Friday 6th July: What I’ve Read This Week

So, I’ve had this blog for two weeks now and decided that I should let you guys know a little bit more about my reading habits. Essentially, I read everywhere and at most times of the day, you’ll find me with my nose firmly stuck in a book.

Anyway, I want to start a semi-weekly thing (I am rubbish at sticking to schedules, so I can’t promise it’ll be regular) where I show you what I’ve been reading. This has come after my very long June Wrap-Up, as it helps me cut down future wrap-ups.

Books I’ve Read This Week:

Bookshop Girl by Chloe Coles

This was such a feel good, mood-lifting read. It was just funny, adorable and all about loving books, so what more could I ask for? Parts of it reminded me of Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley, which has a similar message about the power of reading and shows a clear adoration for books. Bookshop Girl was a brilliant, summery read for anyone that likes books. Four stars.

Find out more about Bookshop Girl

2. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

This was recommended to me by Issy, a Book Club friend, to help me out of my reading slump and it definitely did that. It was a fun and enjoyable read, but I didn’t know if I was intrigued enough to continue the series, until that ending hit. That ending was the best part of the book for me; the insta-love and cliched stuff was not. However, I’ve heard that the series gets better, but we’ll see about continuing the series. Three stars.

Find out more about Shatter Me

3. Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl

Tense and gripping, so just how I like my mysteries. It’s like 13 Minutes, with all its high-school drama and compelling mystery, meets The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle , with its wibbly wobbly time wimey plot (yes, I watch Doctor Who and yes, I am a massive nerd). Actually, that’s the perfect description for Neverworld Wake. To me, it’s the YA and more grounded version of Seven Deaths. Exciting, dark and throughly enjoyable. Four stars.

Find out more about Neverworld Wake

4. Moranthology by Caitlin Moran

I really enjoy Caitlin Moran’s writing and this book is a collection of some of her newspaper articles, with a witty paragraph proceeding each one to link them together. It’s funny, insightful and moving all within a couple of pages. You’ll move from an article on living on benefits to a piece about getting drunk with Lady Gaga. Bonkers but brilliant. Three stars.

Find out more about Moranthology

5. Run, Riot by Nikesh Shukla (not pictured, as I’d already returned my copy to the library)

Nikesh Shukla has got something special. His writing feels so atmospheric that it almost creates a sense of claustrophobia. Tense, gripping, exciting and so, so relevant. I know it’s cliched, but I couldn’t put this book down. It felt like such a quick read, as most of the action takes place over the course of one night. The range of topics it covers is also astounding: police brutality, racism, gentrification, corruption and the importance of community. Run, Riot is an exciting addition to UKYA and a much-needed one at that. Four stars.

Find out more about Run, Riot

I am currently reading Furyborn by Claire Legrand and it’s fantastical, stunning and spell-binding.

What books have you read this week, or are planning to read soon? Let me know in the comments.