much stuff. Glad to be back to Simon and Baz world.
Chapter 9
(view spoiler)[It alwasys so sad to learn about Simons life during summer. Why he can't just stay with Mage or Pam or whatever. He didn't even got to eat like a human all summer.
I am still waiting for Baz to appear. I love Baz.
(hide spoiler)]
Chapter 18
(view spoiler)[ I can not remember who Lucy is. Is she looking for Baz or Simon?
For someone who hates Baz, Simon is way too much thinks about him. It's like he can't help himself. Yes, he says it's because he is his enemy, but is that it? I think he is worried about Baz not being back, but he do not confess that he is. simply worried (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 28
(view spoiler)[ I am happy Simon and Agatha is over. I mean, they didn't mad sence. It's like they were together because it was just something they did. It was just easy and convenient.
Yay, Baz. I was waiting for him. Glad to have him back. Now Simon can tell what happened with Baz's mom. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 32
(view spoiler)[ Ohhh Baz. <3 (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 41
(view spoiler)[ I knew Simon will help Buz. I knew as soon as he kept everything what happened to himself. He didin't even tell Pam. And that says something. God, Baz is so sad. He needs someone on his side. He needs Simon. (hide spoiler)]

[Agne]

Chapter 50
(view spoiler)[ Haha. Baz was trying to be good. Like try to fix Simons and Agatahas relationship and it backfired. There is so much tention between them I'm just waiting for them to crack and kiss finally. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 57
(view spoiler)[ Okay, so Lucy isn't Baz mother. But who she is. So maybe she was looking for Simon? Or was it just old mages room? (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 61
(view spoiler)[ Yes. Yes. It just had to happen. I was expecting Baz to be the one to kiss, not Simon. But it was just a time question.

But Nicky said it was öne of you"... Was it Mage?
(hide spoiler)]
Chapter 67
(view spoiler)[ Oh Gosh, Simon and Baz is the cutest here. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 69
(view spoiler)[ Okay, Mage is a tiny bit crazy.Was. Still is? (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 76
(view spoiler)[ So it is a Mage. I knew it. (hide spoiler)]
End
(view spoiler)[ Damn. It all worked out, but I really wish I already had the last book. I need to see who it all goes from here. Is he magic lost for good to Simon? Hm. (hide spoiler)]

[Celia]

I will have to steal this book from my sister before I can reread it, but I'll probably start tomorrow. I've forgotten a lot of the story so I'm excited to reread it. =)

[Celia]

I'll echo Agne and say there really is so much I forgot about Simon and his World of Mages.

Chapter 5: (view spoiler)[I'd forgotten that Simon and Agatha broke up and that Baz didn't show up at first, and I've forgotten the reason why. I guess I'll just have to read more to find out. (hide spoiler)]

It's funny, because I've read Fangirl at least three times, and I remember that really well, but this is only my second time reading Carry On

Chapter 9: (view spoiler)[I also forgot how many perspective shifts there were. In most books with this many, it gets confusing and pointless, but if I'm remembering correctly, in Carry On, it works. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20: (view spoiler)[When I first read Fangirl, I decided Simon's world was just a take on Harry Potter. When I read Carry On, I thought the world was actually very differently developed. However, now that I'm reading Carry On again, I realize that the way Simon is stalking Baz, and the way the Mage is ignoring him, are exactly like the fifth and sixth Harry Potter books. I don't know how to feel about that. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 35: (view spoiler)[I had remembered that the story alternated between Baz and Simon's perspectives. I really like having Baz back in the picture because his voice is a lot funnier. It's also really interesting to see the ways each thinks the other is in the wrong and playing for the other team.

I'd also forgotten that Baz knows he's in love with Simon. For the whole first part of the book I was mentally screaming at Simon to realize he has a thing for Baz. It's good to finally get Baz's point of view and have someone who finally understands what is going on in his own love life. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 53: (view spoiler)[Wow, what a time sink. I forgot how easy this book was to just fall into. As soon as Ebb was mentioned, early on, I remembered she had something to do with the mystery. I didn't bother trying to remember what it was because I knew I'd come up on it soon enough. Except for the Simon and Baz stuff, I really don't remember anything that happens after Christmas. Guess I'll just have to read to remind myself. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 58: (view spoiler)[I love how everything falls into place, and the mystery really revolves around everyone's parents having known each other and been friends with the various people from the past in Watford. I find it really interesting that there's all these connections. It makes for some really good dramatic irony. I think this is why I like the many perspectives in this novel. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 70: (view spoiler)[Okay, honestly I don't see why Agatha doesn't recognize Lucy. She would recognize Simon's eyes, right? Maybe it's because she isn't looking for it.

Also, why am I getting so sappy and teary eyed with the Simon and Baz scenes? Yeah, I'm a kind of sentimental person, but those scenes are so predictable. But they're so pure! Like when Simon saves Baz? And when Simon comes back? So. Pure. (hide spoiler)]

[Celia]

I can't get Simon and Baz out of my head! They're so pure! I need the sequel!

[Saige]

19%: (view spoiler)[This is a reread for me, and dang. I forgot how much I love Simon. He's so kind and hilarious. I relate too much to his obsession with food. I'm so excited to read the rest of this book, even though I know what happens. (hide spoiler)]

[Saige]

38%: (view spoiler)[Baz showed back up, and ooohhhh lord. I forgot how much I love him. The snark and sass in the dialogue is fantastic, and I love how Baz manages to be super powerful without being a Mary Sue. Also, knowing how it ends, the way the Mage acts with Simon is so interesting. Great foreshadowing by Rowell there. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

29% (view spoiler)[ I'm glad Agatha and Simon broke up they literally had no chemistry whatsoever. (hide spoiler)]

[Saige]

70%: (view spoiler)[These boys are going to kiLL ME. Simon continues to be a loveable idiot, and Baz keeps getting more amazing. I'm so happy I decided to re-read this one. (hide spoiler)]

[Saige]

Finished! (view spoiler)[I love this book so freaking much. I like how there are real consequences in the end, and I have a new appreciation for Agatha. She did what was right for her, and I really respect that. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

~59% (view spoiler)[ Omg Baz is so adorable and snarky. I've already started shipping Simon and Baz and Simon doesn't even realize how obsessed he is with Baz. This mystery is pretty cool, I love seeing Simon and Baz work together. Excited to see how this will develop! (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

80%(view spoiler)[ The Mage wanted to make the greatest mage?? Could The Mage be Simon's father?? I am here for Simon and Baz. I freaking love Baz so much. Agatha is pretty annoying though (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Not sure how I feel about that ending but I'm so glad Penelope and Simon are flatmates. Also simon and Baz are so adorable! (hide spoiler)]

[Hannah]

15% - (view spoiler)[Ugh, Agatha. I do not like. But I love how obsessed Simon is with Baz. Like, boy, put the pieces together. You watch him ALL.THE.TIME. You love him. This book is making me laugh in the gym, I shouldnt read it in public. (hide spoiler)]

40%- (view spoiler)[ Wait, so is Simon actually the humdrum? (hide spoiler)]

~80%- (view spoiler)['What you are is a fucking tragedy, Simon Snow. You literally couldn't be a bigger mess.' He tries to kiss me, but I pull back. 'And you like that?' 'I love it.' He says
LOLOLOL Baz you've got it so bad, Im dying. (hide spoiler)]

[Hannah]

Finish: (view spoiler)[Ugh, why didn't Agatha die instead of Ebb. Also, when Baz calls Simon 'love' I squealed. (hide spoiler)]