Book Chat

Books mentioned:

Downsiders by Neal Shusterman

This book should have been about three times as long! I loved the idea of a secret underground world underneath New York but it didn’t get nearly enough pagetime! I wanted more descriptions, to meet more people, to learn more about the society!

Little Liar, by Julia Gray

I couldn’t really get into the first part but from part two I was hooked! I love reading about manipulative girls and toxic friendships so I really enjoyed this. I’m also a sucker for books in which the characters put on a play.

Book of a Thousand Days, by Shannon Hale

A moving story about a servant girl who is locked in a tower for seven years with a princess who has refused to marry the man her father chose for her. It’s slow at first but speeds up and I fell in love with all the characters (except the villain, who is frightening and easy to hate!) and the generous spirit of the book.

And here’s a blast from the past, the old video in which I talk about E Lockhart’s earlier books! Terrible quality video and audio but I’ve got a hat on, what more can you want?

I planned to actually release this video at the start of the month, but I was sick and that delayed both filming and editing!

Books mentioned:

Tess of the Road, by Rachel Hartman

My favourite book of the year so far. A quietly powerful story about a troubled runaway who comes to terms with what she’s gone through, while travelling to find a mythical creature with her childhood friend. I did a full video review of this.

The Audition, by Rachel Hartman

This is a short story, the prequel to Seraphina, which follows Seraphina as she auditions to be the music-master’s assistant and meets Princess Glisselda for the first time. Once again I was filled with awe at Rachel Hartman’s worldbuilding.

Five Go On a Strategy Away Day, by Bruno Vincent

This is BRILLIANT. Truly funny, I don’t think any of the other Famous Five for Adults books could top this. The Famous Five, who Julian hired to work at his company, go on a strategy away day together. It’s not a complete disaster…until the Secret Seven turn up. The Famous Five hate the Secret Seven!

The Exact Opposite of Okay, by Laura Steven

The rare book that’s highly enjoyable whilst also tackling some difficult issues, this features slut-shaming, revenge porn, the dark side of ‘nice guys’…and a shamelessly crude grandmother!

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

This is a slow-burner and I did find the pacing dragged a little, but I really enjoyed it all the same. It’s a classic coming-of-age story from the point of view of Aristotle, a young Mexican-American boy who is figuring out who he wants to be, who he is, and how he feels about his best friend Dante.

Shiny Broken Pieces, by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton

I loved Tiny Pretty Things, but I have to admit that I found this, the second book in this duo a bit samey. I did really enjoy it, and I’m not going to lie, I’d pick up a third book in a heartbeat, but I wanted more from this one.

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, by Mackenzi Lee

This was so much fun! Henry “Monty” Montague has grand hopes for his Grand Tour – his last hurrah before he has to grow up and be the man his father demands he be, and leave his best friend Percy in boarding school. But after a few shocking revelations and romantic misadventures, the Grand Tour goes grandly off course…