I know, I know, you're thinking duuuuhhhh it's 2014 Kim, what's going on?!
But as you can see I haven't posted in a VERY long time so thought I would kick off the celebrations by posting about something I'm very passionate about...BOOKS!
So here's my list (in no particular order):
The White Queen by Phillippa Gregory
http://www.amazon.co.uk/White-Queen-Cousins-War/dp/1471125815/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397951306&sr=1-1&keywords=The+White+Queen
Such an amazing book...amazing series...amazing tv show! I need more! They're complicated in the sense that it seems that in this time in history the only names available for men were Edward, Henry or Richard but you get used it but the drama and family dynamic are so intricate that sometimes I can't believe this is even true English history... at it's greatest I might add. I was so proud to be an English woman after reading these books...amazing!
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Fault-Stars-John-Green/dp/0141345659/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1397951542&sr=1-1
I know, I know, I jumped on the mass-hoosive band wagon that is
The Fault in Our Stars but dear god if you haven't read this then GET ON IT! That's an order! You will not be disappointed, I promise you. Despite this being a fantastic story in itself, this book holds a personal tingly place in my heart because the main guy in this book (Augustus Waters) reminds me of a very dear friend of mine- the spitting "personality- image". I know that statement won't mean anything to anybody but to me it physically hurts to read this book because of this fact. Gorgeous book...
I am also re-reading this in the very near future before I go see the film...I hope it does the book justice...sigh...
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Catching-Fire-Hunger-Games-Book/dp/1407109367/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1397951909&sr=1-1
Again, you're probably thinking "god Kim, can't you read anything original??" But alas, I was practically forced to read The Hunger Games trilogy and I'm ashamed to say, after all my kicking and screaming, that I caved and guiltly enjoyed them (apart from the last book
Mockingjay. I nearly threw myself out the window after that but got the ending I was looking for.) So far this book is also my favourite film too...cried at about 13 different parts when I went with my friend to go see it at the cinema...I'm not ashamed.
The Duff: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Jody Keplinger
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duff-Kody-Keplinger/dp/1444903500/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397952190&sr=1-1&keywords=the+duff
Now, I listened to this as an audio book (which I highly recommend, the reader was fantastic- I had an audible.co.uk account when I got this ironic beauty). I'm not one for whiney teenage problemy type books but the main girl in this gem was so sarcastic and fiesty and witty that I loved her instantly. She really helps the book step over that crappy teenage line and turns it into something very entertaining; but also has a sprinkling of a "learn to love yourself" message...me likey alot!
Lady of the Shades by Darren Shan
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lady-Shades-Darren-Shan/dp/1409139123/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1397952466&sr=1-1
DAMN! This was a good book! A complete surprise too, which is always nice, let's face it. I picked this up from my library as an audio book and I was hooked from the very first chapter. I seriously remember at one point saying "how can Darren Shan add anymore twists and turns to this?? There's still like 5 cds to go!" And oh my god, did he deliver! Again, another intricate plot line, with layers and layers of goodness and climactic moments. This book is an adult book of Darren's that just kept pushing the plot line further and further. Such a talented writer! I'm definitely keeping my eyes out for more of his adult books!
Gilt by Katherine Longshore
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gilt-Katherine-Longshore-ebook/dp/B0098MDR0Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397952842&sr=1-1&keywords=gilt
After reading
The White Queen series (also known as
The Cousins War) I was on a major historical fiction high, particularly around the Tudor period and the War of the Roses. So I was lucky enough to spot this jewel at my library and again, absolutely fantastic! When authors write about the Tudor times they often focus on Henry the 8th and Anne Boleyn (which I agree are a very interesting couple). But what I enjoyed about Katherine Longshore's approach was that she focused on Catherine Howard, Henry the 8th's 5th wife. I have never come across a book based around this obscure wife so it was a complete surprise and I loved it! I loved it so much that I'm hunting for the prequel to this book
Tarnish- pictured below- (which
is about Anne Boleyn if I'm not mistaken) in book shops but it's looking like I'm going to have to order it from London. I vow I will own both of these books!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tarnish-Royal-Circle-Katherine-Longshore/dp/1471116964/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1397953544&sr=1-1
(As I was writing this lengthy post -sorry- I bought
Gilt and
Tarnish and also pre- ordered
Brazen that comes out 8th May- woo hoo! Soooo excited!!)
The Immortal Circus and
The Immortal Circus: Act Two by A. R. Kahler
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Immortal-Circus-Cirque-Immortels/dp/1611099447/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1397953289&sr=1-3
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Immortal-Circus-Cirque-Immortels/dp/1477807373/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1397953403&sr=1-2
These two books also took me by surprise! Free impulse buy on my Kindle which combined the circus, magic, a murder mystery and oh my god the costumes! (...I find that when I'm sad I turn to my Kindle for comfort and download a good amount of free books from their online store until I start feeling better again- little tip for you ;) ) I blazed through the first book, immediately bought the second book, smashed through that, went to buy the third and final book...but found out I had to wait until sometime in early 2014 :(
But it is out now! Yay! So once I have received afew more pay cheques and read through afew more books on my shelf I shall pur- chase this bad boy and let the good times roll!
The Immortal Circus: Act Three by A.R. Kahler
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Immortal-Circus-Cirque-Immortels/dp/1477823069/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1397953403&sr=1-1
You will be mine!!!!!!
So yes, these were my favourite books I read in 2013 and will be making another list for 2014 next year so I hope you look forward to that.
If you have any comments about any of the books I've read or would like to read or would just like to discuss books, whatever you fancy, I'd like to hear from you.
Ah...reading therapy...mmmm...
Kim
