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You are here: Home / Archives for Book Chat

Book Chat

December 2018 Wrap-Up

13th January 2019 By Julianne Leave a Comment

I read a whopping 13 new books in December, though as this video will show, some of the books were a good deal shorter than others…

Books mentioned in my Wrap-Up:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer

This is a heartwarming but very twee novel told via letters, about a woman who discovers a secret society set up on Guernsey during World War II. Glad I listened to the audiobook as I think it made the characters more endearing.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, by Jenny Han

Another book in which letters play a big part! I loved this book, it’s very cute and Lara Jean’s family is surely one of the best in YA fiction. I also really enjoyed the film.

Holding Up the Universe, by Jennifer Niven

Unfortunately this one was a disappointment. I have prosopagnosia, like one of the two characters, and I found the depiction unrealistic, especially when it came to the ending. I also felt that it tried to combine too much in the one book, attempting to tackle issues to do with weight and bullying as well as prosopagnosia.

Mistletoe and Murder, by Robin Stevens

Festive fun and murder! I loved this trip to Cambridge with Daisy and Hazel and their rivalry with the Young Pinkertons.

Giant Days: Extra Credit, by John Allison

Some fun festive stories with the Giant Days characters.

Giant Days up to #43

Still really enjoying this series!

Giant Days: Early Registration

It was really interesting to see these early versions of the Giant Days characters but I prefer them as they are now.

Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas, by Stephanie Barron

More festive murder – this time investigated by Jane Austen. I loved getting to see how Christmas would have been celebrated at the time.

Root, Nurture, Grow, by Rose Ray

My ideal houseplant book – all about propagation.

About to Leave, by Fran Meneses

I really enjoyed this thoughtful, beautifully illustrated graphic travelogue.

The Ladybird Book of the Zombie Apocalypse, by Jason Hazeley

Ten minutes of giggles.

How to Grow Stuff, by Alice Vincent

I was surprised how much I learnt about houseplant care thanks to this book! I borrowed it from the library and will definitely be getting my own copy.

Filed Under: Book Chat, Reviews, YouTube

November 2018 Wrap-Up and December TBR

14th December 2018 By Julianne Leave a Comment

In this video I review all the books I read in November and share my December TBR!

Books mentioned in my Wrap-Up:

Pure Juliet, by Stella Gibbons

I loved this story about Juliet, who after finishing school runs away to live with a wealthy old woman, hoping to finally get the peace and quiet she craves. It’s not got the most coherent plot of all time but it’s charming and witty and Juliet was both relatable and frustrating.

The Muse, by Jessie Burton

In the 1960s, Odille gets a new job at an art insitution and finds herself becoming rapidly absorbed in the mystery behind a particular painting and her boss’ reaction to it. I loved the voices of the audiobook narrators. I much preferred this to The Miniaturist and I’m looking forward to reading many more books by this author!

White Tears, by Hari Kunzru

This was not for me. It’s a very creepy book about a mysterious piece of music that seems to lead to the destruction of lives, but I didn’t care about the main characters enough for it to have any emotional impact.

Remake It: Clothes, by Henrietta Thompson

This is partly a how-to book, and partly a set of profiles of different designers who are involved in recycled fashion. It didn’t take me long to read but it’s going to be a brilliant reference book.

Jolly Foul Play, by Robin Stevens

This is the fourth book in the Murder Most Unladylike Mysteries series and I loved it, as usual. This time, our intrepid 1930s girl detectives investigate another murder at this school after the Head Girl is killed on Bonfire Night. I really liked that the story was set back in Deepdean and we got to spend time with Daisy and Hazel’s roommates.

Books I hope to read this month:

Mistletoe and Murder, by Robin Stevens

This is the next book after Jolly Foul Play and I’ve already started it! I can’t wait to experience Christmas in Daisy and Hazel’s world.

My True Love Gave to Me, by various

This is my favourite short story anthology and I can’t wait to reread it! I didn’t get to reread the whole thing last year, I only read my favourites, so I’m hoping I get more time and can read the whole book.

I’ll Be Home for Christmas, by various

Another festive short story anthology, this one by British authors. I re-read it last year and fell in love with several stories I’d not been so keen on the first time around, so I’m looking forward to revisiting those tiny worlds.

If you celebrate Christmas, what are you reading to put yourself in the mood?

Filed Under: Book Chat, Christmas, Reviews, YouTube

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Hi! I'm Julianne and this is my book blog. Click my picture to read more about me.

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