Favourite Books of 2019

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Going over the list of books I have read throughout the year is always an interesting reflection, filled with books I loved, liked, did not finish, and ones I can barely remember reading. That last one is always amusing, where I need a few moments to recall a story or key plot points that for whatever reason just did not stick with me. For this past year, I can’t say there are many books that I absolutely adored and that would warrant a top ten or even a top five list. So I picked just the ones that I loved reading, could not put down, and would happily read again. Continue reading “Favourite Books of 2019”

Most Anticipated Fall Book Releases

fall“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

There are a lot of great books to look forward to in the next few months, and while it was not a simple task I did narrow it down to the top six I am most excited to get my hands on. In no particular order, here are the top six books on my fall reading list: 🙂

Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood (October 11th)
This is the next release in the Shakespeare Hogarth series, with Margaret Atwood taking on a modern retelling of The Tempest.

“When Felix is deposed as artistic director of the Makeshiweg Theatre Festival by his devious assistant and longtime enemy, his production of The Tempest is canceled and he is heartbroken. Reduced to a life of exile in rural southern Ontario—accompanied only by his fantasy daughter, Miranda, who died twelve years ago—Felix devises a plan for retribution.”

Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (October 25th)
Silvia Moreno-Garcia is the author of one of my absolute favourite books of 2015, Signal to Noise so anything she releases is a must-read for me. Her new book is described as a YA paranormal thriller where “vampires, humans, cops, and gangsters collide in the dark streets of Mexico City.”

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon (November 1st)
“The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?”

This is the new release from the author of Everything, Everything. It is a novel about fate, which tells the story of Natasha and Daniel who meet under unusual circumstances. I very much enjoyed Nicola Yoon’s debut novel and look forward to reading more of her work. Continue reading “Most Anticipated Fall Book Releases”

Most Anticipated July Releases

July 2016 is a great month for new releases.  There are a lot of books I have my eye on, however there are five standouts that I’m really looking forward to:

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, John Tiffany
Anything Harry Potter related will always make the top of my list.  This is a play based on a new original story in which Harry is an employee of The Ministry of Magic and a father of three.

“It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes darkness comes from unexpected places.”

The Savage Song by Victoria Schwab
I absolutely love Victoria Schwab’s writing and the premise of her latest book looks like another page-turner.

“There’s no such thing as safe in a city at war, a city overrun with monsters. In this dark urban fantasy from author Victoria Schwab, a young woman and a young man must choose whether to become heroes or villains—and friends or enemies—with the future of their home at stake. The first of two books.”

Eva Sleeps by Francesca Melandri, Katherine Gregor (Translator)
“A bestselling novel in Italy, soon to be a motion picture directed by Edoardo Winspeare, and Elle magazine’s book of the year, Eva Sleeps is a sweeping modern story about family, forgiveness, and conflict. At its heart is the story of a woman searching for the truth about her origins.”  I really like the sound of the international and mystery aspects of this novel. Continue reading “Most Anticipated July Releases”

Five Books I Did Not Finish

IMG_1259As they say, not every book is for everyone.  There was a time in my life when I felt that I absolutely needed to finish whatever book I started, no matter what.  However, as my reading preferences developed and I started reading quite consistently, I eased up on the need to finish every book.  It’s rare that I don’t but sometimes it just doesn’t work out.  It’s not that it’s a bad book, but in some way it just did not work for me.  I always find it interesting to hear about not only what books people love, but also what books they did not connect with.  So, here are five books that were not my cup of tea:

1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
This is not a book I rushed to read, not even during the height of its hype.  At some point I came across it on a shelf at the library and thought I would give it a go.  As most of you know it is split into three parts, the first of which I found really gripping and could not put down.  During the second part however, it became a different book and I struggled to continue.  At a certain point I just stopped caring about the characters or knowing what happens and had to call it a day.

2. Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
The premise of this book really appealed to me and I looked forward to reading it.  Usually there are a mix of reasons that contribute to a book being disappointing, however with this one I can point to one specific thing; the mother character.  By far one of the most irritating and ridiculous characters I have come across.  I guess it was supposed to be funny, amusing, and add humour to the plot, but for me all it did was not only distract from the story but completely overwhelm it.  I kept waiting for Audrey’s story but with the mother’s erratic behaviour taking centre stage for way too long, I had to close the book on this one. Continue reading “Five Books I Did Not Finish”

My Favourite Books About Books

IMG_2029“The words you can’t find, you borrow.
We read to know we’re not alone.  We read because we are alone.  We read and we are not alone.” – Gabrielle Zevin, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

My recent read of The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman, a book about a secret Library society, spies, and of course books, made me think back to some of my favourite books that have books as one of the main themes.  It is always wonderful to read something that captures the love of reading so many of us share and the beauty of a story.  These are my favourite books about books:

1. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Young Daniel becomes fascinated by a book called The Shadow of the Wind by Julián Carax.  When he sets out to find other works by tis mysterious author, he discovers that someone is destroying every book Carax had ever written.  Beautifully written and engaging story with an intriguing mystery.

2. Mr. Peneumbra’s 24-hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
Young protagonist Clay Jannon stumbles upon a pattern in customer book selection, and sets out to uncover the mystery of Mr. Penumbra’s bookstore with the help of his friends.  A fun adventure that examines the relationship between new technology and old school books.

3. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Independent bookstore owner A.J. Fikry is grieving the loss of his wife and has isolated himself from just about everyone.  When he discovers an unexpected package left at his bookstore, his life takes a turn in a whole new direction.  A beautifully written and touching story. Continue reading “My Favourite Books About Books”