Top 5 Mysterious Reads Of 2018 | What I’m Reading Wednesday

I’ve read a lot of pretty great books this year! Now is the time for me to get all reflective and attempt to make a big decision; what was my favourite book of 2018?

But while I’m not at that stage yet, I do have five incredible reads to share with you today.

By documenting my reading and my ratings for each book for the first time this year, I have discovered a pattern within what I like. I’ve discovered that my favourite kinds of books are mysterious reads. Those kinds of books where you normally have to wait until the end before everything falls in place.

I don’t really know why this is the case, but I do know that I’ve read some pretty great mysterious books so maybe that’s where the bias comes from.

Anyway, here’s my top five mysterious reads of 2018*:

1. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine : Gail Honeyman

I read this book pretty early on in the year when it was making its rounds through the supermarket charts, and I simply adored it. Eleanor has quickly become one of my all time favourite characters and her story is just breathtakingly beautiful.

It’s ultimately a story about hope, recovery and making a fresh start – basically my favourite themes to a novel!

2. The Room By The Lake : Emma Dibdin

This was one of those books I picked up on a whim from a bargain book shop and had no idea that it would become one of my favourite reads of the year!

Without giving too much away, after all that’s the beauty of these stories, this book is the story of a girl who accidentally gets herself caught up in some kind of ‘retreat’ (read: cult).

It’s pretty dark and a very visceral story, at times I thought I could actually feel what the main character was going through.

3. Sharp Objects : Gillian Flynn

This is the most recent read from this list, despite the fact it’s been out for ages. I finally read Gone Girl in 2018 and immediately after wanted to try more of Flynn’s work.

I managed to grab a copy of this at a bargain book shop and simply devoured it. I know Flynn is kind of a divisive author, but I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve read from her. This book in particular was so upsetting and dark, which is everything I love!

4. Everything I Never Told You : Celeste Ng

This book combines two of my favourite things in one; a mysterious read and unsolved mystery.

It is an incredibly moving and somewhat suffocating story of a Chinese-American family who’s daughter is found dead in a local lake. The story not only works to discover what happened to this character, but also goes so in depth with the family and every single detail is revealed.

It’s one of those slow-burn reads, but I couldn’t put it down. I simply had to know what happened to Lydia, even though it broke my heart.

5. After Me Comes The Flood : Sarah Perry

2018 really has been the year of bargain books for me! This was another amazing find in the sale section of a bookstore.

I don’t really know what attracted me to it at first, but when I read the blurb and found that it was about a man who simply walks away from his life, I knew I had to have it.

This one is certainly a slow-burn and the way the characters are it can sometimes feel frustrating to get through. Everyone is so eccentric and you know there’s more to the situation than they’re letting on, but it is so worth the wait.

If you’re a fan of cults and those kinds of organisations, this one has some of those dark overtones to it.


Those were some of my favourite reads of this year, from my new-found favourite genre.

If you have any recommendations of books you think I would like, please share!

Speak soon,

Rachael.

*affiliate links used

 

 

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How Do You Rate Books? | What I’m Reading Wednesday

I read an awful lot. As I mentioned in a post a long time (this one here) 2017 was the first time I actually recorded every book I read. I’ve stepped it up a little bit this year and finally started rating my books too.

I watch a lot of booktubers (that’s people who talk about books online basically) and they all seem to use a particular website to record and review their books. I don’t. I just simply use a note-taking app on my phone to record everything I feel about the book as soon as I’ve finished it.

Rating books is a personal thing and there are so many different ways to do it. I thought I’d talk a little bit today about the system I’ve got going on at the minute. It’s not perfect, but it’s also not really for anyone else’s eyes but my own.

I’d also love to know how you rate your reading, if at all, and how you keep track of it all!

HOW DO I RECORD MY READING?

I started recording everything I read last year so I’m still pretty new to it all. I certainly haven’t developed a flawless system for myself but I have made something simple and that is easy to keep up with.

Here’s how I do it: I have a specific note on Evernote (a great and simplistic note-taking app. The basic options is free on most networks) where I write down the title of the book and the author. At least, that’s all I did throughout 2017. To mix things up a bit this year I’ve been adding ratings to the books as well.

This system – if you can even call it that – certainly is the most simple way to approach recording your reading. I may adapt it in the future to be more organised, as at the moment its just one long list. But hey it works for me and that’s all that matters!

NUMBERS

The easiest way I’ve found to rate my books is using numbers. I basically just copied off everyone else on the internet and I now rate my books out of five after each read. This includes half numbers too, ie. 3.5/5.

I don’t really know why I took this route but it’s simple enough to get going and, as I said in the introduction, my ratings are just for me. I’m still pretty new to recording what I’m reading and I think its so interesting to be able to look back and remember everything I’ve read throughout the year. It’s even more so now I am able to remember exactly what I thought about the book!

My system works as you’d imagine; 1/5 means I didn’t enjoy the book at all and 5/5 means I absolutely loved it. As for the books that are rated somewhere in the middle, well it kind of changes every time. It’s not a perfect or accurate rating system but I kind of understand myself enough to figure it out. Most of the books I complete stand between a 3/5 or 4/5 rating, although I have been lucky this year and managed to find some awesome 5/5 books.

I rate my books immediately if possible, so that means over time the rating might go up or down depending on my reflections. I think the moment you finish a book is normally the clearest so that’s why I try to do all of my reviews and ratings then.

COMMENTS

Something that I have carried over from last year is comments. Next to the books I’ve read I normally make a couple of comments about how it made me feel, what I liked or disliked etc.

Because my number ratings aren’t the most accurate at times I find these comments really helpful when I’m looking back. I read that much that I normally forget what I read a few months ago, so keeping track of not only the author and title but what I thought about it normally helps jog my memory.

These comments, which will sometimes only be one or two words, will help me should I decide to do reviews in the future too!


CURRENTLY READING

On The Beach: Nevil Shute

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This book has been on my list of ones to look out for for a few months now. I was planning on getting it second-hand when my mam informed me we already had a copy! I haven’t managed to get as far along as I’d like because I’ve been so busy recently but I am enjoying it a lot.

What are you reading right now?

I’m really enjoying making this series as and when I feel like it. The scheduele hasn’t gone to plan so well, but we’re still here. I hope you stick around to see what else I come up with.

If you like my bookish content, check out my Instagram. I normally update this with what I’m reading pretty often.

Speak soon,

Rachael.

*affiliate link used

 

 

 

What I’m Reading Wednesday | A THRILLING Beginning

Hello and welcome to a new series that I’m attempting to produce for this little blog! As you might have guessed, if you’ve been here before or follow me on Instagram, I love books. But as much as I love them I can’t find a decent way to bring them to this site.

I’m going to try every fortnight to talk to you about the books I’m currently reading; what I’ve been buying and basically anything bookish that comes to mind. This week, as a starter I’m going to talk about four of my most recent reads because, for once, they’re all linked in genre.

THE BOOKS*

I read this one a couple of weeks back after picking it up in a ‘three for a fiver’ deal at a bargain bookshop. It’s one of the first crime books I’ve read in a long time! It covers the story of a missing little girl and deals with family secrets, which is one of my favourite themes in books. I found it an engaging read and the twist, although a little predictable, was interesting.

Another bargain buy, but unfortunately I enjoyed this one a little bit less. Along the same kind of theme theme, this book covers some family secrets (I told you I love that!) and involved a bit of kidnapping too. I was first attracted to this book because my edition was a nice, floppy paperback which excited me no end! The writing was very accessible but I found too many tropes to be fully engaged. I did get into it by the end, however, and found myself rooting for the fairly two-dimensional characters nonetheless.

This book has been sitting on my shelf for a long time! I was so excited to get it after being followed around by it’s Instagram advert – oh the powers of social media! – and to be totally honest it was the title that captivated me. If you’ve ever read any one of my book posts before then you’ll know I love a bit of YA – especially when it’s done well. Although this book did have a lot of cliches to it, I found myself getting hooked into the mystery and was desperate to know who had killed Simon.

  • The Virus : Sarah Langan (4.5/5)

I’ve talked about this book a little on my Instagram, but boy did I just devour it! I haven’t read something like this – creepy and mysterious – since I was a young teen and I didn’t realise how much I missed it. The story takes place in a small town where a young boy goes missing in the woods. When he returns, he brings with him a strange virus. I don’t really know why I loved this book so much, but I found myself delaying finishing it because I just didn’t want it to end! For fans of Stephen King and the like, it’s perfect for this grey, autumn season.

THRILLER, CRIME AND DRAMA – OH MY!

I don’t know if it’s something to do with the changing seasons or the fact we’re now officially in the ‘spooky’ month, but thrillers have been my favourite thing to read at the moment.

This genre is something I used to read a lot when I was a teenager, but I haven’t found anything that’s tickled my fancy until now. My biggest bug bear with this genre is the fact all the books seem to be the same. They’re often written in the same style and follow the same patterns, but luckily I’ve found a few exceptions to get me back into the swing of things.

Now I’d love to know what you’re favourite crime/thriller books are? I have a couple of recommendations already but I’d love any excuse to find more books.

What’s your favourite genre to read?

CURRENTLY READING…

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As I’m writing this post, I have just started reading The Bees by Laline Paull. This is another charity shop find and I first heard about it from a lady called Becky M on YouTube. I’m not that far into it yet, but it covers the story of a bee in her hive…

I thought that sounded pretty unique for a novel and I’m sure it’s going to cover a lot more than what I’m expecting!

What are you currently reading? 


I’d like to try continue this series, covering all kinds of bookish topics every fortnight. I adore books and have finally found my mojo again! I can’t wait to keep this conversation going.

Speak soon,

Rachael.

*affiliate links used

The ‘Quarter-Life Crisis’ Book Haul: A Showcase

As I’ve already discussed I have recently graduated from university and I am currently still trying to get into the swing of a new life. I’m living with my parents again, in my childhood home, and I have recently started a new job. There’s a lot of things I’m trying to wrap my head around.

What’s a bookworm to do when there’s all this going on?

You already know how much I love books and how much I have relied on them in the past to allow me to escape, figure things out and so on. So it seems kind of obvious that I’ve been buying a lot of them! However, this time around I’m returning to some of my old childhood favourites- because is it really a life crisis if you aren’t stuck in the past?

Here’s a handful of the books I picked up on a recent second-hand shop and, as you’ll be able to tell, the majority of them are children’s. But for 10p each, how could I resist?

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Pictured
Cookie: Jacqueline Wilson

Opal Plumstead: Jacqueline Wilson

The Longest Whale Song: Jacqueline Wilson

Animals: Emma Jane Unsworth

Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging: Louise Rennison

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: J.K Rowling

Now the odd one out in this list is, of course, Animals by Emma Jane Unsworth which I picked up purely for the quote by Caitlin Moran on the front. I love Caitlin’s work and thought I might as well trust her opinion. Plus it was only 10p!

I might have mentioned it before but Jacqueline Wilson was my favourite author growing up and whenever I find one her books that I don’t own, going cheap I have to buy them. Yes I’m twenty one, but I’m sure I’ll still give them a go.

And finally, I picked up was it probably at least, my third copy of Harry Potter. I have owned this book a couple of times in my life but (prepare yourself kids) I have never read any of them!

As a kid I missed out on the whole hype as my brother and I weren’t really interested. But recently I have started watching the films with my boyfriend and I wanted to give the books a try to see what I’ve been missing.

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Yes, the crisis is definitely in full swing! But I’m going to really enjoy reliving my younger days with these books and getting lost in all the nostalgia.


What was your favourite childhood book? Do you ever revisit it?

Speak soon,

Rachael.

How To Get Out Of A Reading Slump

I love reading. It’s been a hobby of mine for as long as I can remember and I love nothing more than getting lost in another world built by someone’s words. It’s something I even talk about occasionally on here too.

If you’re also a lover of books then you’ll understand the upset and torment I feel when I find myself in a reading slump. It’s such an awful feeling to have suddenly lost the joy from one of your favourite pastimes and is, unfortunately, something that happens more often than I’d like.

However, fortunately for this blog, because I have experienced the reading slump regularly (n fact just pulled myself out of one recently!) I feel like I can actually be of some help to those of you who might be struggling!

Here are the ways I work to pull myself out of a draught and bring myself back to where I want to be – reading:

  • STOP READING WHAT CAUSED IT

Abandoning a book can be a difficult thing if you love reading. Trust me I get it. For some reason you feel guilty, because you know that someone somewhere spent hours, days, weeks on that book and the least you could do would be to see it through to the end.

But then I finally saw sense. What’s the point in carrying on reading something that isn’t bringing you joy? There are so many other books out there!

If you’re in a reading slump, chances are it was brought on by something you’ve been reading. That doesn’t mean to say it isn’t a good book or even something that you won’t enjoy eventually, but right now it isn’t working so you might as well stop.

Put the book away and forget about it for now- you can always return later when the time is right. Allow yourself the chance to find something better.

  • FIND A GENRE THAT SAVES YOU

Whenever I’m in a reading slump, I tend to reach for chick-lit because somehow it saves me every time. This is something I only realised recently, but those feel-good, quick reads pull me out of a draught and helps me fall back in love with books again.

Now maybe chick-lit isn’t your thing, but there’s bound to be a genre out there that you love and that you know you enjoy every time. It could be memoir, fantasy, self-help and so on. The list is endless!

Next time you find yourself in a slump, reach for something that’s in your genre of choice and see if it helps. Reading something familiar, that’s still a brand new story, is sure to help you get back on track.

  • TAKE A BREAK

Some reading slumps are so deep that nothing will pull you out in a hurry. So why not listen to yourself and stop reading for a bit?

Absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that, so take a break. Leave your books on the shelf and dive into another hobby for the time being. Hopefully after some time away you’ll feel fresh and inspired to begin reading once again!

  • WATCH BOOKTUBE

Booktube is the YouTube community dedicated to reading, with countless of creators making content based on their love of books. I personally think it’s a wonderful space on the internet and is one that has helped me from time to time.

When you’re in a slump have a browse through the various vloggers and bloggers out there who are dedicated to books. Their passion and pure joy for the hobby is sure to inspire you.

They’ll show you what you’ve been missing and you’ll begin to see things in a better light, all of which such get you back into reading once more.

Check out the materials at the end for my favourite booktubers who have helped me.

  • RE-READ AN OLD FAVOURITE

Similarly to finding a favourite genre, returning to a once loved book can really help you get back into the hobby again.

For me, I will always return to Jacqueline Wilson who was my favourite author growing up. Sure the books are a little young for me now, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy them any less! Returning back into these stories that meant so much to me years ago reminds me how much I actually enjoy reading and motivates me to do it more.

When you can’t seem to find anything new to grab your attention, I urge you to seek out your out favourites and try them once again.

  • TRY AUDIO BOOKS

Now, I have to be honest here and say this one isn’t something I have much experience with but I do understand how helpful it can be. Personally, audio books aren’t really my thing (yet!) but if you’re just not into reading at the moment, listening to someone read is a wonderful way to still be engaged in the hobby without doing any of the work!

You could even listen to books you’ve already read previously and see if they feel any different in this format. Audio books may also be a great opportunity for you to discover new stories that you mightn’t have even considered before, as things can be more easily understood if someone else is explaining it to you.

Either way I know audio books have been very helpful to others in the past and they may just work the same for you.

Stephen King


Do you have any tips for getting out of a reading slump? Also, what’s your favourite book?

I feel like I kind of went back into my original type of content today and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Let me know if any of these tips were helpful to you, if you fancy.

Speak soon,

Rachael.


Materials:

(Favourite Booktubers)

booksandquills

cozyteareads

justkissmyfrog

Ariel Bissett 

Five Non-Fiction Books To Gift This Christmas

Buying Christmas presents can be a real struggle. You want something that will be perfect, something you hope they’ll love and treasure for a long time. But also, let’s be real, without spending too much money.

Books are such an under-rated gift I feel and are something that can be easily slept on. Okay they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but what better time to introduce someone to the joys of reading than at Christmas? Books can be such a personal gift and something that you can really tailor to suit the person you’re shopping for.

Here are five non-fiction books that I think would make wonderful gifts for various people in your life:

I feel like I’ve talked about this book so many times because it’s impacted me so much since I first read it. This book would be a wonderful gift for pretty much anyone as it talks about issues regarding creativity that I feel like we all face. It’s such an inspirational, positive book that’ll change the life of the reader for the better. To get a better feel for it, I’d recommend you check out Elizabeth Gilbert’s TED Talk or her podcast, but trust me it would be a brilliant gift!

I’ve already talked about this book too (check it out here) but that’s only because I love it so. It’s another one that will totally change the life and mindset of the reader for the better, and it’s a particularly good one for the women in your life (obviously). Caitlin is such a funny and honest writer which makes this book so an enjoyable one to read. It’s a modern feminist staple that’s so relatable. It’ll make you laugh out loud and if that’s not a good gift to give, then I don’t know what is.

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I frigging love Carrie. I’ve been a subscriber of hers for years (see her channel here) because I think she’s such a lovely and honest person. This is her first book and it’s almost like a guide for young people on how to face the tough things in life. Carrie talks about everything from friendship and romance, to self-esteem and the future and it’s such a heart-warming, comforting read. It may be a one for the younger readers in your life, say preteens onwards, but I know it’s something they’ll treasure and remember for years to come.

This one is the perfect gift for the bookworms in your life. Although the hype around this book may have surpassed a little, it’s such a brilliant read and I feel like it will last way beyond it’s years. It’s a collection of essays from various authors, including Zadie Smith, Janette Winterson and Mark Haddon, on the topic of books. There’s discussions on digital readers, libraries and the age-old issue of not having enough time to read as well as many more. It’s basically a celebration of books and reading it really fuels any passion you might have for these little objects. An essential for any bookworm, I’d say!

I’m aware that this one might only be relevant if you have any Miranda Hart fans in you life, but you can take inspiration and seek out any other comedian/actor/entertainer’s book and gift those instead. As someone who is a fan of Miranda I really enjoyed this book and know many other who have too. In a similar manner that Carrie’s All I Know Now, Miranda attempts to guide readers through life’s difficult moments in her own funny little way. It’s another one that will make you laugh out loud and it’s perfect for making you feel less alone.

I hope this helped you last minute shoppers. What books would you like to receive as a gift?

Speak soon,

Rachael.

*Please note, affiliate links are used.

 

Four Chilling Reads For A Rainy Day

Even though it’s summer the weather just doesn’t want to cooperate. So on the likely event of a rainy day, I’m going to recommend four books that are perfect for curling up with and forgetting the world for a few hours.

For a rainy day I like to pick books that are gripping, to keep me entertained for as long as the rain holds out, with chilling story lines or issues to match the murky grey skies. And these four offer just that.

THE BOOK THIEF: Markus Zusak

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“Here is one small fact: you are going to die”

Set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death this book is definitely chilling and gripping! It follows the story of nine-year-old Liesel, who steals books, and her family and neighbours as the bombs begin to fall and their lives turn to chaos.

This book is so descriptive and atmospheric that you feel as though you too are in the middle of war-torn Germany, fearing for your life. Basically, it’s perfect for a grey, dull day.

WUTHERING HEIGHTS: Emily Bronte

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“A most melancholy voice sobbed, “Let me in- let me in!”

I had to read this book during my A-Levels and fell in love. Everyone will be aware of the crazy, dark love story been Cathy and Heathcliff but for me it’s the setting that really makes it.

Set in the middle of the Yorkshire Moors where it’s always raining or snowing this book is the perfect rainy day read. It’s guaranteed that you’ll hate all the characters but it won’t stop you falling right into the story and becoming hooked. It’s so dark, spooky and is honestly one of the best-written books I’ve ever read.

MY SISTER LIVES ON THE MANTELPIECE: Annabel Pitcher

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“I counted six girls and seven boys and my new teacher made me sit next to the only Muslim in the school”

Unlike the others, this book is chilling in a modern way and deals with very real issues that are so relevant right now. Our narrator is ten-year old Jamie who’s sister was killed in a terrorist attack and now lives in an urn on the mantelpiece.

This books covers so many issues regrading terrorism and prejudice that I’m sure we will all recognise. As it’s told through a child’s perspective, it’s so unflinchingly earnest and blunt, which is sometimes what we need when it comes to this topic. It’s guaranteed to break your heart and then mend it again all in one sitting.

NEVER LET ME GO: Kazuo Ishiguro

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“None of you will go to America, none of you will be film stars… Your lives are set out for you.”

This is such a strange book and if I’m being honest kind of a tough one to get into, but once you do it’ll stay with you forever.

In a tale of friendship, loss and heartbreak we follow three friends throughout their childhood in an exclusive boarding school in the middle of the countryside. The children are constantly reminded that they are “special” but they don’t understand how. As an adult, our narrator looks back at her childhood and begins to discover exactly what made her so “special” and how it will shape the rest of her time.

It’s so chilling and heartbreaking and will definitely make you have some late night discussions on what is the “right thing”.

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I hope you liked these recommendations! Let me know if you’ve read any of these before and what your favourite rainy day reads are.

Speak soon,

Rachael.

Feel-Good Female Reads for Mother’s Day

It’s Sunday once again and I’m back with another bookish post. In honour of mother’s day and celebrating the wonderful women in our lives, I’m here with three books written by women for (mostly) women that are sure to make you feel good.

HOW TO BE A WOMAN: Caitlin Moran

Buy it here

71iZ9y2pBzL.jpgI owe a lot to this book. It taught me not only how to accept and be proud of myself but also how to embrace my gender and, crucially, what feminism is. It’s a touchy subject for some people but it doesn’t have to be. Caitlin is such a funny, honest and open writer and this book will make you laugh in that ‘thank God it’s not just me’ way. She makes everything we fear as women approachable and normal and opens up so many wonderful discussions. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

 

EAT PRAY LOVE: Elizabeth Gilbert

Buy it here

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If you’ve seen a couple of my previous posts you might have guessed that I recently read Elizabeth Gilbert’s newest book Big Magic and have become totally obsessed with it and her. Eat Pray Love is of course her most famous work and I’m sure we’ve all heard of it before. It’s the story of Elizabeth rediscovering herself through travel, after the breakdown of her marriage. Although I didn’t love this as much as Big Magic, Elizabeth has such a soothing voice that you can just feel through the paper and she opens up some really interesting discussions about marriage and self-worth. Overall this is just a very reassuring book that proves that no matter what happens, things will work out in the end.

 

IS IT JUST ME?: Miranda Hart

Buy it here

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If you’re familiar with this comedian and her BBC sitcom, Miranda than I’m sure you’ve already read this. In true Miranda style, this book is this wonderful woman’s ‘guide to life’. Using personal anecdotes that feel very similar to her skits on her show, Miranda discuss everything from social awkwardness to marriage, babies and so on. This one is kind of specific to fans of Miranda due to her very specific style. If you don’t like her comedy, you won’t like this so don’t bother. But if you need a little pick up, this book is sure to cheer you up again.

 

I hope you all have a wonderful day and make sure to do something lovely for the wonderful women in your life.

Speak soon,

Rachael.

**Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used. Buy purchasing through these links, I will receive a small percentage as commission. So not only will you get an awesome book but you’ll be helping a student out too!

Five Books You Might Not Have Read

The other week I was at home and sorting out one of the many boxes of books I have there, when I stumbled across a few gems that I thought would be interesting to share with you today. If you’re like me, then you’re always looking for something new to read. Hopefully these may catch your eye!

Witch Light: Susan Fletcher

I remembering feeling apprehensive about this book and I think it took me a little while to get into it, but after that I was hooked. Set in 1692, this book is based on the lore surrounding a young girl, Corrag, who is imprisoned as a witch for her involvement in the Massacre of Glencoe. In her cold and dirty cell she is visited by Charles Leslie, a young Irishman, who questions her about what happened. But Corrag won’t give him what he wants until he listens to her story.

This is such a stunning book and Fletcher’s descriptions of the Scottish Highlands are so beautiful, it’s made me desperate to visit them. A great, atmospheric story that just immerses you into such a different world to your own.

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The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets: Eva Rice

I loved this book for such a long time when I was about fourteen and reread it various times. Set in the aftermath of World War II and the early beginning of rock ‘n’ roll, this story follows teenager Penelope who lives with her mother and brother in a huge, crumbling mansion. Penelope is desperate to fall in love and when she is introduced to a Charlotte, a girl with a life so different to her own, this dream seems to be coming closer to a reality.

A light hearted, fun and eccentric story that is basically a slightly more modern retelling of I Capture the Castle, I recommend this if you’re looking for some light escapism.

The Universe Versus Alex Woods: Gavin Extence

This is one of the only books I have ever shed a tear at but that’s not to say it’s all a tragedy.  Alex Woods has a very unconventional l life. Living with a single clairvoyant mother and having a mild bout of fame for a very unusual accident, Alex doesn’t really have any friends. That is until he meets Mr Peterson, the bad tempered widow down the road and an amazing journey begins.

The books starts when Alex is stopped at Dover customs with 113 grams of marijuana, an urn full of ashes on the passenger seat and an entire nation in uproar. Safe to say, this is a book like no other. A funny, warm hearted story about friendship and making the most out of the time you have, this book has stayed with me in more ways than one.

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Beautiful Stranger: Hope Donahue

**Trigger Warning: This book deals heavily with body image issues, body modification and other issues***

This is the only non-fiction book on this list, but it’s another one that has stuck with me since I first read it and it’s so interesting. This memoir is about Hope’s ‘obsession with perfection’ and her endeavours into countless cosmetic surgery procedures. The story also goes into her doomed love life, her odd obsessive-crush on her surgeon and other issues.

Probably triggering for some people and there are descriptions of surgical procedures, so please don’t read if it doesn’t sound like your kind of thing. I however am both fascinated and concerned with cosmetic surgery so this was a sad but interesting insight into that murky world for me.

Innocent Traitor: Alison Weir

This was actually a recommendation from my mam, as she loves historical fiction and for as long as I can remember has been obsessed with the Tudors and events around that time. This book is the story of Lady Jane Grey, who was the Queen of England for nine days. The book covers Jane’s relationship with her future successors Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I and goes through her unwanted marriage and ends, like she did, on the block.

A tragic but deeply fascinating insight into a story I wasn’t even really aware of before I read this. I think historical fiction is a great way to learn about the things school didn’t teach us or didn’t explain too well.

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Are you planning on reading any of these books? Do you have any recommendations?

I hope you have a wonderful week.

Speak soon,

Rachael.

Book Haul: The Non-Fiction Edit

Happy Sunday people!

Today is a totally different post to anything I have done before on this blog- as you can tell from the title, it’s a book haul.

I love books but I don’t often like to spend a lot of money on them (as a poor student I often feel too guilty, ha!). Then recently I discovered that money I was wasting on things elsewhere could be better spent on books and I decided to go on a little splurge.

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L-R Stop What You’re Doing and Read This; Eat Pray Love (Elizabeth Gilbert); Not That Kind of Girl (Lena Dunham); The Opposite of Loneliness (Marina Keegan); Big Magic (Elizabeth Gilbert); Books v. v. Cigarettes (George Orwell)

I have wanted a few of these books for a while and decided that while I had a little money I would treat myself.

Normally, I like a mixture of fiction and non-fiction but lately I seem only interested in the latter. As you can see I have tried to get a few collections of essays and short stories as I hope this will help inspire me to write more, regardless of what I’m doing.

I may do some book reviews in the future once I have read them but I am very excited to dive in.

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Taking pride of place on my shelf

If you have read any of the above or have any other recommendations for me please let me know your thoughts, etc.

Also any feedback on this style of post would be much appreciated too! Just trying something new here.

Have a wonderful day and speak soon,

Rachael.

 
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