It's not a massive secret that I am a big reader. Always have been, and always will be. I think there's something so magical about cracking open a book, feeling the spine bend in your hands, smelling that delicious page scent, and getting lost in an entirely different world. To tell you the truth, there's nothing quite like reading a good book. Not even a
marathon Netflix binge measures up.
As I am no longer in education (that sentence still sounds weird), I've been able to dedicate a lot more time to reading for pleasure rather than reading to study or for research, and it has been delicious. I couldn't even begin to fathom the number of books I've consumed in the past few months, and it's been a definite struggle to narrow it down to this top five. Some oldies, some new-ies, all goodies. Without further ado, onto the books!
I first read All The Bright Places at the tail end of last year, and it immediately made it's way onto my top favourite books of all time. I reread it over the summer, and my opinion hasn't changed. Whether it's the way I identify with how Finch feels, the easy flow of Jennifer Niven's writing, or the fact that I just adore the story line, I recommend this book to literally everyone.
The subject matter, being a book that revolves around mental health, bereavement, grief, and suicidal feelings to name a few makes it not an easy read, but a compelling one, and I certainly did not anticipate it to end the way it does. But the ending makes sense. Just read this book, you will not regret it.
Caitlin Moran is my feminist idol, one of the best voices of this generation, and I must blog about her in more depth at some point. She's an amazing woman who has led an extraordinary life, and this anthology contains some of her favourite columns from her job at the Times. She's probably better known for writing How To Be A Woman, but I reread Moranthology over the summer and remembered just how much I love this book and the crazy collection of stories, anecdotes, and opinions it contains.
If the fact that she describes David Cameron as a 'C-3PO made of ham', and writes again and again about how sexy Benedict Cumberbatch is doesn't make you want to read it, I honestly don't know what will.
Hollow City is the sequel to the amazing Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, and it's just as amazing, which can be rare for a sequel. It follows the journey of the children from the first book on their quest to save Miss Peregrine, and the mixture of the intriguing story line, captivating characters, and creepy old photographs really make this a unique novel. It took me a while after reading the first book to read this sequel, but I'm so glad I got around to it this summer. Honestly, I think I read it in about two days, I was so hooked.
The movie adaptation of the first book comes into the cinemas next month, and I'm not sure whether I'm looking forward to it or not, but you will find out when I get around to watching and reviewing! The use of photographs in the books is what I think makes them stand out so much, and I just don't know how this is going to translate into film. Hopefully it's done well, and the story will be continued in novel and film form!
I'm going to put my hand up and admit this - although it's been out for several weeks now, and I bought it the day after it came out, I've not actually read this script yet! I know, I know, it's old news. I don't know, I'm such a massive HP fan that I just don't want the magic to end. In my head, if I've not read the book then that part of my life isn't over yet. And although I hope J.K will write more Potter books, I'm still reluctant to read this! What did you think of it, if you've read it?
Historical fiction is definitely a niche genre, but I bloody love it. Philippa Gregory is definitely the queen of historical fiction, especially revolving around the Plantagenet and Tudor eras, and I was so excited when I spotted this cheeky read on the shelves of Waterstones. It follows the story of Queen Margaret of Scotland, sister to the infamous King Henry VIII, and an amazing woman in her own right. Set in the same time period as The Constant Princess, it follows a different side of the story, giving the reader a different look at the court of King Henry VIII and Queen Katharine of Aragon.
What's been your favourite read of the summer?
Bethany
I have All The Bright Places, I am yet to read it though!! <3 Lovely post
ReplyDeleteAmelia | Amelia Grace
You should read it! It's an incredible book <3
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