Books I’ve Read Lately #2

April 23, 2017

The Raven Boys – Maggie Steifvater

I’ve only just finished this and immediately had to order the next book in the series, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I don’t think the blurb does the book justice as it’s described as more of a YA boy/girl story but there is so much more to it. It’s full of myths about Owain Glyndwr and sleeping kings, there are ley lines and psychics and some of it is very dark but I was completely gripped by the story. There are another three books after this one and I think I’ll get through them pretty quickly!

The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah

I bought this after Christmas with one of my book vouchers and since then so many people have recommended it to me I decided to finally give it a read. It’s such a devastatingly sad book but a fantastic one too – it’s set during the Nazi occupation of France and follows the lives of two sisters who do different things to cope with the occupation. It’s hard to read in parts, after I’d finished it I burst into tears. As so much of it is true it hits home. It really makes you think about life must have been like and I couldn’t help but wonder how I would possibly cope in the same situation. When people don’t have a choice they just had to do the best they can to get through it. The biggest thing for me is how hard it was for people to carry on even after the war had ended, how much people must have carried it with them for the rest of their lives. It’s not as if I’ve never thought about it before but this story had a way of opening my eyes to things I hadn’t considered. If you’re looking for something new to read I’d definitely recommend this one. 

Caraval – Stephanie Garber

I’d bought this on my Kindle as I’d seen a few quotes comparing it to Night Circus which was one of my favourite books from last year. Now, I didn’t think it was quite as good as Night Circus but I still enjoyed it. It’s about a travelling circus-like company called Caraval and wherever they are they set up a ‘game’ with performers and actors and magic, like a bit of a treasure hunt, and if you solve it you win a prize. I liked that you were never really sure where it was going or if you were being deceived – it was a good bit of escapism. 

Sense & Sensibility – Jane Austen

This feels like one of those books I should have already read and I had a copy on my Kindle so thought I’d give it a go. I love Emma and Pride and Prejudice but I wasn’t as keen on this one as I thought I’d be. It didn’t hold my interest as much as the other Austen books I’ve read, it was only right at the end I started to feel a bit more bothered about what the characters were doing. Not one of my favourites but I’m glad I’ve finally read it.  

Norse Mythology – Neil Gaiman

This is a perfect book if you love anything Norse or Viking or even if you just love Neil Gaiman like me. The Norse gods and legends are weaved into a lot of his stories and I loved reading this to see where it all comes from. He set out to share some of the original Norse myths with as little embellishment as possible so it isn’t like a ‘normal’ Neil Gaiman book but I thought it was just as interesting. 

Little Paris Bookshop – Nina George

My friend Kat over at Bookworm and Theatremouse passed this onto me and I’m so glad that she did. It’s one of my favourite books of the year so far, it’s so heartfelt that I just fell in love with the characters. Jean Perdu prescribes books for the soul to anyone who visits his book barge which I just loved the idea of. As it goes on we realise he is struggling with his own life and he sets off travelling round France to put to rest the loss of the woman he loved. It’s deals with grief and loss in such a beautiful way, and I love the descriptions of France, you can just imagine being there.

Winter – Marissa Meyer

This is the last book in a series of four called The Lunar Chronicles. I read the first one last year, which I enjoyed but I’ve only just got round to picking up the last three and read them all back to back. They are alternative fairy tales, set in a dystopian world and this last one is based on Snow White. They are total fantasy, it is all set in this amazing futuristic world with androids and mind control but the characters really got under my skin and I had to keep reading to find out what happened next. I think my favourite book in the series was Cress but this last one was great too.

Dark Tower 1: The Gunslinger – Stephen King

I loved this book, it’s one of those that has been sat on my shelf for years and as the film is coming out soon I thought I’d make a start on the series. It’s so odd and dark and creepy but strangely compelling and I read it quick despite having no idea what was going on for most of the book! Everytime I read a Stephen King book I remember how much I love them.

You can check also out #HFHreads2017 on Instagram if you fancy a nosy and what I’m currently reading.

 

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13 Comments

  • Gail

    Lots of reading ideas here, Hayley. I think I might add the Nightingale to my list, and the Little Paris Bookshop sounds right up my street, I love a heartfelt read x

    April 24, 2017 at 5:38 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      It’s a really sweet book, I’ve leant it to a few people and they’ve all loved it. The Nightingale is definitely worth a read too, even if it is so heartbreaking to read xx

      May 2, 2017 at 9:33 am Reply
  • The Reading Residence

    So many great recommendations, thank you. I really want to read Little Paris Bookshop now!

    April 24, 2017 at 9:43 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love that book, it’s such a lovely read!

      May 2, 2017 at 9:34 am Reply
  • Kerry

    Gosh I’m impressed at how many books you get through!! I really want to read more, but rarely find the time. Scratch that, I spend too much time on social media. Think I need to address that. The Nightingale sounds like something I’d enjoy, I bulb like a baby reading books though, so best not read it in public!! Xxx

    April 24, 2017 at 9:46 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      I cried so much at the end of The Nightingale, luckily withing the confines of my own home so I didn’t scare anyone but I think everyone should read it, such a great book. I keep trying to switch reaching for my phone for reaching for a book, especially at night when social media takes over!! xxx

      May 2, 2017 at 9:37 am Reply
  • Kerri-Ann

    Aww what a gorgeous little round up, I love the sound of the Paris Bookshop – I need a couple of books for when we are on holiday so I shall add this to the list x

    April 25, 2017 at 7:24 am Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      It would make a lovely holiday read I think, sweet and poignant xx

      May 2, 2017 at 9:43 am Reply
  • Morgana

    Lots of great recommendations here Hayley. I’m really struggling to get into any books this year. I just can’t seem to get past the first few pages. x

    April 25, 2017 at 1:34 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      You’ve got so much going on it must be hard to focus, I bet once you’re all settled in your new home it will come back xx

      May 2, 2017 at 9:46 am Reply
  • Jenny

    So many great reads here hunny. Some I have read too and others I am quickly writing down to come back to. I am in need of a book shop soon. I have been doing so much better with my reading lately it’s fab. You are smashing the library stock as we speak look at you reading wiz. #wrc

    April 28, 2017 at 7:44 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      I know I’ve seen you have got so many books on the go from your stories, I jot them down when I spot them on there too! Haha, can’t resist more books 🙂

      May 2, 2017 at 9:47 am Reply
  • Pamela | Life With Munchers

    I’m not reader at all! Little Paris Bookshop sounds (and looks like… yes I’m one of those people) like the kind of book i’d buy xx

    May 9, 2017 at 7:52 pm Reply
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