I've always been the kind of girl who donates any books I've read to a local library. That is, of course, unless they are superb. That, along with my immodestly fabulous taste in absolutely everything, is usually why friends truly trust my opinion when recommending the next must-read.
Having just moved into my new home, My collection really withstood a test of quality. I came to Dubai with 3 (hardly svelte) makeup bags, 2 suitcases, and one empty phonebook, so fitting my library in there was a challenge.
First up is Hate List by Jennifer Brown. This book was incredibly written and after the first page I found myself drowning in this calamitous story of the girl who gets blamed for something she didn't do. It is, however, a very upsetting read. So upsetting, in fact, that at points I had to stop myself from continuing on as it was starting to have a stronger affect on me than I had realized. That being said, it was really difficult to put down and I definitely recommend it.
Next, Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. I can't say enough about this book. I don't even want to tell you all what it's about I just want to force you all to go out and get it! The book is a groundhog day-esque plotline, in which a girl relives the same day for a week, each day revealing more and more about what she thought to be a simple event. I developed with the main character as she grew and learned more about the kind of person she wanted to be. Anyway, I will stop gushing, just as long as you promise to go get it. Now.
Hold Still by Nina LaCour is my current read. Nearing the end I am enjoying this book a lot more than I expected that I would. It isn't a ground breaking read nor is it life changing, but if you are looking for a new book and have read everything else on my list of must reads, it definitely would not hurt to check this one out. I will, however, give a more well-rounded review once I finish it so hold tight.
Life As We Knew It was a book I was recommended about 13 times before I actually picked it up. As much as I hate to admit it, my sister was right. This book was so emotional and really thought provoking. Susan Beth Pfeffer manages to make you feel cold, hungry, and desperate for change as the characters suffer through a dramatic flux in climate as well as a grueling strain on the family bond. I consider this another must-read, though I will be honest in saying that it is on the lower end of that list.
Lucid is a book I have yet to read, so not much to say here, really. It was interesting enough for me to buy without ever having heard of it before, though, so I have high hopes.
Delirium is the first book in a trilogy by Lauren Oliver. I read this in hopes of it being on the same level as Before I Fall. Let me tell you, it was close. It did take a while for me to get into it, but once I did I didn't stop. This is a story about love in a place where love is forbidden. The only thing I didn't like about this book was the fact that it is a series. I typically don't like series' but I gave it a try anyway. The end of the book left me wanting more, but when I went on to read the second book I was nothing but disappointed. Now do keep in mind I haven't been able to find anyone who agrees with me on this one, but the second book was so bad that I couldn't finish it. That
rarely happens to me, so I really do not understand how people said they liked it but hey, to each their own. I literally looked up what happened in the second and third book just so I could get some resolution. Maybe one day I will try picking the other two books up again, but for now I have let them be, and donated the second book to my sister, whose next read is Delirium.
Last, but not least, is Don't Sweat The Small Stuff - and it's all small stuff by Richard Carlson. I've picked this up to read snippets when I felt like I was lacking inspiration, but I do intend on reading this in full, after finish my current read and have moved my way through Lucid.
There are 2 books missing; Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher and If I Stay by Gayle Foreman. The first of which I read a borrowed copy, but do fully intend on buying for myself. This book sucked me in and I couldn't stand to put it down. If I Stay is currently on my sister's night stand. Also one of my absolute favourites. I am going to write a full review on Good Reads any day now, so do go check out my profile on there if you're interested in hearing more.
I couldn't wait to have a reason to use my stunning horsey book ends, so naturally they were the first thing on display in my new room. This was the first of many posts on the details of my new room, so do expect more to come. Thanks for reading and please leave comments with your favourite and current reads!
<3 b
