Summer Reads.
I say this a lot but I'm not sure where the summer or 2017 has gone? I'm quite glad it's September, only because it's a step closer to my favourite times of the year; Halloween and Christmas. I'm going to admit that my motivation with reading has deflated slightly, I've found the summer has ran away with itself and left me reading less than I had hoped I would during the 6 weeks off work. Of the books I have read over the summer, I'm delighted that most have been books on my bookshelf on my while that I've finally had the chance to read. I've also came to the decision that my bookshelf needs an almighty clear out before the end of the year, even some books which I've had for ages and probably won't ever read. I'll be donating them to charity in the hope that someone finds them and gives them the love they deserve, not just gathering dust on the bookshelf.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K Rowling ★★★★★
I don't know any other fellow Harry Potter fan who doesn't enjoy rereading the entire series over and over again. I am slowly buying new editions of the books to replace the ones I already have, mine are originals and have wear and tear from over the years. After reading this first book in the series again, I find myself drawing on elements of the story I hadn't before. I really enjoyed visiting this book again, not my favourite of the series but an enjoyable read still.
The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood ★★★★
I decided to read this book after the hype surrounding the new TV show that aired on Channel 4 around the same time in the UK. It's context really drew me in and I was determined not to watch the entire series before I read the book first. Despite beginning with a shaky start and struggling to get engaged into it I thought the book overall was great. It's plot is slightly disturbing in areas, set in the near future and as those history is repeating, the government is overthrown and women are stripped of their human rights in everyday society. There is some relevance to events across the world, it is slightly nerve wracking but Atwood's writing style and idea of a world not so far away draws you in. I would definitely like to revisit this book sometime in the future.
*A Life Discarded: 148 Diaries Found in a Skip by Alexander Masters ★★★
I was kindly sent this book quite a while back now and after finally finding the time to sit down and read it, I wasn't blew away by it but it was still a decent read. The biographical detective story set around notebooks being discovered in a skip sets you up for an interesting plot. However, I'd agree that the narrative around the diaries was a lot more engaging them maybe the whole mystery surrounding the owner of the diaries. I got through the book relatively quicker than a lot of the books during the summer, I wanted to figure out the conclusion quicker than the book was going to allow me too.
Wildflower by Drew Barrymore ★★★★
I've wanted to read Drew Barrymore's memoir Wildflower since it's release, I just haven't been able to get my hands on it. I absolutely loved reading on Drew's stories in short story styled chapters, not all of which are the same length in words that look back on the adventures, challenging and incredible experiences in her earlier career. One chapter about the relationship with two dogs she had and when they passed away definitely pulled on my heartstrings on the commute home. If you like short quick accounts into someone's life than Drew Barrymore's Wildflower definitely provides you with that. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and had a new found admiration for Drew.
What did you read and enjoy during the summer?
I don't know any other fellow Harry Potter fan who doesn't enjoy rereading the entire series over and over again. I am slowly buying new editions of the books to replace the ones I already have, mine are originals and have wear and tear from over the years. After reading this first book in the series again, I find myself drawing on elements of the story I hadn't before. I really enjoyed visiting this book again, not my favourite of the series but an enjoyable read still.
The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood ★★★★
I decided to read this book after the hype surrounding the new TV show that aired on Channel 4 around the same time in the UK. It's context really drew me in and I was determined not to watch the entire series before I read the book first. Despite beginning with a shaky start and struggling to get engaged into it I thought the book overall was great. It's plot is slightly disturbing in areas, set in the near future and as those history is repeating, the government is overthrown and women are stripped of their human rights in everyday society. There is some relevance to events across the world, it is slightly nerve wracking but Atwood's writing style and idea of a world not so far away draws you in. I would definitely like to revisit this book sometime in the future.
*A Life Discarded: 148 Diaries Found in a Skip by Alexander Masters ★★★
I was kindly sent this book quite a while back now and after finally finding the time to sit down and read it, I wasn't blew away by it but it was still a decent read. The biographical detective story set around notebooks being discovered in a skip sets you up for an interesting plot. However, I'd agree that the narrative around the diaries was a lot more engaging them maybe the whole mystery surrounding the owner of the diaries. I got through the book relatively quicker than a lot of the books during the summer, I wanted to figure out the conclusion quicker than the book was going to allow me too.
Wildflower by Drew Barrymore ★★★★
I've wanted to read Drew Barrymore's memoir Wildflower since it's release, I just haven't been able to get my hands on it. I absolutely loved reading on Drew's stories in short story styled chapters, not all of which are the same length in words that look back on the adventures, challenging and incredible experiences in her earlier career. One chapter about the relationship with two dogs she had and when they passed away definitely pulled on my heartstrings on the commute home. If you like short quick accounts into someone's life than Drew Barrymore's Wildflower definitely provides you with that. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and had a new found admiration for Drew.
What did you read and enjoy during the summer?
Products marked with a * is a product sample which was sent from a PR company. The opinions and words which follow aren't influenced by the company, all are my own words.