Tag: top five

Features

The Future Is Bright: Five Books I Am Looking Forward To

by Ida4 Comments on The Future Is Bright: Five Books I Am Looking Forward To

fullsizeoutput_c6a

I am not usually one to have lists of upcoming books or do intensive research into yearly releases. However, I do like to keep an eye on new books by authors that I have read and enjoyed in the past. And from time to time I get swept up in the hype of a new release that I am all too eager to read. This past week I kept coming across announcements for books that made me so happy I felt the need to share my excitement, all in a tidy little list. 🙂 These are my top five most anticipated releases (in order of release date): Continue reading “The Future Is Bright: Five Books I Am Looking Forward To” →

Lists, Recommendations

Top Five Summer Reads

by IdaLeave a Comment on Top Five Summer Reads

IMG_1846“One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to read by.” – Jeanette Walls, The Glass Castle

Summer is such a wonderful season for reading.  Even with work, classes, or whatever activities occupy your time, there is an atmosphere of relaxation.  After we have fulfilled our daily obligations we can enjoy the beautiful weather, breathe in the fresh air, and be very thankful that the winter is well behind us.  When I think of great summer reads I think of page-turning stories that you can’t help but get lost in.  These are my favourite summer reads from my virtual bookshelf:

1. 300 Days of Sun by Deborah Lawrenson
In order to get away from career and relationship troubles, Joanna decides to embark on a trip to Faro, Portugal where she meets Nathan, a man in search of information on a kidnapping that occurred decades ago.  Nathan asks Joanna for her help with his investigation due to her background in journalism.  Their search leads them to a book that was sold as a work of fiction but in truth may hold the answers they are looking for.  A total page-turner that brings the sights and sounds of Portugal to life.

2. Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Finding herself stuck and lost in life, twenty-nine year old Hannah Martin moves back to her hometown of Los Angeles, determined to turn her life around.  Upon her return, her best friend Gabby throws her a welcome home party where Hannah runs into her high school love, Ethan.  As Gabby is set to leave the party, Hannah has the choice of either going home with Gabby or staying out later with Ethan.  As we all know, choices have consequences. The book splits into two timelines showing us what happens with each scenario.  A fascinating look into how one choice can affect the entire course of a person’s life. Continue reading “Top Five Summer Reads” →

Lists, Recommendations

Top 5 YA Novels I Have Read & Reviewed

by Ida4 Comments on Top 5 YA Novels I Have Read & Reviewed

IMG_0297In the past couple of months I read a few YA novels, all within a relatively short span of time.  I found them to be nice reads but falling short of the intrigue presented by their premise, and ultimately not reaching the full extent of their potential.  This made me look back at the YA novels I have read and reviewed so far to re-visit my prior experiences.  While there are a few books that fell short for me, there are five stand-outs that I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend.

1. The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
If I had to recommend just one book, it would be this one.  It is a smart, character driven debut novel that is absolutely brilliant.  It follows a nine-member crew travelling on a tunnelling ship whose job it is to punch holes through space in order to create shortcuts.  A must-read.

2. The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton
A strange and heart-breaking story about a girl born with the wings of a bird.  It’s wonderfully engrossing with great depth of character as it explores the struggles of Ava and her family. Continue reading “Top 5 YA Novels I Have Read & Reviewed” →