I feel like I've really rediscovered my love of reading these past few months, I'd not been into books as much because HAI INTERNET but after deleting all the crappy apps on my phone (buh-bye Kim Kardashian Hollywood) I have bundles of spare time. I managed to read six books this month, SIX.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins | This series needs no introduction but whilst I'm a huge fan of the movies I really didn't think the books would be my cup of tea. But I found the whole lot at the charity shop at Harefield so thought I'd give them a go and was so pleasantly surprised! Not your typical YA novel (kids killing kids anyone?) as while there is a love interest (or two) it's not the main focus. Katniss is a pretty kickass role model I'd say! It's utterly brutal but I cannot wait to read the next one.
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn | I thought the plot was more predictable than Gone Girl but really it's deeper than your usual 'whodunnit' as we learn more about Camille's past and family which makes it a whole lotta interesting! Much of it made for uncomfortable reading and many of the characters are quite unsavoury but I thought they and the subject matter were unique, I can't recall reading anything similar. I really want to read Dark Places next so will be keeping an eye out for that next time I'm in a charity shop!
Pretty Honest by Sali Hughes | Now I'll be 'pretty honest' (harhar) I found this book in a charity shop for just £2 so I got it because how darn nice is the cover? But I had a flick through and ended up devouring every word - Sali has not only years and years of beauty industry knowledge behind her but she's also a very funny writer. I never once felt like I was being preached to or felt that her tone was patronising or intimidating. Glam but down to earth, she's just like your best gal pal you go to when you wanna know how to look bangin'. I'm late to the hype I know, but Sali has a new fan in me (I love her columns for The Guardian too.)
The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas | This has been sitting in my house for months and I had no intention of reading it but it was the closest thing to hand after I'd finished Sharp Objects and couldn't be bothered to go upstairs to fetch another book (those cosy Sunday evenings though!) But I'm so pleased I did, I was sucked into all the drama from the first page. I was expecting it to be all about a court case but it actually featured very little, each chapter instead delved a little deeper into a character's life and exposed them for who they really are. It reminded me how no one is actually as they seem and we all have our own little secrets (some dirtier than others!) They're all connected somehow but each had their own kind of story, which I loved because it kept the book interesting, plus they were all so flawed I'm not really sure I particularly liked any of them. I definitely know one thing though - I HATE HARRY. Ahem.
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky | Every time I type this out I write 'wallpaper' instead of 'wallflower'. This is not it's title. I'd put off reading this for the longest time because I felt like I'd already read it thanks to the endless quotes on tumblr (see also; The Fault In Our Stars) However it's the kind of book I really wish I'd read as a teenager and at the same time it made me happy I'm no longer a teen because it reminded me that although that time had it's good moments it also kind of sucked! I could relate so much to Charlie, I was too was a wallflower and still am a little bit although less introverted than I was as a kid. Growing up I spent most of my time keeping myself to myself and my own little group of mates and sometimes I wonder if I should have stopped being so immersed in music and books and maybe 'participated' a bit more. I think this book might have encouraged me to be a little braver. It's one I'd give every kid to read, even though it gets quite deep at times it's highly readable and likeable. I've since watched the film and I have to admit, Emma Watson is not my Sam (or my Belle. She's barely even my Hermione, GO AWAY EMMA.)
Room by Emma Donoghue | I knew from a few pages in that this was gonna take me on an emotional ride and boy, did it?! It tells the story from Jack's perspective, a five year old that has spent all his life locked in a room with his Ma. To use a child's voice to tell such a dark and harrowing tale is an interesting concept and weirdly adds a little light relief to the novel, as well as providing an unreliable narrator (I love me one of those in a book!) Saying that I do think this story drags a little and if you don't find Jack's narrative interesting (or you may possibly find him annoying even, his childlike way of speaking could be grating to some) you may get bored of this quickly.
What did you read in November? I'm now selling my read books on Depop to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, search 'sickchickchic' to see what I'm selling! OR check out my other book reviews here.