It seems summer has only just come, yet the turning of the weather and the little bite in the early morning breeze tells me that this season is already turning a corner. Where has the time gone exactly? That’s what I find myself asking.
For the erratic posting this summer, I apologize to you all. First full-length summer job, school, and vacation always seem to take priority. But alas, I have not forgotten what I love to do, and where I love to share it: here on this blog.
Reviews are coming your way soon, but first, the long-awaited haul of books I’ve collected over the span of these summer months.
The eclectic bunch of books you see above has something of interest for anyone.
-Beginning with CONTEMPORARY lovers:
Jennifer E. Smith always has something to offer in this genre with her fun dialogues and sometimes surprising endings as her characters struggle to come to momentous decisions about love and life. Both Windfall and Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between sound like it fits the bill of her other fun novels with bigger names that you may have heard of (The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, The Geography of You and Me).
Other big name authors I’ve adored includes Meg Cabot, author of numerous books including the Princess Diaries and the Mediator series. I’m a hugeeee fan of her work *totally fangirling here* and am stoked to have added her latest (and surprising) addition to the Mediator series, Remembrance. If you love a protagonist with a strong and hilarious voice, on-your-toes mystery with a comical twist and a not-so-dead-but-still-SOOOO-hot boyfriend-ghost, then this one’s for you.
Last but not least, this isn’t to forget Meg Leder’s The Museum of Heartbreak. I have heard great things about this one so I’ll be sure to let you know how my pickiness with contemporary romances fare with it. *fingers crossed*
-My favourite genre, FANTASY & SCI-FI, holds its own here:
I’ve personally met Kelley Armstrong once at an event and signing and have been her fan for a long time. All her stories feature young women who are unforgettable whether they’re part of YA or not. Sea of Shadows start a new series I am excited to dive into with an eerie atmospheric world from its synopsis and two sisters who care very much for each other.
The second book in a series that started with The Scorpion Rules, The Swan Rider hopefully lives up to its potential in a semi-realistic world of terrifyingly brilliant AIs. I have yet to post the review for the first book, but you can be sure to find it as soon as I finish its sequel. Does this synopsis in any way remind you of something Amie Kaufman would write? Hmm? Anyone?
And of course, there’s Geekerella. Do I even need to explain the masterpiece that is that book? I may be biased (I’m a huge geek + a huge fan of Cinderella) but nothing does the Cinderella story justice than this unique spin in a true sci-fi geek fandom world.
–HP WORLD:
Harry gets his own category. ‘Cause he’s Harry and he’s special. In tune with the 20th anniversary of this first HP book, I’ve bought myself a Hufflepuff book (’cause that’s where the Sorting Hat placed me). I’m proud of my colours and if you wanna tear us down…well, we’ll have to see if I have some Slytherin in me as well.
-There’s a COOKBOOK???
I like to fancy myself a cook in my spare time (who am I kidding – that’s almost nonexistent). But in the nights I find myself a little peckish for something more complex than pasta with pre-made sauce, I love trying new recipes on my family and boyfriend.
Date Night In seems to make a fun way of enjoying some quality time (which is rare among work and school) with loved ones while also getting a decent meal out of it. Sounds like a winner to me. Who knows, if I manage to put together some quality meals consistently, this blog may start featuring food….
Or not.
Books are more delicious right?
-And something completely different….there’s a NON-FICTION BIOGRAPHY
Get your tissues ready ’cause When Breath Becomes Air is something all right. Besides the raving reviews everywhere and personal recommendations sent to me, it takes a lot to get me to read non-fictional biographies. Never thought of myself as the type.
But here it is. A book that defies even the most anti-biography-readers out there.
A story of a young doctor diagnosed with stave IV lung cancer. It’s poignant, sad, and takes a hard look at what it means to live in the last days of someone who had so much left to live for.
Or so I’ve heard. I hope to finish this one soon and let you know all about what the good doctor had to say. I hate crying while reading, but I think this one just may tip me over.
So that’s the end of this haul. I hope you enjoyed it!
Let me know what you’ve read/bought this summer that made you happy or sad. Or even better, what is on your to-read list right now? Are any of the books above mutually on your list too?
Down the Rabbit Hole 