5 Key Sections To Include on Your First Pharmacist Resume

Professional Summary

While some people may say a professional summary is outdated, I would beg to differ. A professional summary is a great space to really sell yourself and highlight why you would be amazing for the position. You only have a few sentences to showcase your strengths and desires so choose your words wisely and keep things concise. This is also a great space to thrown in some key words that you found on the job application to better improve your chances of getting pass the AI computer system. 

Organizations

The second category that you should include in your pharmacist resume is a list of organizations that you are (or were) actively a part of during pharmacy school. This is where you want to share how involved you were in each organization and what role that you played. Even if you were just a member, make sure to include it on your list if you actively attended meetings and events hosted by the organization. Feel free to even include organizations or clubs that you were a part of that are unrelated to pharmacy. You never know what may spark a hiring manager’s interests, and it’s a chance to show your future employer that you have other interests and hobbies outside of pharmacy.

For an example, I included in this section my time spent being an active member with the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA). I was the HIV/AIDS Initiative chair for a year before jumping over to be a fundraising committee member. Since I spent the most of my extra time with SNPhA, I wanted to be sure that it was highlighted in my resume. I also included that I am a member of Phi Lambda Sigma since it’s a prestigious honor to be admitted into the pharmacy leadership organization.

Experience (Clinical & Non)

As you can imagine, your related experiences should be the bulk of your resume. Depending on whether or not you worked during pharmacy school, this section may look a different from your fellow peers. In the experience section, you’ll want to highlight both your clinical and non-clinical work experience. Both of the sections should showcase your skills and experience in a way that makes sense for the job that you are applying for.

On my first pharmacist resume, I had a separate section for rotation experiences, another for my work experience, and another for clinical skills competitions. Feel free to only highlight a few rotations instead of sharing your entire rooster; you could also share a cool rotation that you learned a lot from or a specific rotation that you had to apply for. Either way you’ll want to be selective on this section of your resume. 

Presentations and Publications

I know that when I was in pharmacy school, research was highly suggested, and it definitely felt like everyone was a part of a research project at one point or another. If you were one of the lucky ones that decided to give research a try, you should absolutely include that on your resume. Presenting a poster presentation or having an article published in a medical journal is a big achievement that you should not only celebrate in the moment but also highlight on your resume. 

Training and Certificates

Throughout pharmacy school, you’re sure to collect a certificate or two that you’ll want to highlight on your resume. From immunization training to a diabetes certificate, nothing is too small or grand to include in the training and certificate portion of your pharmacist resume. Many pharmacy schools even have funding if you want to gain a particular certificate that isn’t offered at your school. Personally, I was really into compounding during pharmacy school so I used every scholarship possible to gain a ton of compounding certificates through the American College of Apothecaries (ACA).

Make sure to include expiration dates if your certificate has one. This includes any diabetic, immunization, CPR or drug therapy-based trainings that change throughout the years. You’ll want to make sure to keep this section up to date and to remove anything that is expired before submitting your resume.

While this is obviously not an all-inclusive resume guide, I wanted to share the sections that I focused on when I was creating my first pharmacist resume after graduation. I know it can be quite daunting at the beginning, but it gets easier with time and you’ll thank yourself later when you land your first job. For those that are struggling to get started, take a look at the Pharmacist CV Template that is perfect for pharmacists and pharmacy students alike. It’ll give you an easy template where you can plug in all of your info and is ready to use. Lastly, remember to keep the information updated and ready to go at a moment’s notice – you never know when someone will ask for a copy of your resume.

You may also enjoy: How to Land Your First Pharmacist Job and the Student’s Guide to Getting Involved in Research 

The post 5 Key Sections To Include On Your First Pharmacist Resume appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Gifts for the Book Lovers

Bookish Apparel

My everyday outfit now that I work from home is an oversized graphic t-shirt or sweatshirt. I love wearing something oversized when I want to be extra cozy while working, running errands, and most definitely while reading. It earns extra cozy points if it’s related to my favorite book series. If you have a book lover in your life that’s the same way, you should check out Stardust and Moonlight. She has the cutest ACOTAR apparel like this cute Prythian World Tour t-shirt and City of Starlight crewneck. She also has apparel for the other Sarah J. Mass universes.

Here are a few other options that I love from other small businesses:

Bookish Jewelry

Who doesn’t love receiving jewelry as a holiday gift? Estori Collective is a new brand to me that I fell in love with. She makes simple, timeless pieces that are both subtle and beautiful. Some of my favorites that I’ve purchased recently are the Velaris Pendant and Hunt’s Lightning Choker. Estori Collective also has jewelry inspired by Throne of Glass, From Blood and Ash, Zodiac Academy, and several other book series.

Book Clutch

If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind gift for a book lover, you need to check out this customized cover book clutch. This gift is perfect for those that are a die-hard fan of a particular book or series as you can customized the cover to fit the recipient. It also comes in several different sizes.

Book Embosser

How perfect is this custom, personalized book embosser? Need I say more.

Thumb Page Holder

Something on my personal wishlist for this holiday season is a thumb page holder. Whenever I read for hours and hours, my thumb and hand tend to ache after a while. With this little nifty gadget, that will no longer be a problem. It comes in several different styles and sizes.

Bookish Candle

I’m pretty sure almost every reader loves a good candle! I know that I do, especially when I’m relaxing in my reading nook. If you know your favorite person loves candle, think about getting them a bookish candle or two.

Reading Journal

Spoil your favorite book lover with a STUNNING reading journal. It’s perfect for readers that enjoy writing down their thoughts and keeping track of their ever-growing TBR list.  

Bookish Artwork

For those that know that the recipient is a die-hard fan of a certain series and could use some new artwork, you may try your luck with purchasing some bookish artwork. FromBookstoBooks has some gorgeous subtle bookish artwork that are just *chiefs kisses*. I love that her artwork looks like any regular artwork if you haven’t read the book series before.

Just a few of my favorites:

The post Holiday Gift Guide: 8 Gift Ideas for the Book Lover appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

It can take new grads 3 to 6 months before landing their first job, so don’t feel bad if you don’t have a job lined up before you walk across the stage. Instead of rushing to the real world and adult-sized responsibilities, you can use the time after graduation to enjoy life and your freedom.

12 Ways to Productively Use Your Time After Graduation

1. Travel

Everyone always says that the best time to travel is during college or directly afterwards because your time and freedom is unlimited and unburden with adult responsibilities. While many college students are strapped for cash, don’t let that stop you from living out your Pinterest-inspired travel dreams. You can always go backpacking across Europe or hop into the car for an extended road trip around the states.  

In case you need some travel inspiration, here are a few travel guides that I’ve put together over the years:

• Miami, Florida Travel Guide
• Johannesburg, South Africa Travel Guide
• Richmond, Virginia Travel Guide
• Wilmington, North Carolina Travel Guide
• Asheville, North Carolina Travel Guide

2. Start therapy

If you are ready to change your life and grow as a person, then therapy is a perfect way to utilize your time after graduation. Many students find it hard to handle the harsh reality of losing a part of their identity as a college student. Add in not having a job that you love immediately after graduation can add an extra layer of difficulty. This can cause recent graduates to slide into a season of depression and anxiety that isn’t talked about enough.

The great part though is that this generation have turned therapy into a normal dinner table conversation, and therapy is less taboo than it used to be. I hope that you remember that this period is just another season of your life and it too shall pass.

3. Pick up a new hobby

Remember all of the time that you spent in college saying that you wished you had MORE time to learn a new skill or read more books? Well this gap period before you start your first job is the perfect time to start learning a new hobby or skill. There are endless number of options to choose from such as learning a new language or instrument. If you like learning things by video, then you’ll love the classes on Skillshare. The classes are quick to the point and are easy to follow along.

This past winter, I started taking pottery classes at a local studio, and it’s been really fun to utilize my brain in a different way than I’m used to. I will say that pottery is quite humbling, but I love the endless possibilities of learning and creating.

Some of my recent pieces that I’m obsessed with…

4. Spend time with family

Between school, work, and a social life, it is easy to let time pass you by and forget to spend quality time with your family outside of holidays. During this awkward time after graduation, take a road trip to visit your family members that may not live close to you or your immediate family. It doesn’t have to be a big deal or an elaborate trip. Enjoy the company and the peace while you wait for job offers to come rolling in. 

5. Learn how to manage your time

One thing that I’ve learned this past year is that time management isn’t about long to-do lists, taking no breaks, or pushing yourself to the max on a daily basis. Time management is more about learning how to prioritize your time to fit the goals that you have for yourself, and it’s an important skill to have in adulthood. Once you start your first job after graduation, time just seems to go by in a blink of an eye, and it can be hard to continue to find time to do the things that you enjoy.

Using a paper or digital planner has really helped me schedule out my days to make sure I accomplish everything that I want to that day, week, or month. Another great tip is to time how long it takes you to do certain tasks so that way you have a better idea of how much time you’ll actually need the next time around. If you need more help with learning how to improve your time management skills, then read this guide that I wrote outline all of my tips and tricks around time management.

6. Start a fitness routine

Fitness always takes a back burner when people get stressed out, but life doesn’t get any less stressed once you start your first job. Start a new habit after graduation and get serious about exercising, eating healthier, and loving yourself thoroughly. You’ll not only feel better but you’ll also feel more confident. Once you’re able to create a new habit of working out, it starts to feel less like a chore and more of a safe place to release all of that negative energy from the day. As a healthcare professional, it is super important to find a healthy outlet that you enjoy. Trust me, it’s a lot harder to take care of your patients if you’re not also taking care of yourself at home. 

7. Update your LinkedIn profile

Before you head off and start applying for every job you see online, you’ll want to take a step back and update your LinkedIn profile. The biggest mistake that people make when it comes to LinkedIn is simply not using it to its fullest potential. As the biggest professional networking platform, it’s an amazing tool to grow your network and connect with future employers outside of a job application.

Some things that your profile should have are: a clear image of yourself, a well thought out bio, and your employment history. A full LinkedIn guide is on the way, but for right now, this will give you a few ideas to get started with. 

8. Apply for jobs

Obviously the most common thing that people do once they graduate from college is start applying for jobs. But the key isn’t to just apply for any and every job that you see with the same basic resume. Before hitting submit on a job application, you should be tailoring and personalizing each resume to fit the description of the job posting. This is the easiest way to get past the computer system outside of directly messaging the hiring manager for the company (which by the way you totally should do!).

9. Invest in your passions

It’s easy to get overwhelmed in college and forget to actually enjoy life. Use the time after graduation to invest in your passions, whatever they may be. and truly put your heart into it. Have fun and be willing to try something new. I started this blog that you are currently reading while I was in pharmacy school. And while it was (still is!) a ton of work, I love being able to write new content and interact with every single reader. If you have no idea what you’re passionate about, don’t be afraid to try out new things and just see how things go. You might very well land on something that you love to do.

10. Take on a seasonal (part time) job

While many new pharmacists think that they have to go right into a pharmacist position, that isn’t necessarily true. Before your career truly begins, you can always use the summer after graduation to take on a seasonal or part time job. You might want to be an au pair for the summer, star as an extra in a movie, or become a social media manager for some extra money during the summer months. Even though these jobs aren’t necessarily in your field, you can still learn valuables skills that you can then use in your next role. 

11. Learn a new skill with online courses

Learning doesn’t have to stop once you graduate from college, and it doesn’t have to be from a boring textbook either. Nowadays there are plenty of online classes where you can learn everything from coding to crocheting to marketing right from the comforts of your own bed. Personally, I’ve used SkillShare to learn more about marketing, LinkedIn, and even how to build a resume (one that landed me multiple interviews from a variety of companies).

Whatever you choose to learn, make sure that it either 1) fulfills a passion of yours or 2) can help you in your career. You’d be surprised what skills can translate to more money at your future job or how a unique skill can help you break into a unique field.

12. Study for the pharmacy licensure exams

After you graduate from pharmacy school, the next logical step in your pharmacy career is to study for the NAPLEX and the MPJE exams. To practice as a pharmacist in the United States, students are required to pass both exams within a certain time period of each other. While these exams are difficult, they are not impossible with proper preparation and a good study plan. You can read more about my study tips on how to pass the NAPLEX and the MPJE here.

You may also like:  How to Land Your First Pharmacist Job, 11 Study Tips to Help You Pass the NAPLEX Exam, and Varsity Tutors Review: My Experience with the NAPLEX Exam

The post 12 Ways to Productively Use Your Time After Graduation appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Life is really good. It’s crazy to think about how different my life looks right now compared to last year and the year before when I was slaving away in retail. This year, I’ve been doing a lot of internal healing, finding a new balance, and overall, just giving myself grace to explore and learn.

If you didn’t see the announcement on my social media, I transitioned out of retail pharmacy in April 2022 into medical writing, and I couldn’t be happier with my career change. I thought I wanted to work in a more traditional job in pharmacy and while there’s definitely a place in the industry for it, it just wasn’t the right fit for me personally. I love writing and creating (as you can tell by this blog!) so medical writing just made more sense for me. Now I get to do what I love and what I’m good at while keeping my toes in the medical world.

It can be tough, however, to write all day and have enough energy to then write for the blog, which is why I’ve had to take some time away. But hopefully I can get back into a regular posting schedule soon. Fingers crossed!

I also started taking pottery classes last November after seeing so many fun videos on TikTok. As a medical writer, I work from home fulltime, and I was starting to feel a little stir crazy being at home all day. My pottery classes give me an outlet to hang out with other people, and it’s a place where I can create without any expectations. As a high achiever and perfectionist, I tend to have high standards for myself whenever I’m working on something. With pottery, I’m able to lower my expectations and give myself more grace when creating. If you’ve ever tried pottery before, then you know it has a way of doing its own thing even if you have a plan, which I kind of love. It teaches me patience and grace every time I go into the studio. But I’ve been having a lot of fun doing it, and I’m feeling pretty proud of the progress I’ve made in only a few, short months.

On the left, here’s the first piece that I made that I love so much, and on the right is something that I just finished recently that I’m absolutely obsessed with. I think that I’m going to make a few additional pieces that match in order to make a little collection.

Nci and I have also been traveling more this year, which you already know makes my little heart so happy. Traveling makes me feel alive, and I’m always down for an adventure. We’ve been to Southport a few times for days at the beach, San Diego (a travel guide is in the works!), Easley for a book sale, and Wilmington. All of our trips, other than San Diego, have been in our own airplane, which makes it extra special. Hopefully, we’ll be able to continue the momentum and travel to even more new places in the second half of 2023. If you’re interested in seeing travel vlogs of us flying in our airplane, then definitely check out my Instagram page!

That is all for now! Thank you for sticking with me through so many life changes such as starting and graduating from pharmacy school, buying an airplane to the little details like what I’m reading and my beauty favorites. I’m endlessly gratefully for the support throughout the years! Cheers to many many more! Until next time…

The post Life Lately: July 2023 appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Taking a hiatus from reading is a normal part of life, and It’s nothing to feel bad about it. I just started reading again last year, which is why I’m excited to help you do the same! So if you’re looking to start a new reading habit but struggle with finding the time, then keep on reading to learn my tips on how to create a new reading habit.

Read a YA novel or thriller

Even if these aren’t your kind of books, I recommend starting out with a thriller or young adult book when if you’re first starting your reading journey. These books are typically written so that they pique your interest right away. The key to starting a reading habit is to keep up the momentum, and let’s be honest, a slow burn just doesn’t do it for beginners. Keep it light and keep it interesting.

Shop My Favorite Fantasy Books

Read the first three chapters of any book right away

Even the best books can take a few chapters to get into. When you’re ready to start your new reading habit, make sure you have plenty of uninterrupted time to read the first few chapters of the book. Turn off your phone, mute the notifications, light a candle, and get ready to full dive into a new story. Hopefully you picked a solid book that you’ll want to keep reading over the next few days or weeks.

Dapple in multiple genres

If it’s been a long time since you had the time to sit down and read, then you may not know what kind of books that you enjoy. This the perfect time to dipple and dapple in multiple genres to see what kind of books that you enjoy. From fantasy to mysteries, there’s so many options to choose from. To give you a head start on where to begin, ask yourself a few questions:

• What books did you love to read as a kid? Was there a specific one that stands out?
• What kind of movies and TV shows do you enjoy watching?
• What topics do you tend to gravitate towards? Romance? Fantasy? True crime?

Add reading to another habit or ritual

If you’ve read Atomic Habits by James Clear (which you definitely should!), then you know that it’s easier to start a new habit by adding it to something that you already do. Reading takes time that you may think that you don’t have, but you do. If you’re spending time watching TV or scrolling on TikTok, then you have the extra time to crack open a book. What I’ve found to work for me is to add it my existing routine.  When I first started reading again, I used to read a few chapters before I went to bed to help me relax from a busy day. That simple change really helped me get into the habit of reading plus it helped me sleep better at night too.

Set an attainable reading goal

Goals are the ideas that help us push toward the future, and I’m very goal driven. They help give you focus and allow you to monitor your progress. If you’re a goal orientated like me, then setting an attainable reading goal may help you get into the habit of reading. The key though is to set a goal that is actually attainable, such as reading a book a month or maybe two a month. But at the end of the day, reading is meant to be a hobby so keep it fun and read as much as you can without pushing yourself overboard.

Keep a TBR list

Once you build up the momentum of reading your first few books, you’ll want to create a running list of the books that you may want to read in the future. This way as soon as you finish one book, you can quickly scan your TBR, or to be read, list for something new to snag. Jot down any book that sparks your interest. I like to use Goodreads to save my TBR list and document my progress towards my reading goal.

DNF books

“DNF” means “did not finish”, and trust me, there will be plenty of books that you simply don’t want to finish once you start reading regularly. Many people will continue reading a book even if they hate it because they don’t want to leave it unfinished. But starting a new hobby is supposed to be fun.

This is something that I’m also still working on as well. So, here’s a gentle reminder for you and me that it’s okay to put the book down and ditch it. Even if it’s for a book club. Even if your best friend loves it. Life is too short to read boring books that don’t spark your interest.

Talk about it!

Who doesn’t love talking about books with others? While I don’t tell Nci every single detail, it has become a running joke about how fast I can read a new book and how many pages I finished. I enjoy talking about my favorite books, and I like to slip it into casual conversations if I can. It feels good to talk about your hobbies and passions with others. If you don’t have a community that you can do that with, feel free to sign up for a book club or online community where people have the same interests as you.

You may also like: What I Read in 2021 and My Top 10 Favorite Tv Shows

The post Creating a Reading Habit: Tips to Read More and Love it appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Every few years the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (or better known as NABP) publishes the cumulative pass rate from all of the pharmacy school in the United States. In 2022, the average pass rate for first time test takers was 80%. That means that more 2,500 students did not pass the NAPLEX on their first try.

Failure is a hard pill to swallow, but I promise that you are not alone. There are hundreds of students going through the same thing right now, and things do get better. Instead of hibernating in your bed and crying yourself to sleep, here are 9 ways to move forward and learn from your past mistakes.

Don’t let this failure define you

Remember that failure is a normal part of life and that it’s an opportunity to learn from your past mistakes. You are not the first person to fail the NAPLEX nor will you be the last. From Oprah Winfrey to Walt Disney to Einstein, every amazing person that goes through life deals with ups and downs, struggles, and disappointments. The difference between them and you is deciding whether or not you’re going to get back up and keep trying. Once you’ve come to terms with you failing the NAPLEX exam, you can then start planning your next move. 

Take a break

Failing the NAPLEX can evoke some strong emotions of feeling devastated, mentally drained, and that your life is over. Remind yourself that these feelings are temporary by taking a break and doing something that brings you happiness. Life goes on after a failure, and you have more attempts to try again. It’s not the end of the world even if it may feel like it in the moment. Take a few minutes to read, walk your dog, bake your favorite dessert, or journal to take your mind off things and to reset your mood. Shoot – take a few days or even a week if you need to. The textbooks will be there when you’re mentally and physically ready. 

In case you need some ideas on how to reset your mind and take care of self during this time:

• Start a new hobby like pottery or hiking
• Try out the 30 Day Self Care Challenge
• Get some ideas from this self care routine guide
• Grab my favorite daily gratitude journal

Get the help that you need

Once you accept that you can’t change the past, you can then focus on how to move forward. This includes asking for help if you need it! Reach out to professors, mentors, and anyone that you could think could help you re-strategize and provide some emotional support as well. I also recommend getting a NAPLEX tutor if you need help in specific areas or a study accountability partner.

While getting a NAPLEX tutor isn’t the cheapest route by far, it was the best investment for me personally as I was able to get the help that I needed. But just like all things, tutoring is just one piece of the puzzle, and it is by no means a quick fix. If you are dedicated to passing the NAPLEX, you’ll still need to invest your time into studying and incorporate the other NAPLEX study tips into your routine. 

Dissect what went wrong

Before you jump back into studying, take some time to sit down and figure out what might’ve gone wrong during your first attempt. Once you write down a few things that you noticed retrospectively, you can then form a new plan that focuses on improving your weak areas and solidifying your strengths. Calculations, infectious diseases, HIV, and oncology are just a few areas that are notorious for tripping people up during the exam. Another big one is not finishing the exam on time. If this is something that you struggle with, you’ll want to spend some time working on your speed and time management. 

Make a new plan

Once you figure out your weaknesses and strengths, you can then come up with a new NAPLEX study plan. Since studying for the NAPLEX can feel like a ginormous task, it’s best to reverse engineer your goals. This just means that you break down your big goals into smaller bite-sized goals that are easier to accomplish. This could look like practicing an hour of calculations each day or finishing one chapter of your NAPLEX prep book every single day.

Whatever your plan of attack is, make sure that you’re studying daily and answering practice questions just as often as you are reading from a textbook. You’ll also want to practice speed and stamina because the NAPLEX is a 6 hour exam, which is a lot mentally and physically.

Simplify your calendar/work load to improve your focus

From graduation, moving, starting a new job or residency, there may be a lot going on in your life right now. Even though you may think that you can do it all, you don’t have too nor should you. Simplify your calendar and workload so you can focus on what truly matters right now, which is passing your licensure exams. If you can, try only working a day or two a week so you have some money coming in but enough time to focus on studying. Remember to ask your community for help and support during this stressful time. 

Sweat out your emotions

Lace up your sneakers, put on some comfy clothes, and go sweat out your emotions. There are so many benefits of regular exercise for your health, but the most important is the fact that it releases cortisol and endorphins. Both of which will make you feel like less stressed and leave you feeling rejuvenated. 

Find a study group

Sometimes studying alone isn’t the most exciting or the most productive. If you like studying with others, then go online and find yourself a study group to join. You may be able to find one already put together at your own university or organization. Study groups can be an effective study tool because they help each member to learn the material in a clearer way and create a positive environment to work in. Plus you can exchange notes, study guides, and other tools that may help you learn a difficult subject faster than without the additional assistance. 

Take your time

Many residencies and jobs require you to be licensed within a certain time frame, which may lead you to feeling rushed and unprepared prior to your first attempt. This may also be the reason why you failed in the first place beyond other reasons. For the next round, make sure to take your time when studying for the NAPLEX to make sure you feel properly prepared.

The NAPLEX isn’t an exam that you can pass by cramming at the last minute. It takes weeks and even months to feel adequately prepared. After you failed the NAPLEX the first time, you have to wait 45 days before you can re-apply to take it again. I would suggest studying for at least 6 weeks, maybe even more depending on how you’re feeling. You can check out my NAPLEX study schedule if you need some advice on how to tweak your own study schedule.

Best of luck on your next attempt! You got this!

The post What to Do If You Failed the NAPLEX Exam appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

And now that I’ve spent 7 full days in Miami alongside my hubby, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised! We both really liked Miami even though it is indeed an expensive and flashy city. The beaches were gorgeous, the colorful street art was a dream to explore, and the strong Cuban influence felt like we had transported to another country. I can see why it’s a go-to city for some fun in the sun!

If you’re looking for a warm-weather getaway this winter, then Miami is a solid suggestion. Here are my top things to do in Miami in the winter. 

Things to Do in Miami in the Winter

Getting There & Getting Around

Since Miami is a major city, it is quite easy to get too. You can opt to fly directly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or save a few coins by flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). While MIA will put you closer to town, FLL is typically cheaper and less crowded compared to MIA. I saved almost $800 by flying into FLL instead of MIA when Nci and I flew to Miami in December. A quick 30-minute drive in a rental car or Uber ride will get you right into the heart of the city if there is no traffic. The Tri-Rail or Brightline train systems are also an option if you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly.

Rent a car or not to rent a car? Nci and I almost always rent a car when we travel as we like to be able to pick up and go as we please. But Miami is a city where you could go without a rental car unless you are planning to take a road trip to the Florida Keys or your activities are far away from each other. Parking can get expensive in Miami depending on the area, but I didn’t find it unreasonable or difficult to find parking the entire time we were there. Keep in mind if you stay at a hotel, you’ll likely have to pay for valet parking, which can quickly rack up some $$$.

Where to Stay in Miami

You’ll find a plethora of hotels to choose from in Miami, and honestly, I have no opinion on any of them at the moment. We opted to stay in an Airbnb that was a short 10-20 minute from all of the major attractions. If you want to stay at the same one as us, here is the property: Luxury Loft – Calle Ocho, Miami Beach & Wynwood

The place was perfect! It was in a quiet neighborhood and close to everything we wanted to see. The spiral staircase was a bit tricky to navigate but you get used to it after a while. Plus, this rental has free parking right out front so there’s no need to lug your bags across town.

As with any major city, crime can be a big problem in Miami. When I was researching the safest neighborhoods to stay in Miami, I found this super helpful map that someone created that shows you the safest areas and the not so safe areas. I found that it was quite accurate especially as you to start to visit the different neighborhoods around Miami.

The next time we stay in Miami, I think we may opt to stay in/near Mid Beach since I love being right next to the water. Mid Beach is typically less crowded and is more residential compared to South Beach although you are a short drive to some great restaurants and nightlife. Other areas I would suggest are Coral Gables and Brickell.

Things to Do in Miami

Rent jet skis

Did you really go to Miami if you didn’t participate in some sort of water activity? I’m kidding – kind of! But it is a good excuse to give jet skis a try if you’re interested. We booked our experience with Jet Ski 305 through Groupon. Even though I was terrified at first, it was an absolute blast! They give you a tutorial on how to use the jet skis, and then you’re on your way!

Personal tip: leave anything you care about at home including expensive sunglasses, shoes, hats, and even your phones! Jet Ski 305 has a place where you can store your valuables while you’re jet skiing in case you forget. Otherwise, I promise you will not see it again.

Go shopping 

Besides the infamous South Beach, Miami is also known for its wide selection of shopping. If you’re looking for a high-end experience, browse Miami Design District or Cocowalk. Miami also has a Primark near the FLL airport, which I was most excited about! 

Splurge on a couple massage

If you have a little extra time on your hands, I always suggest booking a self-care activity like getting a massage or a facial. Our day-to-day lives can be so hectic that it can be easy to forget to take a break and do something just for yourself. And a great massage is the perfect activity!

When we visited in December, we got our first couples massage to celebrate our birthdays, and it was a lovely experience to bring in a new year together.

Visit the beach

One of our favorite things to do in Miami in December is visit the beach! There is no shortage of amazing beaches around Miami. Some of the top contenders are South Beach (if you want a party vibe), Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside Beach, and Historic Virginia Key Beach. Before heading to the beach, make sure to throw some sunscreen into your bag. My favorites are Black Girl Sunscreen (for the body) and the Supergoop Glow Screen (for the face).

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

No visit to Miami is complete without a visit to Vizcaya Mansion. Designed to look like a modern, subtropical Italian villa, this historic landmark provides a glimpse at life during the Gilded Age and the humble beginnings of Miami. Both the villa and gardens are absolutely beautiful. Since we visited in December, the flowers were not in bloom, but it was still very beautiful. Make sure to bring your walking shoes as this 50-acres estate has a lot of ground for you to cover!

Walk around the Fairchild Botanical Gardens

If you’re visiting Miami during the winter months, make sure to check out the NightGarden, an award-winning light show. From November 11^th to January 8^th, the Fairchild Botanical Gardens is transformed into an illuminated magical fairytale. Inside, you’ll find unique interaction sculptures, music, and technicolor flowers. Great for both adults and the kiddos.

Go mural hopping in Wynwood

One of the best things to do in Miami in December (or really any time!) is to walk around Wynwood and view all of the amazing street art. Wynwood has the biggest collection of street art in the United States. Literally, almost every building in this part of town has some sort of mural or artwork on it!

To get the most out of your time in Wynwood, I recommend booking a walking or golf cart tour. The neighborhood is so big, and there is a lot of history behind the art in Wynwood that you would miss if you don’t take a tour of some kind. We booked ours with Wynwood Art Walk Tours. We loved learning about the street culture and the individual artists/groups that you’ll find in Wynwood.

Be a kid again at Superblue

Just a short drive from Wynwood, you’ll stumble upon Superblue, an immersive art museum. Inside you’ll be able to interact with the art around you to create a beautiful masterpiece. What makes this experience so unique is that instead of just looking at art on the wall like a typical museum, you get to walk through and interact with each installation from making flowers bloom to touching clouds. It’s a must see while visiting Miami!

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science  

If you need a break from the Miami heat, stop by the Frost Science Museum, which is home to an aquarium, planetarium, and several exhibitions. Inside, you can explore and learn about South Florida’s aquatic ecosystems, the physics of light, aviation, and so much more. There’s an impressive view of the aquarium from below that is a common Instagram photo op.

Boat tour to see Millionaire’s Row

Another fun activity to do in Miami is taking a boat tour to see Millionaire’s Row. Departing from Biscayne Bay, you’ll see some of your favorite celebrities and other millionaires’ homes on the water including Rihanna and Shaq. It was quite inspirational to see Millionaires’ Row as many of the homes are not owned by celebrities, which is just a reminder that anything is possible.

Where to Eat & Drink

Miami is a huge city, and it was pretty daunting strolling through Yelp trying to find the best places to eat in town. But we did find quite a few places that made us smile and kept our bellies full.

Le Chick: Le Chick is an upscale restaurant that serves comfort food and craft cocktails. Out of all of the places that we ate in Miami, Le Chick is by far our favorite. Everything that we ate was delicious, and it’s a great place for a celebration. Reservations are encouraged but not required.

Loretta & The Butcher: If you’re craving Argentinian food or wanting to try something new, Loretta & The Butcher is your spot. Great food, solid prices, and loved the more upscale vibe.

Ms Cheezious: Craving a delicious grilled cheese? Then Ms Cheezious is the perfect place for you! They offer gourmet grilled cheeses, burgers, yummy mac and cheese, and handspun milkshakes.

Bacon Bitch: If you’re looking for a restaurant for a girl’s trip with a bumpin’ soundtrack playing at all times, then you’ll love this restaurant. Bacon Bitch is a brunch (more like a brunch party!) spot that serves comfort food like chicken and waffles and yummy frozen cocktails. Highly recommend the Miami frozen cocktail!

World Famous House of Mac: A small chain in the Miami area that serves comfort food, including gourmet mac and cheese, fried chicken, and jerk pasta. Great place to grab a quick bite to eat!

Other places that came recommended:

• Honey Uninhibited
• Kush
• The Salty Donut
• Yardbird Table & Bar
• Café Bastille
• Red Rooster Overtown

While Miami is known for its nightlife and crazy parties, it can be a great vacation spot for couples or solo travelers who aren’t into the party scene. I hope that this Miami travel guide was helpful or inspirational as you start to plan your own Miami vacation!

You may also like: Johannesburg Travel Guide, Weekend in Tampa, Florida, and Savannah, GA Travel Guide

The post Winter Getaway: Things to Do in Miami appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

In April, I finally finished the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, and I’m so sad that the series is over! When I first picked up Cinder, I didn’t have high hopes that the author was going to be able to pull off a cyborg mechanic Cinderella storyline, but she DID THAT and so much more! I also read Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller, which was also a winner for the month.

The Storyteller

Rating: 4/5

Description: It’s not every day you discover you might be related to Anastasia…or that the tragic princess actually survived her assassination attempt and has been living as the woman you know as Aunt Anna.

For Jess Morgan, who is growing tired of living her life to please everyone else, discovering her late aunt’s diaries shows her she’s not the only one struggling to hide who she really is. But was her aunt truly a Romanov princess? Or is this some elaborate hoax?

With the help of a supremely dorky, but undeniably cute, local college student named Evan, Jess digs into the century-old mystery.

But soon Jess realizes there’s another, bigger truth waiting to be revealed: Jess Morgan. Because if she’s learned anything from Aunt Anna, it’s that only you can write your own story.

My Thoughts: Wow, this book by Kathryn Williams did a fantastic job of blending mystery, romance, and historical fiction mixed in with a relatable story of self-discovery and finding where you fit into the world. I love that we get to Jess come out of her make-believe shell that she put on for the world to finally being comfortable with sharing her true self. Let me just say that I had no idea the historical context, and I had no idea that Anastasia Romanov was a real person. But I did enjoy the history context in the book, which was a surprise for me as I normally don’t. It was a well-thought story that you could not love.

A Forgery of Roses

Rating: 4/5

Description: She’s an artist whose portraits alter people’s real-life bodies, a talent she must hide from those who would kidnap, blackmail, and worse in order to control it. Guarding that secret is the only way to keep her younger sister safe now that their parents are gone. 

But one frigid night, the governor’s wife discovers the truth and threatens to expose Myra if she does not complete a special portrait that would resurrect the governor’s dead son. Desperate, Myra ventures to his legendary stone mansion. 

Once she arrives, however, it becomes clear the boy’s death was no accident. Someone dangerous lurks within these glittering halls. Someone harboring a disturbing obsession with portrait magic. 

Myra cannot do the painting until she knows what really happened, so she turns to the governor’s older son, a captivating redheaded poet. Together, they delve into the family’s most shadowed affairs, racing to uncover the truth before the secret Myra spent her life concealing makes her the killer’s next victim.

My Thoughts: Honestly, I was so upset that there wasn’t a second book! I wanted more after the story ended, but I did enjoy the little morsel that I got. I loved the blend of mystery, romance, and of course a good old fashion mystery to boot. While at times, the details of the book were a little gross. I think it fit really well with the gothic, dark fantasy vibe that I think that the author was going for.  I can’t wait to read the other books by this author.

Daughter of the Pirate King

Rating: 4/5

Description: Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.

My Thoughts: Obsessed! Princess Alosa was truly a queen, bad to the bone, and her character definitely kept me captivated. This series came and delivered everything that it needed too. At the beginning of the story, you’re immediately dropped into the middle of the story. With the pirate concept, it does give a little bit of Pirates of the Caribbean vibes but a women’s twist on it. I honestly couldn’t put the book down, and I was so sad that the story was over after two books. Tricia has my vote to keep going with this series as I would love to see what Alosa and Riden are up to now.  

Second book in the duo is Daughter of the Siren Queen.

Curses

Rating: 3.5/5

Description: Merit Cravan refused to fulfill her obligation to marry a prince, leading to a fairy godling’s curse. She will be forced to live as a beast forever, unless she agrees to marry a man of her mother’s choosing before her eighteenth birthday.

Tevin Dumont has always been a pawn in his family’s cons. The prettiest boy in a big family, his job is to tempt naïve rich girls to abandon their engagements, unless their parents agree to pay him off. But after his mother runs afoul of the beast, she decides to trade Tevin for her own freedom.

Now, Tevin and Merit have agreed that he can pay off his mother’s debt by using his con-artist skills to help Merit find the best match . . . but what if the best match is Tevin himself?

My Thoughts: To be honest when I picked up this book, I had no idea that it was a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast. I did notice it once I started reading the book. While I thought it was a cute retelling and the characters were quite fun, I do wish that there was more character development and world building. The author mentions a bunch of different “faerie” types but never fully explains what they are. They just seemed like fairies that could curse people when they got upset and were quite finicky creatures. The only other issue that I had was the lack of development of the characters, especially Merit. I feel like she was very surface level, and we didn’t get a chance to really see your as her own person. Tevin was by far my favorite, and the story very much seemed more focused on him than Merit and her curse.

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles)

Rating: 5/5

Description: Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless Lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. 

She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

My Thoughts: I have no idea what has gotten into me, but I have been picking up so many retellings lately. When I first cracked open the book, I was quite skeptical on whether or not the author was going to be able to pull off this story. I mean a cyberg Cinderella living in Beijing, China in the future? At first glance, it’s a lot, but Marissa Meyer truly pulled it off. I loved it, and I binged the entire series basically within a few days because I couldn’t put it down. It starts off kind of slow, but it slowly builds into something magical. Throughout the series, I was rooting for Cinder and her friends and loved the growth that I saw within the series.

Other books in the series: Scarlet, Cress, and Winter.

The Paris Library

Rating: 3/5

Description: Based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris, this is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together, perfect for fans of The Lilac Girls and The Paris Wife. 

Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal.

Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbor’s mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language, the same longings, and the same intense jealousy, never suspecting that a dark secret from the past connects them.

A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we are—family, friends, and favorite authors—The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places.

My Thoughts: While I’m not usually big on history-related stories, this one was a pleasant read (well as pleasant as the history of WWI and the Holocaust can be). I like how the story telling flips between present day and the past to intertwine a story of love, lost, grief, and growth. If you’re looking for a happy ending though, you won’t find that here. The book focuses on WWII, the Holocaust, and the American Library. You’ll get a glimpse into what life was like when the Nazis invaded France. Many of the characters in the book are based off real people, which was refreshing.

The Overnight Guest

Rating: 3/5

Description: She thought she was alone…

True crime writer Wylie Lark doesn’t mind being snowed in at the isolated farmhouse where she’s retreated to write her new book. A cozy fire, complete silence. It would be perfect, if not for the fact that decades earlier, at this very house, two people were murdered in cold blood and a girl disappeared without a trace.

As the storm worsens, Wylie finds herself trapped inside the house, haunted by the secrets contained within its walls—haunted by secrets of her own. Then she discovers a small child in the snow just outside. After bringing the child inside for warmth and safety, she begins to search for answers. But soon it becomes clear that the farmhouse isn’t as isolated as she thought, and someone is willing to do anything to find them. 

My Thoughts: Now don’t get me wrong, I did really enjoy this book, but it was very predictable for a mystery, thriller book. If you read a bunch, you won’t be shocked or surprised with how this book unfolds unfortunately. I did enjoy the world building and the setting of a winter wonderland isolated from the city. It added another layer of creepiness to the storyline. Other than the predictable storyline, the story also flips between three different viewpoints: two from the present and one from the past. It was a lot to keep up with plus the number of characters were also hard to follow.

The post What I Read in April + May 2022 appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Take a deep breath and relax

No seriously – Preparing for the NAPLEX is very stressful, and you may not even realize how you’ve let your health fall to the waist side because of it. You’ve been training for this very exam for 3 or 4 years, and you have everything that it takes to pass the NAPLEX exam. So take a few deep breaths, do a few yoga poses, and get yourself to relax as best as you can.

I know that that’s easier said than done, but here are some self care resources to help you build a self care routine and to incorporate self care into your daily routine:

• How to Kickstart Your Self Care Routine
• 30 Day Self Care Challenge to Decrease Anxiety
• 11 Ways to Invest in Yourself this Year

Read the NAPLEX Candidate Registration Bulletin

Just like any other major test, the NAPLEX has its own special website that shares more information about the exam, such as the types of questions you’ll see, a list of topics that you’ll be tested on, and the skills that you’re expected to demonstrate. While it may be an exam to test your minimum skills as a pharmacist, you’ll still want to take a look at the bulletin, so you can be more familiar with the exam beforehand.

Make the final decision on whether you need a tutor or not

If you type in “NAPLEX preparation”, you’ll find plenty of links to study test materials and maybe even a few for a NAPLEX tutor. Before your test date creeps up on you, you’ll need to decide whether or not you want to invest in a NAPLEX tutor. Not everyone needs a tutor, but it can be a useful tool for those that need the additional help and motivation. I’ve already talked about my experience using Varsity Tutors, and I stand by my opinion – I highly recommend them if you’re ready to take the leap.

For those that haven’t ever heard of a NAPLEX tutor, here are a few things that my tutor helped me with when I was studying for the board exams:

• Boosted my confidence and brighten up my day
• Provided me extra support and resources for topics that I wasn’t comfortable in
• Become my accountability partner to make sure I go through all of the chapters before the big day
• Gave me plenty of practice problems and worked through them with me

Block out 2 weeks before your exam to go over the heavy hitters or weak spots

It’s easy to waste away the two weeks leading up to your exam. You may be rushing to finish the dense study textbook, or you might be hyper fixating on the topics that you already know pretty well. Use the last two weeks before your exam to go over the heavy hitters or any subjects that you may not be the most confident in. Trust me, the extra time spent on specific topics are going to make a world of a difference on the big day.

You’ll not only feel more confident with your skills, but it’ll help you feel more relaxed when it’s time to take the exam. Now the big chapters will always change from year to year, but I remember when I was studying for the exam in 2020 that the chapters for HIV, Diabetes, Infectious Disease, Compounding, and Oncology were pretty thick chapters.

Take the Pre-NAPLEX Exam

Some pharmacy schools require students to take the Pre-NAPLEX before you graduate. If you are one of the lucky ones that doesn’t have to do that, then you’ll be blessed with two attempts to take the Pre-NAPLEX. The Pre-NAPLEX exam is the official NAPLEX practice exam that gives you a realistic idea of what the exam is actually like. I 100% recommend taking the Pre-NAPLEX exam about a week before your real test date.

On the practice exam, you’ll get a chance to answer 100 exam questions from previous exams in a 140 minute time limit. Once completed, you receive a total scaled score that is pretty accurate to what you’ll score on the real thing. While the NABP doesn’t say that, I’ve heard that many students, including myself, had similar NAPLEX scores compared to the Pre-NAPLEX. So I wouldn’t blow it off. Definitely try your best and feel free to push back your exam date if the score isn’t passing.

Prepare for the day of your exam in advance

Trust me that you do not want to be searching around looking for the right clothes, documents, and necessities the day of your exam. You’re probably going to be a little scatterbrained, anxious, and probably a little forgetful in terms of things unrelated to the exam. To avoid forgetting something important and to give yourself the best chance possible to do well, here are some pointers:

• Arrive to the testing area early – If you’re driving a long distance to your exam site, plan to arrive to your accommodations the day (or even days) before. This way your chances of getting into a car crash, having a flat tire, or even getting stuck in traffic are decreased.  I also recommend staying at a hotel super close to the testing site, so you don’t have very far to go to get there the morning of.
• Go to bed early – You’re going to be nervous or anxious the day before the exam, and you’ll want to get a full night’s sleep. Go to bed earlier than you normally do to give your mind enough time to shut off completely. Bring your favorite pajamas or comfort tool to help you fully relax.
• Eat a good breakfast and bring snacks – The NAPLEX is a 6 hour exam, and you’re going to eventually get pretty hungry while you’re at the testing site. Before you head on over, stop and eat a good breakfast full of protein and leafy greens. I also recommend throwing a sandwich and snacks in your bag as you’ll get a few breaks in between the long sessions where you can stuff your face quickly.
• Don’t study the night before – I know it’ll be tempting to study the night before, but I promise that nothing you review the night before will stick. Study for the NAPLEX is a long term game and cramming for it just won’t work. Instead of trying to memorize another math equation, take the day before to relax and to enjoy the day.

Do something relaxing the week before the exam

Being stress and anxious obviously makes you pretty tense, especially when you know an important date is looming in the distance. The week before the NAPLEX exam, do something that makes you feel relaxed such as a massage, facial, or a long soak in the hot tub. While it may not be much, you’ll feel so much better and ready to take on the day. Plus you deserve it. You’ve finally at the big finale that you’ve been working so hard for, and you deserve every ounce of happiness. Grab it and hold on to it as tightly as you can!

The post NAPLEX Prep: What to Do Before the Exam appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

The Bear and the Nightingale

Rating: 2/5

Description:  At the edge of the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year and the snowdrifts grow taller than houses. But Vasilisa doesn’t mind—she spends the winter nights huddled around the embers of a fire with her beloved siblings, listening to her nurse’s fairy tales. Above all, she loves the chilling story of Frost, the blue-eyed winter demon, who appears in the frigid night to claim unwary souls. Wise Russians fear him, her nurse says, and honor the spirits of house and yard and forest that protect their homes from evil.

After Vasilisa’s mother dies, her father goes to Moscow and brings home a new wife. Fiercely devout, city-bred, Vasilisa’s new stepmother forbids her family from honoring the household spirits. The family acquiesces, but Vasilisa is frightened, sensing that more hinges upon their rituals than anyone knows.

And indeed, crops begin to fail, evil creatures of the forest creep nearer, and misfortune stalks the village. All the while, Vasilisa’s stepmother grows ever harsher in her determination to groom her rebellious stepdaughter for either marriage or confinement in a convent.

As danger circles, Vasilisa must defy even the people she loves and call on dangerous gifts she has long concealed—this, in order to protect her family from a threat that seems to have stepped from her nurse’s most frightening tales.

My Thoughts: Unlike the many stellar reviews on Goodreads, I was not a fan of this book, and I think it’s because I’m not even sure what I read to be honest. The book is super slow at the beginning, which makes it hard to get into it and why it took me almost a week and a half to finish it. It just wasn’t very interesting, and the names/Russian words are hard to keep up with. You end up losing a lot of contexts, and the story for me didn’t really feel complete. Overall – it was a no for me.

The Night She Disappeared

Rating: 4/5

Description: 2017: 19 year old Tallulah is going out on a date, leaving her baby with her mother, Kim. Kim watches her daughter leave and, as late evening turns into night, which turns into early morning, she waits for her return. And waits. The next morning, Kim phones Tallulah’s friends who tell her that Tallulah was last seen heading to a party at a house in the nearby woods called Dark Place.

She never returns.

2019: Sophie is walking in the woods near the boarding school where her boyfriend has just started work as a head-teacher when she sees a note fixed to a tree. ‘DIG HERE’ . . . A cold case, an abandoned mansion, family trauma and dark secrets lie at the heart of Lisa Jewell’s remarkable new novel.

My Thoughts: The Night She Disappeared starts off as a slow burn but trust me it quickly picks up once you get a few chapters in. I like that it sets the stage immediately by providing multiple points of view and a chilling atmosphere that tells you something is off, but you aren’t quite sure what. The author really fleshes out each character that it makes the story more real and easy to become invested in everyone. My favorite part about the book though is the fact that I thought I knew would be the outcome, and I was totally surprised with how the story turned. It was a good surprise by the way!  

The Midnight Library

Rating: 3/5

Description: Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices . . . Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?

A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived, from the internationally bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How To Stop Time.

Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better?

In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig’s enchanting new novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place. 

My Thoughts: After reading the description, I was a little concerned with whether the author’s writing would actually be able to match the hype around the storyline. I was really hoping that it wouldn’t fall flat like the book, Cinderella is Dead, did for me. Thankfully, it did not disappoint, and it was a cute read. It does lean into almost a self-help book, but I didn’t mind how the author blended that into the storyline.

The post What I Read in March 2022 appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.