Hello!
I am here with my December 2017 Wrap Up! These are the book I read in December.
I read a total of 6 books—2 YA, 3 Historical Fiction, and 1 Fantasy.
Top 5 2018 Reading Resolutions
Hi again! It’s Wednesday so that can mean only one thing: Top 5 Wednesday.
Today’s topic is our reading resolutions for 2018. New year, new me so new reading goals and things I’d like to achieve with this blog.
Top 5 Wednesday was created over on BookTube by the wonderful Laniey at gingerreadslaniey and run by the lovely Sam of Thoughts on Tomes . Also you can check out the Goodreads page for past and future topics.
A Year in Review
Hi all!
Since it’s the end of the year, which still doesn’t feel real, I thought I’d look back on my reading year with a survey.
I’ve adapted this from questions for Cait at paper fury. It looked like fun and the pie chats looked so cute. However they were not so fun to make so please appreciate them! Mostly just so I can justify the 2 hours I spent on creating them.
Also this is for the books I’ve read in 2017, most of which didn’t come out this year.
Stalking Jack the Ripper
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Published: 20 September 2016
Rating: 4.5 stars
‘As the afternoon wore on, I watched them, noting the role they were all playing. I doubted any of them truly cared about what they were saying and immensely sorry for them. Their minds were crying out to be free, but they refused to unbind them.’
This book was a big surprise for me. I’d originally planned on reading this book just to get to the squeal. I enjoyed Maniscalco’s twist on Jack the Ripper. Audrey Rose is a strong and modern young woman who refuses to stop studying forensic science and cutting up cadavers just because of the rules the Victorian era placed on women of her status. Audrey Rose works with her Uncle and his young assistant, Thomas Cresswell, to autopsy a string of savagely killed corpses and help Scotland Yard hunt down the serial murderer, Jack the Ripper.
I’m not a big fan of first-person narratives but I think it works for this story. I enjoyed being inside Audrey Rose’s head as she processed each clue and tried to figure out how they all fit together. I loved how Audrey Rose’s personality shone through the writing style. You could feel each eye roll, her frustration at being sheltered and how hard it was for her to keep a hold of her polite society manners.
For me, since I’m not a mystery reader, I didn’t see who Jack the Ripper was until the big reveal and I was pleasantly surprised. I also really loved Maniscalco’s interpretation of the Ripper mythology. It’s clear that she really loves this time period and the mystery of Jack the Ripper with the care she takes when adding in all the gory details. I never felt overwhelmed by the science, world building or the facts of the Ripper murders. Her interruption was believable and played on the theories historians are still debating on.
The most interesting part of this story was the forensic science elements. I learnt so much about it and never felt like it went over my head or that it was dumbed down. The added illustrations of medical procedures and human anatomy really brought this world to life. The illustration paired Maniscalco’s descriptions perfectly. The anatomical description painted the mutilated victims in a vivid, grotesque light that would leave me feeling morbidly fascinated and queasy all at once. If you don’t to well with gore I would no recommend reading this late at night or on a full stomach.
I loved that the romance didn’t take over the narrative like it seems to do with most YA books. Don’t get me wrong I love a good romance as much as the next person but sometimes it takes over the main thread of the story. I think I enjoyed the romance in this more because it was a slow build and you’d never know when those scenes would pop up. I love that Audrey Rose didn’t let Thomas’ charm distract her from the task at hand.
However, I would like to see some other strong female characters in the future books. The only other women to feature are Audrey Rose’s cousin Liza—who is shown as the stereotypical Victorian lady—and Liza’s mother—who is the strict, over religious matriarch. It’s like Maniscalco was spending so long highlighting that Audrey Rose doesn’t fit the mental and social stereotypes of the era that she forgot about the other women.
Also, I would love to see more about Audrey Rose’s Indian heritage since it’s only mentioned in passing when she’s thinking about her mother. It would be interesting to see how this beautiful culture fits with the strict Victorian customs. I hope this is explored in future books.
I cannot wait to dive into the sequel! If you love well-written historical fiction with strong female characters and a dash of murder I think this one is for you.
Top 5 2018 Wishlist
Hi again! This will be my last Top 5 Wednesday for 2017 — how crazy is that? I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.
Today’s topic is our bookish wishlist for 2018 and the types of books, genres, themes, tropes and topics we’d like to see more of.
Top 5 Wednesday was created over on BookTube by the wonderful Laniey at gingerreadslaniey and run by the lovely Sam of Thoughts on Tomes . Also you can check out the Goodreads page for past and future topics.
These books are listed in no particular order.
Diverse Fairytale and Myth Retellings
I adore retellings. If a book mentioned it’s a retelling or as been marketed that way I will buy it. But more 2018 I would love to see some fairytales and myths that aren’t from The Grimms Brothers or Ancient Greece. Each cultures has their own set of myths and fairytales and I love the chance to explore them all.
Medieval Historical Fiction
I really couldn’t do this list without wishing more historical fiction releases. Medieval history — 5th to 15th centuries — is hands down my favourite period to read about so I would love more titles to pick up next year. Also if some of those could be based in the Eastern European countries or around the Ottoman Empire that would be amazing!
Antiquity Historical Fiction
It’s no surprise that I really do want more historical fiction releases, but unlike the one above, I’d like to see more books set in Antiquity. I’m not too fussy on when just more books set in Ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome please and thanks you.
More Own Voice Books
I will admit that I am guilty of not reading as of these amazing stories as I would like to. However, I love seeing this trend in publishing and want to see it continue! Our world is full of people of difference races, cultures and sexuality and our literature needs to reflect that.
Silenced Historical Perspectives
What I would love to see more of is books, both non fiction and fiction, that explore events through the perspective different to the historical records. Basically POV’s that aren’t straight, white males. Books like Black Tudors which came out this year and looks at some of the African people who lived freely in Tudor England.
That’s all for me. Comment down below and let me know what types of genres, topics and themes you’d like to see more of in the new year.
Until next time, happy reading!
Dearna
Top 5 Books of 2017
Hi again! I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas and the end of the year. In celebration of this, today’s topic is our top books of 2017
Top 5 Wednesday was created over on BookTube by the wonderful Laniey at gingerreadslaniey and run by the lovely Sam of Thoughts on Tomes . Also you can check out the Goodreads page for past and future topics.
These books are listed in no particular order.
The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
This is such a fun and whimsical series. I have a full review here if you want to know all my thoughts. Nevermoor might just be the Harry Potter for this generation of young readers. I adore everything about this book. Nevermoor, Morrigan, Hawthorn, Jupiter, The Hotel Deucalion and even Fen. Nevermoor has all the magic and whimsy of our favourite worlds like Wonderland and Whoville. I really hope they adapt this into a movie or tv series because I would love to see Nevermoor come to life.
The Boy Made of Snow by Chloe Mayer
I adore this book so much, which was a big surprise for me since I’m not a fan of WWII fiction. I have a full review so I won’t ramble on too long. I love Mayer’s writing. It is beautiful. So much so that I found myself slowing my reading pace and rereading sections just to savour it. I could have the whole novel wallpapered in my room and I would be so happy.
The narrative is beautifully crafted. It takes the dangers of living during WWII, twists them with the whimsy of fairytales and lets you deep inside a broken family who are trying to hard to be ‘normal’. I’m in awe of the way Mayer was able to balance to historic elements with the fairy tale threads. And I loved that the fairy tales were used to explore the relationship between Mother and Son. Seeing what each character got out of the same story broke my heart. Safe to say I want everyone to read this! Pretty please!
The Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose
I picked this book up because it was the winner of this year’s Stella Prize. I’m not into the whole art scene so I was surprised with just how much I loved this book. The story centre’s around performing artist, Marina Abramovic and her MOMA exhibit called The Artist is Present. Along the way we meet Arky Swann, a local film composer, Brittika, a PhD student from Amsterdam writing her thesis on Marina’s art, Jane, an art teacher on holiday from Georgia, and we even hear from Marina herself. Through these characters and the exhibit, Rose explores all the different facets of love—what it’s like to be love and to love—, mourning and loss.
Rose’s prose is stunning it has a way of invoking strong images without overusing adjectives. For example, here the Arky, reflects on his life not only about love but about what it means to be an artist and to live creatively:
You would be amazed how rare it is for artists to feel moments of true satisfaction. When they’re inside their craft, inside colour or movement or sound, words or clay or pictures or dance, when they submit to the art, that is when they know two things – the void that is life and the pull that is death. The grand and the hollow. The best reflects that. To be such harbingers of truth is not without its cost. It’s no easy task to balance a sense of irrelevance with the longing for glory, the abyss with the applause.
I highly, highly recommend this one, even if you’re not into performance art—I wasn’t. I don’t think it’s something you need to get something from this narrative.
Random side note: I am so excited to see two non fiction pieces on my top books of the year. I’ve been trying hard to read more especially after reading these two.
The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer
I wanted to read this book even since I saw her Ted Talk – which is this an extension of. This is an inspiring guide for artists, creators and, really, humans everywhere. I’m in awe of the trust Amanda has in her fans and her ability to share her entire life with them. And I mean everything from raising over a million dollars on Kickstarter to marriage problem and crippling self-doubt. Amanda knows first hand that asking is scary but also that it’s a gift that’s in constant circulation. This is a story I will return to again and again, whenever I’m looking for a pick-me-up.
So if you need help, just do as Amanda say and take that doughnut!
The Hate Race by Maxine Benabe Clarke
Maxine Benabe Clarke is one of my favourite authors. I will buy anything this woman put her name too. She is incredible. I do have a full review of this one so I’ll sum up my thoughts. Clarke’s prose is magical and still contains that innate rhythm and melody of her poetry. This book is heartbreaking. It highlights and showcases all the casual and everyday racism, which is embedded in our culture. Having this book is an invaluable insight into an experience I am fortunate enough to never have. I highly recommend. This book is significant in the fight against racism and a move towards an accepting and inclusive future.
That’s all for me. Comment down below and let me know if you’ve read any of these and which books topped your 2017 reading.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and until next time, happy reading!
Dearna
Top 5 Characters on the Naughty List!
Hi again! Today’s topic is the character we think would be on Santa’s naughty list. These can be villains or just characters you don’t like!
Top 5 Wednesday was created over on BookTube by the wonderful Laniey at gingerreadslaniey and run by the lovely Sam of Thoughts on Tomes . Also you can check out the Goodreads page for past and future topics.
Also warning this list may contain spoilers for Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh, See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt, the events of the Wars of the Roses, Dollface by Renee Rosen and A Certain Smile by Francosie Sagan. So if you have an interest in this book please read with caution!
These characters are listed in no particular order.
George Duke of Clarence
He is the middle surviving son of Richard Duke of York and he really does live up to the middle child syndrome. He’s spoilt, entitled and feels like he’s not getting his fair share of his brother, Edward IV’s kingdom. Twice Clarence raised arms against his brother in hope of being king and twice he begged from his brother’s mercy when it looked like he was on the losing side. Clarence was always present in the later dramas of the Wars of the Roses and in the end became quite paranoid that everyone was plotting for his land and titles. In the end it was his brother that sentenced him to death. He was drowned in a barrel of Malmsey Wine for treason. Ah yep this medieval prince would definitely be on the naughty list.
Uram
The Archangel serial killer who makes Jack the Ripper look benevolent is definitely a character who makes the naughty list. At times I couldn’t read the descriptions of the crime scenes because it was grim, dark and gory. Uram is from Nalini Singh’s Angels’ Blood.
Benjamin
For me, Benjamin’s on this list because I didn’t think he was necessary to the story. He is the fourth POV character of Sarah Schmidt’s See What I’ve Done. I loved this book and I like Sarah’s writing is stunning, however I just don’t think Benjamin needed to be there even though I liked this sections. So for that reason alone, Benjamin makes my naughty list.
Vera Abramowitz
Okay so Vera is a character I don’t like for the choices she makes. She seems torn between two handsome and very dangerous men but really has no desire to give either up even as gang wars break out across Chicago. Again she seems to have the perfect life with her husband and family but can’t help but have an affair with the enemy. I had high hopes for this book and wasn’t a fan of how the focus was on Vera and her love triangle. So for this reason she’s on my naughty list.
Dominique
Okay this girl is just so unlikeable, but there is nothing about her that interested me about her. Thank god A Certain Smile is only a novella and I could finish the story. I can see why Francoise Sagan’s writing is compared to The Great Gatsby but for me it lacked the excitement and whimsy of Fitzgerald’s work. Dominique was your stereotypical bored, apathetic rich girl who didn’t care about anything. Definitely shows money can’t buy you happiness. Her lack of personality, goals and sympathy is why I think she’d make the naughty list.
That’s all for me. Comment down below and let me know if you agree with my judgement on these characters and which characters you nominate for Santa’s naughty list.
Until next time, happy reading!
Dearna
Top 5 Bookish Things I’m a Grinch About
Hi again! it’s been a while so I thought I’d so another Top 5 Wednesday. Today’s topic is the books we’re thankful for. In honour of NaNoWriMo wrapping up, we are discussing some authors we’d like to write like. Whether its their writing style, what genre they write in, or how many books they manage to churn out a year!
Top 5 Wednesday was created over on BookTube by the wonderful Laniey at gingerreadslaniey and run by the lovely Sam of Thoughts on Tomes . Also you can check out the Goodreads page for past and future topics.
They are listed in no particular order.
Insta Love
I love a slow burn relationship because it does feel more natural but also has room for angst and all the anxiety that comes with the warm and fuzzy feelings of a new relationship. Aside from fairytales I don’t see the need for this to be a feature of any book. Yes I will admit I complete trash for the whole mate, soulmate trope but I don’t like when they look at each other and bam their both head over heels in love. I do love the whole happy ending, if I’m looking for something fluffy, but guess I’m old fashion and like the whole courting thing.
“She’s Not Like The Other Girls”
For me I feel like this just feeds into the whole idea what women and girls should tear each other down and compete over jobs and man rather than support each other and embrace our differences. Whenever this saying pops up in a book I roll my eyes. I feel like how is insulting other girls a good things? I don’t get it. It’s not romantic and really needs to stop! Please and thank you.
Changing Formats
I like books to look pretty on my selves and I keep my series together so nothing annoys me more than when a book changes cover or size half was through the series. The ones that annoy me most are; The Vampire Academy which became taller paperback and The Morganville Vampires which went from mass market paperbacks to the more standard size paperback which is really popular. Not sure if I’ll end up replacing them because I don’t really have an interested in rereading them but it still frustrates me. So please publishers stop changing covers and formats halfway through the series!!
Movie Covers
I don’t feel like I need to say too much on this one since most readers aren’t too fond of the movie cover but I had to include it. Personally, I don’t like people on my covers so the movie covers always annoy me and the original book cover designs are normally stunning and relate to the book rather than some actor’s face.
Lack of Platonic Relationships Between Boys and Girls
This one relates to the whole love triangle/shape thing. How come all these guys she’s meeting all have to be romantic interests? Why can’t they be friends? Lots of people have friends of the opposite gender who they haven’t be interested in and/or been in a relationship. I think it would be nice to see more of.
That’s all for me. Comment down below and let me know if any of these thing annoy you or some of your bookish pet peeves.
Until next time, happy reading!
Dearna
November 2017 Wrap Up
Hello!
I am here with my November 2017 Wrap Up! These are the book I read in November. I took part in Nonfiction November and am very pleased that I read 3 nonfiction books, which doubles the nonfiction I’ve read this year.
I read a total of 10 books which was way more than I thought. I read 3 Nonfiction, 1 Contemporary, 2 Historical Fiction, and 4 Fantasy.
Onto the ratings!
Top 5 Authors you’d Like to Write Like
Hi again! it’s been a while so I thought I’d so another Top 5 Wednesday. Today’s topic is the books we’re thankful for. In honour of NaNoWriMo wrapping up, we are discussing some authors we’d like to write like. Whether its their writing style, what genre they write in, or how many books they manage to churn out a year!
Speaking of NaNoWriMo, I am currently participating so hence why this post is late. Sorry!
Top 5 Wednesday was created over on BookTube by the wonderful Laniey at gingerreadslaniey and run by the lovely Sam of Thoughts on Tomes . Also you can check out the Goodreads page for past and future topics.
All the authors are listed in no particular order. And they’re all amazing and highly recommend that you read their work!
Sharon Kay Penman
I am in awe of this women’s work! They way she is able to add in all the necessary historical details and settings without getting in the way of her story. Also all her books are massive but don’t feel dragged out or weighed down by the page numbers. Penman’s ability to weave in the history and bring characters to life is something I’d like to achieve in my own work. When reading her books she has me hoping that maybe something different will happen and leaves me devastated it plays out like the history and tragedy ensues.
Kirsty Logan
I fell in love with Kirsty Logan’s work from the opening line of The Gracekeepers. Her poses has a poetic beauty and there’s a fairytale whimsy to her worlds that I adore. The way she’s able to mix fairytales with her narrative while given them new life is amazing—especially since I see ‘fairytale inspired’ or ‘fairytale retelling’ and by the book. I am so excited for a new book with is coming out next year. I love the fact that she uses the fairytales and folklore of her Scottish homeland. For me, I would love to be able to write in a lyrical fashion and weave in the folk stories I love.
Lani Taylor
Lani Taylor is a new discover for me, I read her Daughter of Smoke and Bone series earlier this and damn this girl can write! The prose is lyrical and her description are poetic. The world she created in this series is stunning and unlike any that I’ve read before and she has this way of uncovering the world and the creatures slowly revealing more each book. She’s found a way to balance a beautiful writing style with engaging and inventive world building and that this why she’s on this list.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald is hands down one of my favourite writers—next year I am hoping to read the rest of his works. His writing is breathtaking and feels effortless. He has a way of creating these deeply profound but succinct character descriptions. The way he built his characters was incredible. They are all deeply flawed human beings who at times frustrate you. His stories aren’t plot driven and it’s his group of very unlike characters that pull you through the narrative. You may not like them but you sure what to know how their lives turned out and if they will pay for their horrid life choices. I hope that I can learn something from his work and be able to create complex and engaging characters.
Conn Iggulden
Conn Iggulden’s Wars of the Roses series is amazing—even if he took the Shakespearian approach to my poor Richard. What makes his work so amazing is that he’s able to make these historical figures feel like fully formed people, like what you get in a fantasy or contemporary novel. All the history is there but it seems to unfold from these characters effortlessly so much so that at times I had to remind myself what genre I was reading. I am definitely going to pick up his other series. I’m interested to see what he’s done with The Huns and the Romans. I would love to be able to make historical characters feel like vivid and like they could jump of the page at any moment.
That’s all for me. Comment down below and let me know if you’ve read any of these or some of the books you’re thankful for.
Until next time, happy reading!
Dearna
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