Sunday, July 31, 2016

Recent Book Reads


Steering away from my usual beauty related blog posts today, I thought I would do something a little different on the blog. Something I also have never done. I don't know particularly how book reviews work, so although mine may not be right (is there a right way of doing them?) I love to share my thoughts. I haven't written any recent lifestyle pieces and I want to make sure that my blog isn't just solely beauty. I've devoured a couple of books recently and thought I would share my thoughts on a couple of them.


Every time I see someone on Twitter who goes "someone recommend me a book!" I will automatically reply to them saying to read this one. I've already handed down my book to two of my friends and another at my office and every single one of them has told me how much they've loved it. Without wanting to give too much away; it follows a married couple in their perfect home, their perfect relationship and their perfect life. Or is it really that perfect? This book was gut wrenching and I actually gasped a couple of times when reading it out-loud and trembling because I felt as if I couldn't trust anyone. The author's writing is captivating and if you're someone who loved "The Girl On The Train" I guarantee you, you will love this - soon it will become a best seller, I swear! 


I kind of jumped on the bandwagon here, picking up this book because yes, of Zoella's bookclub, but also noticing that pretty much every young adult had read this book. I was actually quite disappointed in this book which I really hate to say. I one hundred percent admire the writer for bringing some really important messages and themes throughout the book, especially aimed at young reader's, however for me, it just didn't captivate me or pull through any emotion, and trust me I sob when reading books. I really wanted to love this book however I do feel as if everyone will have different experiences when reading this book depending on their own experiences with the themes and messages. To me, I felt as if it only scraped the surface on the characters and sadly a bit two dimensional. I would love to know if there was anyone out there who wasn't that big of a fan of the book as well? I really wanted to because the portrayal of such vital messages is so important, but I don't think the writing did it enough justice.


Another book recommendation by my Aunt was this one. I read this on my kindle, hence why it isn't in the photo and my kindle is so old, just not bloggery enough for the photo! At first I really felt as if this book dragged out, and was so close to putting it down and not bothering. You sort of get to a point mid way thinking "jeez is this book ever going to end?" because it is quite a hefty read. However, once you do get past that point, it's an incredible book! It's seriously worth it to just keep on reading through. The plot follows a hit and run incident, and over the course of the book you follow a woman's experience in the accident, in which you start to see a back-story unravelling. It's a book that leaves you with a gasp at the very end of the book and also left me with a couple of questions. I reckon this would also make a great book club read as it explores so many different themes and characters and the ending can be interpreted in so many ways. Another book similar to Behind Closed Doors/Girl on Train/ Gone Girl which I really loved!

Everything, Everything - Nicola Yoon

Another from the Zoella book club which I had heard great things about is Everything, Everything. This follows the story of a young girl, Madeleine who is allergic to everything. She is hauled up in a pristine/hospital-like home, unable to leave the world or have contact with the world. A new family moves in next door and suddenly the inside of her climate-controlled home is not enough. To me I felt as if I hadn't gotten to know the main character enough to really feel for her. I felt as if the book was filled with endless "post-it" notes, charts and images to try and fill it out. I  felt as if I could totally predict most of the book, apart from the one massive twist at the end. I don't want to give too much away, but when Olly was introduced (the boy next door) all I kept thinking was "duh" "shock" *rolls eyes*. Although I do have to say, the one big twist at the end did shock me, I don't think I got close enough to Madeleine to feel as connected to her as I would have liked. If we were let into her mind and personal life a bit more I would have felt a lot more empathy.

So there we have it, four recent books. From what it seems, I don't think I'm much of a fan of the young adult, romance type novels. A couple of years ago I'm sure I would have loved these books but perhaps at 22 I'm just growing to love and appreciate different types of book genres. 
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10 comments

  1. I'm with you when it comes to All the Bright Places, I liked it, but I didn't love it like I'd expected to but maybe that was due to hype around it.

    I've not read any of the other, but I'll keep them in mind when looking for my next read! :) xx

    http://chloeharriets.com/

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    1. Oh thank god I'm not the only one! I think there was a lot of hype which is a shame because I find it so disappointing when I don't end up loving them! xx

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  2. I actually quite enjoyed All The Bright Places - although I get where you're coming from, it was still a good read for me!

    Lucy | Forever September

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    1. I find it so interesting how some people enjoy some books and the other way round! That's what I love the most about the blogging community, sharing different views! xx

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  3. You've got me really intrigued with Behind Closed Doors! I'm reading After You by JoJo Moyes at the minute and I feel like I have been reading it for years, not enjoying it as much as Me Before You!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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    1. Oh I know how you feel, After You just isn't as good as the original I felt...xx

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  4. Love some book recommendations. I have some sitting on my shelf just waiting to be read x

    franklyflawless.com

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    1. Thank you! Hopefully this gives an extra load of ideas of what to pop on the bookshelf! xx

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  5. I've just started reading All The Bright Places so your review was really interesting, I'll see how I get on with it! The other books mentioned look really good though! :)

    Lauren xx

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    1. Definitely let me know how you do get on with it! For me I just don't think it was worth the hype sadly :/ xx

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