The Little Library Project

It was so refreshing to read a thriller that didn't follow the standard Whodunnit format! Whilst Black Thorn has the staple elements that every murder mystery needs, the premise of the book - a shiny new housing estate that's evacuated created plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing as to who the true culprit was. It was an easy to read book with a diverse range of characters that allowed the author to touch on a few societal issues and it was all handled extremely tactfully. A brilliant read that I'm sure will be a success.

  Since reading The Night Circus and Caraval books years ago, I'm been on the hunt for another Circus based story to get into and this one absolutely delivered. The First Bright Thing is set in the roaring twenties, when the world is settling back down after the devastating First World War and Rin is travelling America with her troop of performers. But this circus is different; instead of tricks and illusions, each performer has their own special gift - Their Spark.  But Rin is hiding from her past; a rival Ringmaster is desperate to join forces despite having a very different agenda.  This story was definitely darker than other Circus based books that I've read but held something special as the characters dipped in and out of not only social issues, but politics too. I have a feeling this book is going to be very popular and I'll definitely be seeking it out for my collection on publication day!

I'm really glad that I was approved an advanced reading of The Situationship. As a thirty-something female, I'd be lying if I said i hadn't found myself in a similar situation.  And that's why I'm convinced this book is going to do well. It will be a struggle to find someone that hasn't been impacted by the always existed by newly labelled relationship status of a "situationship" - the prelude to the "What Are We?" conversation.  Tia is such a loveable character, and seeing the conversation around POC in the workplace, education and the expectations in those environments was well done in the subplots. We couldn't help but root for Nate (we've all had a Nate I'm sure) but at the same time, his language and behaviours are all too familiar.  I'm excited for this book to be read. It echoes the message that we all know but rarely listen to - don't settle for less than you deserve and in a world where communication is expected s...

  I have no shame in admitting that I wouldn't have even heard of this book if it wasn't for Harry Styles. But the reason I LOVED it, was of course - for many other reasons.  Beginning in the 1950's, the story follows Marion, her school-girl crush on her best friends brother Tom, and his subsequent turmoil over his sexuality.  It's hard to do this book justice and not undersell it.  The relationships in this book are complex, and the reasons for it are steeped in the prejudice against homosexuality. The characters are stunningly written and the angst and sadness felt by all characters at various stages and well portrayed.   If you enjoyed The Hearts Invisible Furies, then I urge you to read this.  I haven't yet watched the film, however I have been told that elements of the plot have been amended for cinematic purposes so even if you've drawn judgement on the film - give the book a try. It was stunning. 

  Started:  Thursday 14th July 2022 Finished: Saturday 16th July 2022 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Another book where I watched the film first but many years ago and subsequently, bought the book which sat on my bookshelf until this week. Perks of Being A Wallflower is a series of letters written by Charlie, 15 years old and learning what it is to be a teenager.   From early on, it’s clear that he doesn’t feel like a typical teenager. His descriptions about his feelings and how he perceives the social situations around him may purposely written in a way to make the reader believe that he experiences neuro divergence but this is never confirmed in the book.   His writing matures throughout the letters, possibly a nod to the reading projects he’s set by Bill, a teacher at his school but also his confidence growing owed to his friendship with Sam and Patrick.   He grows as a person over the course of the writing, including his understanding of social cues and theories behind wh...

  Started: Sunday 10th July 2022 Finished: Wednesday 13th July 2022 Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had a bit of a book-hangover from Orphans of the Storm so this one took a little longer to get into but We Are Not Like Them was such a powerful read, I'm glad I stuck with it. It only took me around 60 pages to be hooked and launch myself full into this version of the world that very much exists.  I've always struggled with Non-Fiction books - whilst I've read a few over the years I find them difficult to take in, for that reason I am making a concerted effort to understand social issues through Fiction works, taking time to understand that authors are drawing on their own experiences to educate and inform readers of how the world really works.  Set back in 2019, We Are Not Like Them is based in Philadelphia, a young black teen is shot by police after being mistaken for the criminal. The story focusses on two perspectives - best friends since childhood, Jenny and Riley are now sat o...