Tag: Books


Jul
2017

July Book Haul

categories: Books

July 1st was my birthday so obviously I had to celebrate with some books. Unfortunately I got to the SPCA booksale later than usual so my SPCA book haul is smaller than usual. I do however have really great books:

  1. First of all, Reader’s Warehouse was giving away a free Harry Potter tote for any purchase of a Harry Potter book. This was a perfect time for me to order the new edition of Philosopher’s Stone. This was a birthday present from my mother and was delivered just before my birthday. The tote is my new book bag. Book sales, here I come.

Reader's Warehouse Book Haul

2. SPCA Bookhaul- It still makes me really sad that my haul was so small but these were all books that I really wanted so I was really excited to find them. I read Evermore and the Vampire Academy books already and I am so thrilled to finally own them. I’ve also wanted to read “Evernight” and “Night World” since I was in high school.

SPCA Bookhaul

3. Bargain Books Haul- THEY WERE ALL ON SALE AND THEY WERE YA AND I HAVE WANTED THESE BOOKS SINCE I WAS BORN AND CAN YOU TELL HOW HAPPY I AM RIGHT NOW???

Bargain Books

4. Birthday Books from my aunt- I love love love when family members buy me books.

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5. Book Case Haul- Okay this was just one book but the book merch was awesome so it all needs to be taken into account.

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6. And last but not least, I visited Bargain Books after work one Saturday just because I could. I already read November 9 but it is amazing and this cover is gorgeous and it is ALL MINE!!!

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What books have you bought recently? I’d love to know below.


Jul
2017

Inside the June Book Case Box

categories: Books

The Book Case is a book box based in South Africa- it’s actually the only book box I know of that is based in SA. I’ve always wanted to ordered a Book Case box for never got around to actually doing so (mainly because I was unemployed but I don’t like talking about that time of my life). I ordered a box for my birthday and was thrilled when it finally arrived.

 

It's a treasure chest of bookishness
It’s a treasure chest of bookishness

 

Doesn’t it look gorgeous? The Book Case Box always has amazing bookish goodies inside and the June box did not disappoint.

 

INSIDE THE BOX:

  1. The book was Flame in The Mist by Renee Ahdieh: I was too scared to buy a box without knowing what the book was so I did some research beforehand to see if I wanted the book. Obviously I did because I LOVE Renee Ahdieh’s writing.

Flame

2.  A House of Targaryen coaster: I don’t really watch Game of Thrones but I am obsessed with Daenerys so I loved this. I don’t think I’m going to use it though. I’m probably just going to keep it and look at it. Don’t judge my weirdness.

Coaster

3. Mockingjay Keyring: I have wanted a mockingjay item for so very long and now I have one! *Squeals with joy*

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4. A Court of Thorns and Roses bracelet and necklace: The bracelet is a star while the necklace is decorated to look like the Night Court sky. I’ve been using these two nonstop since I got them.

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Fact- this is the main reason why I bought this book box. I desperately wanted ACOTAR merch
Fact- this is the main reason why I bought this book box. I desperately wanted ACOTAR merch

 

5. Hermione’s Enchantment Candle: I really like the way this smells

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6. A “Flame in the Mist” print: I’m not too sure what I’m going to do with this but I’ve never had a print before so I’m feeling pretty pleased with myself. Also, if this book turns out to be anything like “The Wrath and the Dawn” I’m going to get obsessed with it and having the print will be a great way to show that.

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I was really happy with my box and I absolutely recommend it to all the bookworms out there. I have always wanted a book box and I’m glad we finally have one in South Africa. You can find out more about The Book Case or order your own box here.


Jul
2017

Book Review: One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

categories: Books, Reviews

One of Us Is LyingOne of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and took ages to read it because I thought it would let me down. I had built this book up in my head to be totally amazing and I was scared that it wouldn’t meet my expectations. Luckily, I was wrong. This book was enthralling and I could not stop reading it. I actually felt sad once it ended because I had grown so attached to the characters (Death does tend to bring people closer. Just read this book if you don’t believe me).
Five very different students end up in detention after a misunderstanding…and then one of them dies. Simon’s death is quick and very carefully planned. The question is who did it? Simon ran a gossip blog and was not very well-liked. Anyone could have killed him. Unfortunately for the other student’s who were in detention with Simon, he knew secrets about them that he had planned to reveal the very next day.
This book should be called “All of Us are Lying” because everyone here has secrets which makes for an incredible story with several plot twists. This is a well-written book with characters that you can’t help but feel sorry for.
The ending was pretty obvious to me but it didn’t make it any less shocking. This was a beautiful, gripping read and I DEMAND THAT EVERYONE READS IT. EVERYONE!!!I don’t care who you are or what your reading preferences are. Just read this book. I promise you won’t regret it.

View all my reviews


Jul
2017

Fiction Friday: Book Review- Run by Kody Keplinger

categories: Books, Reviews

RunRun by Kody Keplinger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bo and Agnes should not be friends. Bo is the town’s typical bad girl while Agnes is considered a sweet angel by the town. They’re total opposites. Or are they?
When Bo and Agnes meet, they become fast friends. One day, things get too bad for Bo at home and she decides to run away. Agnes joins her. Their journey away from their small town and the events leading up to it form part of this story.
I thought this was an interesting story but it felt a bit lacking. There were several questions I had that were left unanswered at the end of the book. This was a quick read but I enjoyed it and I could not put it down. I loved how different Bo and Agnes were from each other. It was refreshing to see such a deep bond between females.
The characters in this book were all amazingly well-written and well-developed. I just wish that the ending was more complete. Reading this book was incredible but the ending left me feeling a bit empty.

View all my reviews


Jun
2017

Fiction Friday: Book Review- A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)

categories: Books, Reviews

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3)A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m not sure how to review this without spoilers but I’m going to try anyway. This review may contain spoilers for the first two books in the series but I’m guessing you read them already if you’re reading reviews for ACOWAR (if you haven’t read them, go read them. They’re amazing and well-written and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM SO VERY MUCH!!!).

Feyre is back with Tamlin the Tool but this time she is determined not to let him push her aside. She is thirsty for revenge and she WILL have it. Honestly I didn’t expect much from Feyre- what was she going to do to Tamlin in his own court? Deny him sex as punishment for ruining her and her sisters’ lives? However this is not the Feyre we knew. This is no meek girl. This is the new Lady of the Night Court. She is dark and she embraces it.
My biggest issue with this book is that it was not as compelling as ACOMAF. I reread ACOTAR and ACOMAF while waiting for this to release. While ACOTAR was kind of boring at times, I found ACOMAF impossible to put down. ACOWAR however just tired me out at times and I found myself putting the book away just so I could get a break from the world (maybe Tamlin is just that boring). It was definitely difficult to read this book especially knowing that it was the end. Once things were in action, they were IN ACTION. I had to read during my breaks, during meals, before bedtime. And then the book ran out of pages and I had to go cry. What did I do with my life before I waited for ACOWAR to release? Did I even have a life?
I loved that I saw the return of so many characters that I loved throughout the series. ACOWAR also completes the first part of this series in a way that is both satisfying but still leaves room open for more. I can’t wait to read more about this world. Can the next book release already???

View all my reviews


Jun
2017

Fiction Friday: Book Review- Spring at Blueberry Bay by Holly Martin

categories: Books, Reviews

Spring at Blueberry BaySpring at Blueberry Bay by Holly Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bella has been abandoned by her parents as a kid. She is also very broke. But when she finds a homeless man, Isaac on her doorstep, she takes him in and shares her last meal with him. What Bella doesn’t know is that Isaac is lying to her and is not who he seems to be.
I can’t say more without giving too much of the story away but if you’ve read Holly Martin’s other books then you probably will be able to predict the story. This book reminded me of Holly Martin’s other books so at first, I wasn’t really interested. It just seemed like a story that was told one too many times before. However I love Holly Martin’s writing so I pushed though and I’m glad that I did. Bella and Isaac are an adorable couple. It pissed me off that he lied to her but I eventually got over it. I loved their chemistry in this book and was really sad once it was over. Like all Holly Martin books, this one is full of colourful characters and I cannot wait to read more. I’ve developed an attachment to Bella’s cousins and would love to see them all get their happy endings.

View all my reviews


May
2017

Fiction Friday: Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

categories: Books, Reviews

Saint AnythingSaint Anything by Sarah Dessen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I know lots of people love Sarah Dessen’s work but I have never been one of them. Her books always seemed really boring to me (with the exception of the one book about the girl working in a cafe, I don’t remember the title but I know I loved it). In retrospect though, I blame my dislike of Dessen on the fact that I was too young to really appreciate her work.
This book, on the hand, was really great to read. I found it comforting and entertaining. The story begins with Sydney who is at a trial where her brother is arrested. Sydney has always felt invisible in her brother’s shadow and now that her brother is in prison, things are no different. Needing some change in her life, Sydney changes school and meets Mac and Layla who become her new family.
I really related to Sydney’s character which was the main reason why I liked this book so much. It felt like catching up with an old friend. This was a quick easy read and I will definitely have to go find the rest of Sarah Dessen’s books (especially the cafe one-is it called something to do with desserts? I feel like it is). I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary novels.

View all my reviews


May
2017

Fiction Friday: My Seven Favourite Contemporary Romance Authors

categories: Books

I don’t always read contemporary romance but when I do, I go for authors that I’ve already read before. Here are seven of my favourite contemporary romance authors.

 

My 7 Favourite Contemporary Romance Authors

 

  1. Nora Roberts- I feel like most of the world is obsessed with Nora Roberts and rightfully so. Her characters are real and her writing feels soothing. I’ve yet to find a Nora Roberts book that I didn’t enjoy.
  2. Lisa Kleypas- Like Nora Roberts, reading Lisa Kleypas books soothes me. I think it’s because I’ve read them all so often that rereading them feels like coming home to an old friend.
  3. Rachel Morgan- Rachel Morgan writes contemporary YA romance as Richelle Morgan. Her Trouble series is one of my all-time favourite YA contemporary books. It still breaks my heart that the series is over. The books were SOO good.
  4. Jennifer Gracen- Another automatic go-to author is Jennifer Gracen. Her characters usually have some sort of darkness or issue holding them back but it just makes me love them more.
  5. Holly Martin- Holly Martin’s books are light and lovely and they make me want to curl up in bed with a snack and read read read. LOVE THEM!
  6. Joanne Macgregor- I haven’t read that many YA contemporary romances by Joanne Macgregor (just Scarred which I really enjoyed!) but I love her writing and how real her characters are. She’s recently released a contemporary retelling of The Little Mermaid called Hushed.
  7. Kody Keplinger- I loved loved LOVED The Duff book and the movie. I haven’t read anything else by Kody Keplinger but it’s fine. I trust her writing. Also, I kinda threw myself at her books when I found them on sale at the bookstore (there was only one copy of each left and I didn’t want anyone else to get them).

What are some of your favourite contemporary books and authors? What authors do you buy even if you don’t know much about their books? I’d love to know below.


May
2017

5 Bookish Gift Ideas

categories: Books

Have a bookish bestie? Need a birthday gift for them? Here are 5 ideas for gifts for the bookworm in your life

 

  1. A Kindle (or another newer Kindle if the bookworm already has one)- For those who don’t mind eBooks, Kindles are beyond amazing. You can store tons of your favourite books and read them on the go. I would gladly sacrifice my firstborn for one. (Kids just get in the way of your reading anyway).
  2. Book vouchers- I’ve never been gifted with a book voucher and this makes me sad. But if you give the bookworm in your life a book voucher, know that they will appreciate it immensely. It’s like you bought them a book but you let them choose the book (which is also another idea).
  3. A book- Okay this one is obvious but still a goodie. If you’re not sure what books they already have, go with treasured boxset. Like the pretty Harry Potter ones with the matching spines. Swoon.
  4. Bookmarks- Some bookworms really like bookmarks. Personally I always lose mine but I appreciate them nonetheless. Exclusive Books and Bargain Books have some really great bookmarks.
  5. Cash (so that they can buy books)- nuff said.

What gift suggestions do you have for a bookworm? What’s the one gift you always wanted? I’d love to know below.


May
2017

The “Treat Yo Self” Book Haul

categories: Books

Last weekend  was the SPCA booksale and since I’m now a working adult, I decided to treat myself (because I totally never treated myself before I got a job). This is my book haul:

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And of course, no SPCA booksale haul is complete without a Bargain Books haul. I also visited two bookstores with regular priced books just so I could tell the books that I had a job but I still wouldn’t be buying them because they were expensive AF. I know, I have issues.

 

Bargain Books was having an Autumn sale but I only bought these two books… Because I already owned all the other books that were on sale. Think I might have to stop visiting Bargain Books so often.

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This picture might appear upside down because WordPress hates me and delights in messing up my blog.

What books did you buy most recently? And more importantly, do you own a print copy of ACOWAR? Let me know below.

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