Books I’ve Read Lately #1

February 22, 2017

I can’t seem to remember to do a monthly round up of the books I’ve read so I thought I’d just share a few now and then. I’ve read such a random mix since the start of the year but I’ve enjoyed so many of them.

Small Great Things – Jodi Picoult

I read this for Parker & Me’s #BookClub140 – I joined in with the book club in an effort to push myself out of my comfort zone. I would never have picked this book up otherwise and that would have been a shame as I thought it was brilliant. It puts across issues of race and privilege in a very open way and it stayed with me for a long time afterwards. If you look up the hashtag on twitter you can see the discussion for it.

The Book of Bera – Suzie Wilde

I was sent this by Unbound publishing – it’s a Viking Fantasy which I was really looking forward to reading. There was so much I liked about it and a few things I didn’t. I loved the immersion in Viking culture and the mythology but I wish there had been more fantasy elements in it. I wrote a full review over on Goodreads not long after I’d finished reading and I think I’ve mellowed to the main character since. She had grated on me right up until the end of the book. However, seeing it is part of a series I would read the next one, I loved the way the story ended – I am curious to see what happens to Bera next.

The Rest Of Us Just Live Here – Patrick Ness

Good old Patrick Ness, I save his books for a treat when I know I have time to enjoy them. I absolutely loved this one although I know it’s not one of his most popular books. It is quite different to others of his I’ve read and has more of a John Green vibe about it. I thought it was so clever – I suspect it was loosely based on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the idea being to tell the story of the ordinary kids who are in the school just watching while the chosen one is off saving the world. He captures characters so perfectly, every book of his I read I can’t help but think what a truly amazing writer he is.  

The Secret of Nightingale Wood – Lucy Strange

My friend Bookworm and Theatre Mouse sent this on to me – I’d spotted it on her Instagram ages ago and we both agreed it was worth a read just for the pretty cover. The story is just as good as the cover – it reminded me a little of The Lie Tree. It’s hard to explain what it’s about without giving too much away, it’s aimed at older children I think but I found the story very moving.

The Duke – Gaelen Foley

I love a good historical romance and these books are my bit of fluff to read in between more serious things – like the literary version of trash TV. They are so easy to read and a perfect bit of escapism, I just like to get lost in the regency world.  

A Boy Made Of Blocks – Keith Stuart

This is February’s book for #BookClub140 and I loved it! It’s the story of a Dad struggling to relate to his 8 year old autistic son and how his own past is dragging his current life down. He starts to connect with his son through Minecraft and it changes his life completely, it’s such a sweet story. The writing reminded me a little of Nick Hornby or David Nicholls, it’s witty and charming while being open and insightful. It’s a little cheesy but that doesn’t matter to me, I was in floods of tears by the end. One of the best books I’ve read in a while.

King’s Cage – Victoria Aveyard

I had this on pre-order for my Kindle and was so excited when it popped up on there – it’s the third book in the Red Queen series. I don’t know how many there are going to be, people don’t seem to be doing trilogies anymore! They are young adult alternative reality, dystopian type books – a little like Hunger Games or Divergent but I think I prefer these ones so far. I was a little disappointed with the ending of the others so I hope these ones don’t end badly. 

I would love to hear what books you’ve been enjoying lately or if you’ve read any of these?

This post contains affiliate links.

Previous Post Next Post

11 Comments

  • Morgana

    What a lovely round up of books. I’m failing miserably with my book reading this year and really need to get back on with it as I do love curling up with a good book. I’m going to order A Boy Made of Blocks, I’ve seen it crop up a lot recently and read some really positive reviews of it x

    February 22, 2017 at 10:35 am Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      It’s so lovely Morgana, I would really recommend it. Even though it’s about a boy with autism it made me think a lot about my own parenting and remind me to maybe be a little more patient about Lucas’ funny little ways! Hope you like it xx

      February 23, 2017 at 12:21 pm Reply
  • Jenny

    Love this I need to read some of these writing them down now. I keep thinking I really want to join a book club what do you think of it? Is it something I can dive in and out of??? Always great to chat books with others.

    February 22, 2017 at 1:21 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      The twitter one #bookclub140 is perfect if you’re short on time Jenny, Stacie (Parker & Me) who runs it is lovely. She does a poll for the book at the start of the month and then a twitter chat at the end of the month. You can join in even if you haven’t read whole book, no pressure. I know what you mean though, I would so love to do a proper book club in real life, with wine and nibbles, not sure I could commit though!

      February 23, 2017 at 12:26 pm Reply
  • mummyofboygirltwins

    I love your love for reading – totally inspiring. I haven’t read anything recently apart from Hurrah for Gin. I’m writing a lot in the day that I find myself so drained at night!! xx

    February 22, 2017 at 8:19 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      It’s hard to pick up a book isn’t it? I go through spells when I’ll read loads and then I’ll hardly pick up a book for weeks. I like books you can dip in and out of though, Hurrah for Gin is perfect for that! xx

      February 23, 2017 at 12:28 pm Reply
  • Gail

    This is a lovely round up Hayley, I’ll definitely have to look up a Boy Made of Blocks, my children love Minecraft and I think this book might help give me a better insight into all things blocks! Gaming gets a bit of a bad rep sometimes so I’d quite like to read something positive on the topic too:) xx

    February 24, 2017 at 1:04 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      Yes I thought that side of it was really interesting and it also kind of made me want to have a go at Minecraft, (as if I have the time)! It’s a lovely read xx

      February 27, 2017 at 7:11 pm Reply
  • Pamela | Life With Munchers

    I’m pretty sure I said on Insta that it’s such a pretty stack of books! Not recommendations here I’m afraid. I’ve not read a book for almost 2 year’s!! Gosh…that sounds shocking! xx

    February 25, 2017 at 7:49 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      Haha, it took me a long time to get back into reading! I’m always drawn to the pretty books though 🙂 xx

      February 27, 2017 at 7:13 pm Reply
  • Sarah Christie

    I am going to try this Jodi Picoult book I have struggled since the Night Circus and Caraval finding a book as good, I just haven’t been able to get into anything, thanks for this mazing recommendations x

    July 31, 2017 at 9:15 pm Reply
  • Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.