January and February Reading Wrap Up

Wrap Up

I completely forgot to do a wrap up for the past few months, and I really want to get back into this so I decided to combine my January and February!

There are eight books to talk about here so let’s get started and let me know if you want to see a full review of any of these books!

The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer

Quick Review: The Shock of the Fall was the first book I read in 2015! Not a bad way to start of this reading year if I do say so myself. I found it a little difficult to get through at the beginning but before I knew it I was completely entranced by this story about a boy dealing with his mental illness. It is beautiful, raw, and real book that, I believe, does a great job in portraying a character’s mental illness. It was just really good and I definitely recommend it…though prepare to become extremely frustrated with the unreliable narrator because well, you’ll see.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

Quick Review: I’ve had this book on my shelf for a LONG time now after a friend, so kindly, forced me to purchase it when she found out I hadn’t read any Terry Pratchett novels. Long story short, I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure this novel took me on – especially the wee free men. The book features such strong female characters that I think all girls need to read this series of books. I plan on, eventually, finishing this series as it follows the growth of the main character. My only issue with this is the long chapters…I much prefer a novel with a lot of shorter chapters (personal opinion though).

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Quick Review: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Patrick Ness has very quickly become one of my favourite authors. I finished this book in one afternoon. It was pure brilliance. There really isn’t any other way for my to explain it. I still feel so much thinking about the story. I purchased the illustrated edition and I think it just added a whole other layer to this beautiful story. The book was so heartbreakingly beautiful. I’m pretty sure I cried for 20 minutes after finishing it. READ IT, READ IT, READ IT.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (duh).

Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding

Quick Review: After the emotional turmoil I felt after A Monster Calls I needed something super quick, fluffy, and fun. I took a look at my TBR shelf and figured no one could cheer my up quite like Bridget Jones. I wasn’t wrong. This was the perfect cure for the heartbreak I was facing after my previous read. It made me laugh so much…also made me want to rewatch the movie, but when don’t I want to rewatch Bridget Jones’s Diary. If you are looking for a super fun, quick read I definitely suggest you pick this up if you are like me and have yet to do it yet.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 for making me feel so much better after A Monster Calls.

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Quick Review: I’m not sure the book needed to be written in free verse because it reads fine as in prose, but the book provides the sad truth that young girls are still unknowingly being sold into prostitution in third world countries and it’s completely heartbreaking what these girls have to face. I’m always grateful when a book like this is thoroughly researched so big ups to the author who traveled India and Nepal to interview women of Calcutta’s red light district and as well as girls who have been rescued in order to write this book. It’s a really fast, but extremely powerful read so go forth and read on.

My Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (for the free verse)

How To Bake a Chocolate Soufflé by Carly Ellen Kramer

Quick Review: This book was given to me as part of the book tour which I am partaking in. I don’t want to say too much here because I full review of this novel will by posted on March 7th (so keep an eye out for that), but I can say that while there where a few issues with the flow of the book I did enjoy it overall. It was nice to see the relationships in the books grow apart but then snap back together again when it is really needed. It really speaks to the power of friendship and I completely stand by that message. I just wish it had given me more because the story was lacking certain details that, as a reader, you are craving to know about!

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

If I Stay by Gayle Formam

Quick Review: This is one of those books that I bough a long time ago when it was on sale at Costco and just didn’t get around to reading it. And when I finally did all I really thought was: meh. It was okay. I mean, I cried but with the nature of the book it was hard not to. I just couldn’t believe any of the characters; they all seemed just over the top stereotypical. There were lines where I just though: really?! I think it is safe to say that I didn’t want to rush a pick up the second one. And can I just say, because I knew there was a second one there was no suspense on the question of what choice she was going to make. Meh…just meh.

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh

Quick Review: I think this is one time I was happy not have been a superfan of something before it moved to book form. Because I was familiar with Allie Brosh’s drawings online, but didn’t really keep up with them I could fully appreciate this book from beginning to end. I was even pleasantly surprised to see some of my favourites in the book. Hyperbole and a Half made my laugh out loud so many time. I was obsessed with the style it was written and drawn in and also with her dogs. I loved this so much and I’m so happy I got to read it.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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