Hiya all,
The new year has begun and I would like to look back and reconsider the books I have read. Here we go:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jane Austen – Pride and Prejudice I wanted to read this book in forever. This year I, finally, did. In one of my classes, I had to write an essay, and one of the given books was Pride and Prejudice. I decided on it in a matter of a few seconds. And hallelujah, I am so happy that I did! I read another of Austen’s books in my first semester and was a little disappointed and now a little scared that I would not like P&P. Lucky me, I loved it. Let’s be honest, there is a reason why it is so successful! What is not to love about an intriguing, complicated love story and a handsome gentleman? Paired with Austen’s shrewd style of writing it was a joy to read and write about.
5 stars for Pride and Prejudice and dreamy Mr Darcy…
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Robert Lacey – The Crown
The Crown by Robert Lacey is the Official Companion to the same-titled, hugely successful Netflix series. Go and buy the book if
- you love the series
- you are curious about British history and/or the Royal family
- you love beautifully designed books (this one is a masterpiece considering the design)
I binge-watched the first and second season and was excited when my mum ordered the book as an early Christmas present for both of us. I am not going to disclose too much since I plan on writing an extra review. One thing can be said: I can highly recommend it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – A Scandal in Bohemia
Of course, one renowned British writer would not be enough! And let’s be honest, who could resist a thought-provoking detective story? Sherlock Holmes paired with an independent ass-kicking female character in Victorian England (!!!) is just as good as it gets. The women might be more intriguing than Sherlock himself (might)…
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Maria Fleischhack – Die Welt des Sherlock Holmes
I feel a bit weird including my literature teacher on this list, but I think she wrote a particularly helpful guide to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective stories. The book aided me to study for my literature exam and I was fascinated reading her words and assessments. I will definitely reread it when I decide reading other Sherlock stories.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jenny Colgan – Little Beach Street Bakery
There are times when I just want something light to read before I go to bed or when I am on my way to uni. This was the reason I bought this book. It turned out to be a page-turner, and I read it way faster than intended. The Little Beach Bakery is a catching story about establishing a new life, making the best out of every situation and overcoming obstacles.
Three stars because the plot is not really complex but the story was beautifully written, nevertheless. It opened my eyes and cleared my vision. The main character made me realize how important it is to fight for the things you want, to be brave and to believe in oneself. Sometimes all you need is a fictional character who helps you understand life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ William Shakespeare – The Merchant of Venice
Oh man, I feel terrible giving only three shiny stars to Shakespeare. Another of Shakespeare’s plays I did not like. But hey, don’t judge me The Taming of the Shrew and A Midsummer Night’s Dream were good… Though I feel as an English student you are supposed to like Shakespeare and if not someone will behead you (Henry VIII’s style…)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Nicola Yoon – Everything Everything
I saw the trailer for t
the book a go. I finished it in more or less one sitting and loved it. When taking a closer look at the topics one can extinguish aspects of growing up. It is about being brave, taking risks, living life to its fullest, and falling in love. It is not telling you that growing up is fun, but it shows you ways to make it bearable and enjoyable. I mean (SPOILER) who wouldn’t want to go to Hawaii???
I do recommend Everything Everything since it is beautifully illustrated and easy to understand. The story is eye-opening and helps reflecting on one’s own life.
3 stars for Maddy and Olly!
(PS do you remember Nick Robinson? The handsome guy from Jurassic World? YES? Go and watch the movie… *swoon*)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ EL James – DARKER
I am a huge fan of the Fifty Shades Trilogy and of GREY, the first book in Christian’s POV. While I loved those four books, DARKER left me slightly disappointed. Some people might say this is due to the fact that it is the same story as in Fifty Shades Darker. I have to admit that reading it from someone else’s point of view changes things. Nevertheless, I was not as thrilled afterwards as I was with the other books and I feel no want reading it again. Following the author on twitter, I do know she promised her fans it would be released in 2017. Furthermore, I think remembering she started writing quite late and/or had some problems. Maybe it was the wrong decision to publish a book which was kind of rushed?
One thing I learned from this book was just because it is a bestseller doesn’t mean it is necessarily good!
Only three stars for Mr Grey and his future Mrs Grey. Let’s see what the third book brings…
⭐️⭐️ Geneva Lee – Command Me
I already wrote a review about Command Me. Not necessarily bad, nor very good. Two stars because I did finish it and I would consider reading the following books.
Read the review here, if you are new to the blog! I wish you all a happy and healthy 2018! Thank you for reading.
Love,
El x
Works Cited:
- Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Vintage Publishing, 2014.
- Colgan, Jenny. Little Beach Street Bakery. Sphere, 2014.
- Doyle, Arthur Conan. The Penguin Complete: Sherlock Holmes. Penguin Books, 2009.
- Fleischhack, Maria. Die Welt des Sherlock Holmes. Lambert Schneider, 2015.
- Laces, Robert. The Crown: Die ganze Geschichte. Edel, 2017.
- Shakespeare, William. The Merchant of Venice. Penguin Classics, 2015.
- Yoon, Nicola. Everything Everything. Corgi, 2015.
- James, EL. Darker. Arrow Books, 2017.
- Lee, Geneva. Command Me. Westminster Press, 2014.
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