Finishing exams and moving back home for the summer meant one thing: free time. A lot of it. Although I have work for a couple of months, it isn’t too often and that allows me to spend time doing things that I really enjoy. Reading is definitely one of them!
I have decided to keep track of the books that I have read monthly on here, as well as a little mini-review about how I found them. If that is of interest to you, then enjoy my mindless ramblings that you’ll find down below.
Are we all Snowflakes and Lemmings? Holly Bourne
I picked this book up quite a while ago, but only just got around to reading it. As per usual, I bought it on the ‘buy one, get one half price’ deal in Waterstones. The reason why I was first drawn to it was the fact that it was written by Holly Bourne, and as I have read three of her other books and really enjoyed them, I always am on the lookout for another of hers on a deal (student probs). I love Holly as a writer, and although I did enjoy this heart-warming tale of young individuals trying to keep their head above water in today’s difficult world, it still wasn’t one of my favourites from her. I love Holly for her tackling of sensitive subjects (particularly mental health), and although she definitely did this in ‘Are we all snowflakes and Lemmings?’ something about the storyline and the characters seemed a little young to me. During the book I did at times feel a Kazuo Ishiguro Hailsham-vibe which I thoroughly enjoyed (love you Ishiguro), and the ending didn’t leave me unsatisfied, I just think that the plot could have been elevated a little to keep me on my toes. However, Holly Bourne’s aim may have been to create a slower, more realistic narrative in order to plainly set out the difficulties of mental health in the real world. For tackling such a subject, Holly I salute you. Despite this not being my favourite, I still will never not buy a book of Holly’s when I see it on the golden table in Waterstones young adult section.
Favourite Quote: “You don’t have to stop looking after yourself just to help the world. In fact, sometimes it’s better for the world if you put yourself first. That’s not being selfish, in fact looking after yourself is the greatest act of kindness you can give the world. Loving yourself first is the best way to spread love.”
Tara’s book real-ness rating: 3 out of 5 snowflakes
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson
I finished this book in two days, two WEEK days of working. From the moment I began reading, I was hooked. It is obvious that Holly Jackson thought out the whole plot and solved the mystery before beginning the writing process. With many mystery books, authors make up the ending as they go along and it is obvious. The ‘ah-ha!’ moment that all of us readers look for in a good crime novel is never evident when writers use this technique, but in ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ every plot twist is un-for-seen yet believable, and that is what I believe makes a good novel. The addition of a little romantic sub-plot satisfied my need for a little love, without taking away from the believable plot. Serious matters such as drugs and sex were covered throughout, so it definitely has its place in the Young Adult section. What first peaked my interest was the fact that the book was actually set out as an EPQ project (extended project qualification), which was actually an A level that I took myself during college. To see the same forms being filled out, and the same processes that I went through as I completed the A level, being completed in the book was a fun dimension that really added to the whole relatable experience. As a debut novel it was breathtaking, and I wholly recommend this to any reader interested in mystery.
Favourite Quote: “The world felt heavier than it ever had been before.”
Tara’s book real-ness rating: four of of five good girls
Eleanor and Park, Rainbow Rowell
I know, I know. I’m late to the party. I feel like it was the longest time ago that this book truly peaked in popularity, everyone was talking about it but I just never got around to purchasing it. A few months ago me and my good friend Beth did a little book exchange as we both enjoy similar books, and Eleanor and park just so happened to be one of them. It did not take me long to read this one at all. I absolutely loved it with all of my heart. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m a sucker for romance. And if this isn’t romance, if this isn’t true love, then I don’t know what is. Sure, if you’re a pessimist you may not totally believe this tale of insta-love, but regardless it’s nice to believe that it could happen. I really enjoyed the switching of narrative of each chapter, in this tale it worked perfectly. The two voices were distinct and their individual backstories were so engaging, opening my eyes to harsh realities that I have never crossed before. Eleanor and Park both captivated my imagine from the moment that they joined that bus ride, and they haven’t left since. The ending broke my heart and made me so unbelievably happy at the same time. The attention and hype that this Rainbow Rowell novel received was totally worthy. If you haven’t read this book yet, what the hell are you doing.
Favourite Quote: “He wound the scarf around his fingers until her hand was hanging in the space between them.
Then he slid the silk and his fingers into her open palm.
And Eleanor disintegrated.”
Tara’s book real-ness rating: five out of five true loves
The Chalkman was another book gifted to me by a friend, and I cannot thank her enough. Tudor’s novel is definitely King-esque, keeping me turning the pages late into the night (sometimes into the early morning). The concertina effect of the structure, with the narrative flipping between the present and flashbacks to childhood, kept me on my toes the whole way through. The present narrative was perfectly combined with the past, adding even more depth to the chilling mystery. The preface was perfectly included, adding to the sense of satisfaction that I felt as I read the ending. Tudor’s eerie tone toyed with me throughout, revealing clues and plot twists when I was least expecting them. A wonderfully gripping novel that is definitely worth a read.
Favourite Quote: “Better to be a fool than an angel.”
Tara’s book real-ness rating: four out of five pieces of chalk
This Lie will Kill You, Chelsea Pitcher
I found myself having a love hate relationship with this book. For starters, when I first began I most definitely was not gripped. It took me around a week to read this, which is quite a lengthy time for me at the moment. However, I was taken by the idea of a murder-mystery dinner as I have often wondered what it would be like to go to one or host one myself. As the novel progressed, the plot did thicken but I had a difficult time with the believability of the situation that the characters found themselves in. Of course, literature is a wonderful escape from the real world. But it is apparent that within this novel, Chelsea Pitcher’s aim was to make it relatable to the young adult audience, including the difficulties of being a student and getting an education, whilst also focusing upon issues such as peer pressure. What I did enjoy, though, were certain sections of the book that were beautifully written, particularly descriptions. As I continued to read, the last 100-150 pages really did pick up and I actually enjoyed the ending. However, if it is an interesting and well-played mystery that you are looking for, this would not be my first recommendation.
Favourite Quote: “Let go of the doll. The goddess too. Then she was herself. A girl with pale blue eyes and freckles on the nose. A long jagged scar across her heart and a chasm that kept her from happiness.”
Tara’s book real-ness rating: two out of five murder mystery characters
just a student ... 