(Really Late) August Wrap Up

August Wrap Up ?

I know it's technically the 20th September but hey its never too late to do a Wrap Up!
So I have read alot last month! 17 books in fact, I dont think I have read this much during one month in a long time and it's a pretty good feeling knowing I have finished alot of my TBR books.

These are the paperback books I have read...

1.  Storm by Amanda Sun (the final book in the Paper God's series) 4 / 5
I loved reading this series and it was amazing but I just felt like the ending was rushed and as bad as it sounds I expected someone to die, yet no one did and the ending felt a bit too happy for me ??? I mean they have powers from the gods yet after a huge fight they were all okay ? Pfft

2. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte 3.5 / 5
Okay so I finally got around to reading this book and after all the hype I had heard about it, I had pretty high expectations but I just felt like I was reading an entirely different book to everyone else ? I loved and hated reading this book. The plot twists left me reeling but I loved Emily Bronte's writing style. Heathcliff wasn't amazing and wonderful like everyone always talks about, I mean he is an intriguing and mysterious character but he is also kind of an asshole . The writing was amazing and I do love the way in which Emily Bronte writes but I felt let down by all the hype.

3. One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest by Ken Kesey 3 / 5
Since I am studying this book in my English Lit class I needed to pick it up and it was a good book but I didnt find myself loving it, and parts were difficult to read but I mean thats what the book was trying to portray.

4. The Crysallids by John Wyndham 4 / 5
I love this book, incredible read written by one of my favourite authors.

5. The Kraken Wakes by John Wyndham 4 / 5
Okay I struggled to get into this book but jeez once the actions started I loved it. Such unique ideas come from Wyndham and they always work so well.

6. The Seeds of Time by John Wyndham 3 / 5
Not one of my favourite Wyndham books but a good read nonetheless.

7. The Midwich Cuckoos by John Wyndham 5 / 5
I loved this book so much, I am just disappointed I didnt pick this book up earlier. The concept behind this book is so eerie and sinister but I can't really note any flaws. I read this book within a few hours since I just couldnt stop reading it.

8. The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris 5/5
 It has been a long time since I have picked up a psychological thriller and I was somewhat hesistant since it isnt something I would typically read but this book was incredible.
I really enjoyed this book, I was on the edge of my seat when reading this and I was just mesmorised by this sinister world. Hannibal Lector himself is so creepy and everything he said just made my skin crawl but Harris does such an amazing job portraying him.

and on my kindle:

9. Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx 3 /5
Since I am studying this book in English Literature, I decided to pick it up and read it on the plane (to Austria) it didnt take long to read and it was an okay book. I didnt feel particularly engaged with the characters but hey

10. Solitaire by Alice Oseman 2.5 / 5
So I had heard alot of positive stuff about this book so I had hopes that I would actually enjoy this book but I struggled to since I just found the main character (Tori) so irritating, the only characters I liked and actually found remotely interesting was Nick and Charlie. I would prefer to say I liked this book but I just felt disappointed and I always find it difficult to read a book when I dont like the protagonist.

11. To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han 4 / 5
I don't usually like reading 'teen romance' books but I was somewhat intrigued by this book, I really enjoyed it and I honestly thought I would hate it. Lara Jean was such a sweet and genuine character and I loved reading about her.

12. PS I Still Love You by Jenny Han 4/5
A sweet sequel, enjoyable and I loved reading more about Lara Jean's family.

13. Miss Periguines Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs 5/5
I am gutted I didnt read this book series earlier, I loved it. Such a unique and intriguing storyline and I couldnt stop reading once I started. Jacob Portman was such an amazing character and the concept behind this book and the 'peculiars' was incredible. I loved the picture elements since they added so much character the book.

14. Hollow City by Ranson Riggs 5/5
Great Sequel which I read in a couple of hours and the plot twists!!!  I am so excited for the final book to be released this month!

15. 99 Days by Katie Cotuguo 3/5
Good book with a pretty stupid female protagonist, however I loved the character growth throughout the book. Important message about gender inequality featured at the end of the novel which was the main reason I liked this book to be honest.

16. Asylum by Madeliene Roux 4/5
This book was amazing, it has been a long time since I have read a book that has given me chills (from being scared). I loved the concept behind the book (a summer school based where a mental asylum used to be), such a creepy and intriguing storyline.

17. Sanctum by Madeliene Roux 4/5
A great sequel to the first book although I did struggle occassionally to understand how the 'clues' linked and whether or not the antagonist was possessed or just psychotic, but I guess that's the point.

Hopefully, I will continue with this reading streak but since I go back to Sixthform for my final year, I am unsure as to whether my reading will continue at this pace...

Bookshelf Scavenger Hunt

I have seen alot of posts/challenges relating to the 'Bookshelf Scavenger Hunt' so I thought I would have a go and show you some of the books I chose..

1. Find a author's name or title with the letter Z in it. 

It took me while to find a book with the letter Z in the author's name or title but I chose The Program by Suzanne Young. I love this book so much, especially the somewhat horrific dystopian reality Young has created, if you haven't yet read this book/series I would definitely recommend it. 

2. Find a Classic.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is possibly one of my favourite classics, I adore Fitzgerald's elegant way of writing and the characters he create are both extravagant and complex.

 

3. Find the oldest book on your shelf.

My copy of 'The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells' is the oldest book I have on my shelves, it was given to me by my grandfather who shared my love for Science Fiction novels. It's a pretty old copy and I really adore the beautiful designs on the cover of this edition, 

4. Find a book with a girl on the cover. 

I chose Panic by Lauren Oliver, I really like this cover as it is so simplistic and minimalist unlike many other covers.

5. Find a book with an animal on the cover.

As someone that isn't really an animal person, it took me a while to find a book with an animal on the cover, but I eventually thought of The Raven Boys by Maggie Steifvater which obviously has raven on the front. I actually got this copy signed around two years ago when she was doing her book tour in the UK and I got to meet her, she was lovely.

6. Find a book with a male protagonist.

I choose Paper Towns by John Green, I really liked Quentin (the protagonist) in this book, he added depth and humor to the plot. I originally read this book, 3 years ago and I definitely need to reread it before the film comes out in August (i think), but I am disappointed in the casting for the film as Cara Delevingne definitely isnt my Margo.

7. Find a book with just words on it.

I was kinda confused about what this meant but I went with The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, I love this cover so much (it has a lot of words on it??) so I assume that works.. 

8. Find a book with illustrations within it.

I chose my copy of Ink by Amanda Sun, I actually finished reading this book last night and I loved it. I was kinda hesitant to read this book as I wasnt sure what to expect but it was a beautiful book which really helped to broaden my views on Japan and their amazing culture. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

9. Find a book with gold lettering.

Sabriel by Garth Nix will always have a place in my heart as the book that introduced me to the wonderful world of reading. I first read this book when I was 8 or 9 (I am not sure) and I loved it. it was the stepping stone that led to me hoarding books and becoming a massive book nerd. It is an incredible book which I love to pieces.

10. Find a diary (Real or Fictional)

I chose The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, this book is incredible. It really provides an insight into how her world was and it breaks my heart every time I read it that a young girl like Anne had to go through this.

11. Find a book written by someone with a common name (like Smith).

I chose my copy of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins as I assume 'Collins' is quite a common name.. 

12. Find a book that has a closeup of something on it.

I chose Looking for Alaska by John Green, despite the fact I didn't really like the book itself and I love the cover (I am sorry but the plot was boring and I didnt really feel any emotional connection with the characters..) but I love the cover? I guess the daisy counts as a close up ..

13. Find a book on your shelf from the earliest time period. 

I dont really read historical fiction before the 20th century, I am not really sure why it just never really interested me but one of the books on my shelves set in the earliest time period would be Great Expectations by Charles Dickins.

14. Find a hardback book without a jacket.

I chose my copy of A Song for Ella Grey by David Almond, I love this edition and it was one of the few books I have bought due to their cover.. but after reading the book I dont really regret it, Almond is an incredible writer.

15. Find a book that is teal/turquoise

I chose Wonder by R.J Palacio, after my friends practically forcing me to read this book I couldnt thank them more for introducing me to such an outstanding book. 

 16. Find a non-YA book.

I chose Empire of the Sun by J.G Ballard, one of my favourite authors. As someone with an avid interest in history, I found this book an incredible read. It was such a heartbreaking novel but Ballard tells this horrific tale with elegance and beauty.