WRAP UP: BOOKS I READ IN AUGUST


a reader who is pretty happy with her progress…


Hi there friends!

I thought today I would just wrap up the books I read in August because I think I’ve read the most books in August for 2019!

(EDIT: LIE! I actually read 12 books in July so…)

This month was a pretty awesome reading month, if I so myself! I participated in the NEWTS Magical readathon, and as I’m writing this, I am 42% into my last book for the readathon so hopefully I will complete it! So, as a result, I read most of the books this month for the NEWTS readathon!

If I have time, I might also post a September TBR! But I’ll try not get ahead of myself! Anyway, let’s get to it!



I absolutey loved and adored everything about With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo. Emoni Santiago was such a fantastic character, I felt like I knew her and I was amazed at her persistence, her tenacity and her love for her family. Emoni would have to be one of the best female protagonists I have read in YA this year because she was just so real. I think the story itself was so unique because I don’t think I have read a YA book that focused on the story of a teenage mother and it was so fantastic. The fact that this book also tackles real issues concerning racism and sexism made it all the more powerful. I freaking loved it so much and I urge you to read it.


OH MY GODFDFSKJDH.

It took me so long to read this book. And I am so disappointed in myself, because if I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky when I was in highschool and I would have felt so seen, if that makes sense. I don’t think I could articulate in words how much I adored this book. I loved everything about it, but its representation of mental health was so wonderful in that it spared no detail and ensured you FELT the rawness, the pain, the panic, the hysteria of it. This book means so much to me and it is still on my bedside table just so I can pick it up and hold it to my chest.


Unfortunately, this was not my cup of tea. Well, no that would be a lie, it has the hallmarks of all the things that I would like, but lacked in execution. I just wasn’t interested. It lacked in character development and plot as well as a more developed exploration of the world the book was situated within. I know that it is the first book in a series, so it could just be a mediocre start to a great series, but I won’t be going out of my way to read it. Maybe if I see them at my library, I’ll give the rest of the series a go.


Another disappointment. I rated it 3 stars initially, but upon further reflection, I would honestly rate it a 2 star. I wrote a full length review so be sure to check it out here.


Actually, 3.5 stars but I couldn’t be bothered cropping the star in half. I know this is controversial, and I’m super sorry. I would continue with the series though, because I want to see what happens next.

Things I loved:
– the intricate details of the world, the history, the people, the animals, the culture – it was so nuanced and complex and I absolutely adored it.
– Amari. She is my QUEEN. 
– Inan and his father dying at the end. Thank FUCK.
– Magic coming back! That was so beautiful.

Things I didn’t love:
-Inan. His character was so annoying. The way he would yo-yo was ridiculous. I understand it was meant to demonstrate his loyalties being challenged, etc., but honestly, he just made a very weak character.
– Zelie. Couldn’t like her; found her selfish at times. I still don’t understand why it had to be her to complete the ritual – i know a Reaper is rare but like…wasn’t made explicit
– How slow the story was. The pacing would go back and forth. I’m going to be honest, I do love me a slow build up, but I got bored I legit skimmed the last 50 pages.
– Though I loved Amari – I found that the fact that she was complict in the system of oppression and violence. But it wasn’t until she saw the violence first hand (mind you, she was okay with how her servant Binta was treated atrociously prior) when she left the palace with the scroll. 
– The romance between Zel and Inan was cringe. I don’t mean that it was written in a way that made me cringe, just the fact that iNAN HAS LITERALLY BEEN ON THE FRONTLINES OF COMMITTING GENOCIDE AGAINST DIVINERS (I.E. ZEL’S PEOPLE) but he is still a viable romanctic interest??? seriously????? serRIOUSLY?

the reason I gave it 3.5 stars is because the world building and the writing was so fantastic. just the characters and some character-decisions was were this story lacked for me.


I JUST LOVE THEM SO MUCH I LOVE THIS STORY I LOVE EVERYTHING OMG MY HEART READ IT


Though my least favourite in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed re-reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – it’s like I’m cozying up with an old friend. It’s just fabulous.


Honestly, I gave it 3 stars because I felt bad giving it less considering Captain Marvel is my favourite Marvel superhero. I just couldn’t get into it. Why? Well, you can tell it was written by a man and illustrated by men.


Um. I finally read The Cruel Prince but like, I don’t know what to say? I enjoyed it, I think? But I didn’t really like the plot? And the characters were meh? I did enjoy Jude, I think but everyone else could suddenly cease to exist and I wouldn’t care? It’s a book that very much confuses me, because it kept me engaged all the way through but I finished reading it utlimately wondering if I actually liked it or not. Maybe that was the point? Writing characters that are fundametnally are the cruelest and most bloodthirsty, because they are not human, doesn’t make you like reading the characters. And I enjoyed that there was no romanticisation of that. But I just found that I wanted the story to be more. I will be reading The Wicked King however, because I want to see how Jude grows as a character.


That’s it for today, friends! I hoped you enjoyed it! If you have written a Wrap Up, leave the link in the comments, so I can check it out!

Until next time, happy reading!

All the love,

Allie

xx


5 thoughts on “WRAP UP: BOOKS I READ IN AUGUST

  1. I’m currently reading The Poet X and Heartstopper Vol 1 and they’re both so good! Heartstopper is just utter sweetness ❤ I can't wait to try With the Fire on High next 😀 what a great month of reading!

    Like

  2. My monthly wrap up goes up tomorrow but I just wanted to say that With the Fire On High is on my Sept TBR and I can’t wait to read it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. OMG YAY! Please let me know your thoughts on With the fire on High! I hope September is full of good books for you also! Ive read three books this month and I’m happy to say that all three were great books! How about you? Xx

      Liked by 1 person

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