Autumn Reading Update

November 8, 2016

Autumn Books Hayley From Home

I wrote a post a few weeks ago with my favourite books to curl up with as I’ve always thought that this time of year is the perfect time to cosy up with a good book. It seems I’m right as I’ve read so many books over the last few weeks – isn’t it funny how sometimes you just catch the bug and you can’t stop reading?! I have a few heavier books on the go at the moment which is why I’ve read a lot of young adult fiction, they’ve been a good distraction, all easy to read and entertaining.

RUSH OH! – Shirley Barrett

Rush OH! is set in Australia and and is based on a real life community of whalers and their families in 1908, the author has noted the tales that are true but most of the story is fiction. It’s told as if it’s a memoir of the daughter in the main whaling family and the story is fascinating. It’s an insight into a practice that most people would find hard to deal with but it’s written with such honestly and innocence I didn’t find it difficult to read. It’s totally different to anything else I’ve read this year, although I enjoyed it I didn’t like the ending – there were too many questions left unanswered.

THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL SOCIETY – Mary Ann Shaffer

This book is probably one of my favourites of the year; I didn’t expect much when I picked it up and then went on to read it in a couple of days. It’s a fictional story but set in Guernsey just after the German occupation in World War Two so it is based around true stories. It’s written as a series of letters between the characters and I found it so sweet, interesting and eye opening. I fell in love with the characters I think this is one of those books most people would enjoy.

THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS – M.L Steadman

I’ve gone back and forth on this book, there is so much to love about it. I think the writing is beautiful, it’s almost like poetry and you get swept away with the characters right from the start. The film is about to come out so you may have seen the story but basically it’s about a lighthouse keeper and his wife, they can’t have children and end up keeping a baby that washes up in a boat by the lighthouse. They come to learn it’s the child of a woman still alive on the mainland and we see the decisions the characters make. I found it heartbreaking to read, it’s not my usual thing but I do still think it’s a great book.

THE RED QUEEN and THE GLASS SWORD – Victoria Aveyard

I have so enjoyed reading these even though I wasn’t sure at first. It took me a while to get into The Red Queen, I’d tried it months ago and have only just come back to it. I’m not sure if it’s a series or a trilogy but the next book comes out February 2017. They aren’t the most original fantasy story you’ll ever read but it doesn’t make them any less enjoyable. It is very similar to The Hunger Games or The Magicians Guild Trilogy but there is enough in there to set the story apart. I just hope it ends well as sometimes these fantasy series start off strong then end so badly, if you’ve read the Divergent series you’ll know what I mean.

CINDER – Marissa Meyer

I’d spotted this Goodreads, I can’t remember who had read it now but I thought it sounded a little different and it is! It’s a fantasy re-telling of Cinderella with cyborgs and is every bit as odd as it sounds but weirdly engaging and fascinating. It is the first in a series and I’ll definitely read the others.

JANE EYRE – Charlotte Bronte

I’ve read this before, many times but I just fancied picking it up again. I’d watched the BBC adaptation with Ruth Wilson again recently and it made me want to read the book. I still think amazing that a book written about an ordinary women in the 1800’s is still something women can relate to today. It’s one of my favourites and if you’ve ever thought about giving it a go please do, it’s such a great book.

MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN – Ransom Riggs

This was recommended by a friend and I thought it was amazing. I know it’s been compared to a lot of other stories but that didn’t matter for me, I still liked it. The idea is similar to X-Men – a group of special and gifted children are kept safe by Miss Peregrine but it’s set on a tiny island off the coast of Wales.  I think this is one that you need the real book for as it uses photographs throughout the story to show the ‘peculiar children’ – they are real vintage photographs that the author has collected and searched for to illustrate the story.

COGHEART – Peter Bunzl

When I read book like Cogheart I always wish they’d been around when I was younger, I’d have loved a book like this! It has a steampunk vibe and the story telling reminds me of Philip Pullman. It is probably a little tame for adults but it’s full of fast-paced adventure and mystery, perfect for older children.

Autumn Reading Update Hayley From Home

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8 Comments

  • Lorraine

    The book that jumped out at me, Jane Eyre. I Have tried for 30 odd years to read this book and I can never get past the first two pages.

    November 8, 2016 at 11:04 pm Reply
  • hayleyfromhome

    Haha, my husband is the same Lorraine. He reads so much but I tried to get him to read Wuthering Heights and he had no clue what was happening, he had to give up! I think because I read it in school and they decoded it all for you it makes it easier to read. The BBC adaptation is well worth a watch though.

    November 9, 2016 at 9:27 am Reply
  • Notmyyearoff

    The light between oceans really made me cry. I am going to have to brace myself when I watch the film! I don’t think I could ever tire of reading Jane Eyre.

    November 9, 2016 at 11:31 am Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      Light Between Oceans absolutely broke my heart, I’m going to have to make sure I’m on my own when I watch the film, I think I’ll end up crying through most of it!

      November 16, 2016 at 9:48 am Reply
  • Mummy Writes

    Oo what an eclectic mix! Have always loved Jane Eyre and I like that TV is bringing us back to classic literature. I like the sound of Coghart too for my teen. Thanks for sharing this I’ll share it on our pages. #read415 #lovetoread

    November 12, 2016 at 8:35 am Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      Thank you! I do think Cogheart is great for early teens, such cool literature now for their age. I love how many people still read Jane Eyre now, a sign of a great book.

      November 16, 2016 at 9:50 am Reply
  • Stacie

    Some great reads here Hayley. I love Jane Eyre too. I read it for the first time as part of my degree, and just fell in love with it. I must read it again soon! Cogheart sounds like something I’d also love. I’ve thought about picking up The Red Queen many times, but have fallen out of love with YA lately xx

    November 13, 2016 at 6:53 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      You definitely have to be in the mood for YA, I’ve read loads this past month but when I picked Red Queen up earlier in the year just couldn’t get into it. I love how many people come back to read Jane Eyre, such a great book xx

      November 16, 2016 at 9:55 am Reply

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