September Wrap Up

It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover was the first book I read this month, and the first Colleen Hoover book I’ve ever read. I know it may be controversial, but I loved this book. But it is important to separate the great artistry of the writing from the heavy themes when I say that. My favourite character was Lily, and I loved her relationship with Atlas. I didn’t like Ryle at all, but then again, who does? I liked reading the story, and finished the book very quickly. I would recommend this book to older teenagers, and I give it 4.5 stars.

The Stolen Ones by Vanessa Curtis was a book set in post WWII Germany. It follows the story of a girl living in Munich. She has a Jewish boyfriend which she obviously can’t tell her parents about. As the story unfolds, many crushing secrets are revealed. I did cry, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. It was a brilliant read, and I’d give it 5 stars!

The Princes in the Tower by Josephine Wilkinson is my non-fiction read of the month. As those who know me will tell you, I’m a major history nerd, and one of the most interesting areas of history to me is the 1400s – 1600s, and more specifically Richard III and the Princes in the Tower. I set out to read this book in the hopes that it would help me draw a more conclusive opinion on who I think killed the Princes. And while the book was brilliant and full of historical detail, I’m afraid to say that it left me even more confused! Was it Richard III? Was it Sir James Tyrell? The Duke of Buckingham? I suppose the Princes in the Tower will remain one of English history’s greatest mysteries! 4 stars!

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder written by Holly Jackson was the first crime thriller book I’ve ever read! And it did not disappoint! The book follows the story of a girl called Pippa Fitz – Amobi trying to get to the bottom of a murder that happened years ago, and trying to clear the name of the supposed “murderer”. The book was enthralling and I tore through it, enjoying every word. It took hold of me and never let go! I cannot wait to read the other books in the trilogy! This book definitely deserves 5 stars!

You’ve reached Sam by Dustin Thao. Where to begin with this book? It tore me apart emotionally like no other book ever has! The book tells the story of a grieving girlfriend who receives calls from her boyfriend beyond the grave. The book was heartbreaking, and it was one of those books that make you stare at a wall and sob for a minute. Even though I cried so much, the ending was good and the book has become one of my favourites! 5 stars! Shame I can’t give it more!

Dancing the Charleston by Jacqueline Wilson was one I listened to on audiobook. That’s not cheating. Is it? Anyway, I enjoyed the story and liked that it was set in the 1920s. I enjoyed the relationships between the characters, but my favourite characters were Benjamin Somerset and Mona (the main character). The only characters I didn’t like were Maggie Higgins and George Somerset. Even though it’s a book for younger children, it was nice to read something cheery and lighthearted, and return to one of my comfort authors. 3.5 stars.

Lastly, is White Bird: A novel by Wonder author, R.J Palacio. I’ve read the White Bird graphic novel countless times, and when I saw the book in my local library, I knew I had to give it a go. And it delivered! The book tells the story of a Jewish girl in hiding during WWII. My favourite character by far was Julien Beaumer. As all books about WWII do, it made me cry. 5 stars!