January + February Book Reviews

Wednesday, March 09, 2016
January + February Book Reviews
Throughout the past couple of months, I have bought at least 15 e-books for my Kindle app, most of which were less than £2 so I couldn't say no and then at the end of February and the beginning of March, I bought 15 paperback and hardback books from The Works and Amazon. I've already posted my book haul post. I've been constantly reading, buying books and watching booktube this year so there will be more book related posts from now on; here's my January and February book reviews.

- Not That Kind Of Girl by Lena Dunham: I read this on my iPad via my Kindle app and I can't recommend it enough! The book is very honest, open and frankly a bit too revealing, so much so that it can be shocking. I didn't really know anything about Lena Dunham, the star of Girls, before I read this book so I had no idea what to expect but it was an interesting, entertaining read that made me get back into reading although it does deal with pretty difficult topics such as rape, mental illness to an extent and sexual relationships but it is told in a light way as if she was talking to a friend but this book won't be for everyone! Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

- Luminaries by Eleanor Catton: This book is probably the longest book I've read at 849 pages and it took me about three weeks to read but the cover drew me in as well as all the positive reviews. The book starts very slowly and I was about 25% through the book and I thought I wouldn't finish it but it did become very interesting and gripping, however then it disappointed me as the last 25% or more of the book was far, far too rushed! Also there are SO many main characters in the book as well as so many perspectives that it can be very difficult to keep up and I was very disappointed with the ending as it just seemed to end so abruptly and I wanted to know more about the characters final endings. However, I'm glad I read it and I did enjoy it but it did let me down in a few ways. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

- The Cuckoos Calling by J.K. Rowling: Technically I finished this book at the beginning of March but I read most of it in February - I read it in a couple of days. I love J.K. Rowling's writing, it is SO easy and effortless to read! It is an interesting, mystery novel and I adore the main character Cormoran Strike, so much so that I have bought the second book. It wasn't as bloody, thrilling or mysterious as I thought it would and I thought the ending was a little rushed, leaving a couple of questions unanswered but overall I loved it and I can't recommend it enough. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

- Tyme's End by B.R. Collins: I was drawn to this book as the blurb sounded similar to the plot of Crimson Peak, the relatively new film that I really want to watch. The book starts as if it is a teen, angsty novel but then it focuses on the two main characters explaining and exploring the history of the house (called Tyme's End) at two difficult time points. The story was explained well and it was easy to read but as the book was split into three characters perspectives, the first of which didn't appear again in the rest of the book, made it feel quite disjointed. It was interesting and I read it very quickly but it was overall disappointing and the whole book had an air of predictable melancholy about it which left me a little let down and a little sad at the end of the book. I thought it would be far, far more horror filled or thrilling but it definitely wasn't, sadly. Overall rating: ★★★☆☆, 3/5.

- How To Connect With Nature by Tristan Gooley: I received this book as part of my digital detox experience and I read it so quickly even though it isn't a book I would have ever picked up. It was a bit repetitive but it had interesting facts that I didn't know before. I think it would be great if you're interested in nature and how to experience it to it's fullest but it's probably not for the experienced. It was enjoyable to an extent and it was easy to read.  Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

March TBR: The Twits by Roald Dahl, The First Fifteen Lives Of Harry August by Claire North and Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Have you read any of these books? What books are you reading this month? 

15 comments

  1. I still can't believe I haven't read the Cuckoo's calling, being the biggest J.K.Rowling fan. So pleased you thought it was brilliant too. I'm halfway through Lena Dunham's but I definitely wish I'd have known who she was first as it took a little while to gage her character. Fab writing though!

    Elle
    www.theellenextdoor.com
    xx

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  2. I LOVED the Cuckoo's Calling! Are you going to read the next one in the series? That's great too!

    Zoe x | www.zoelinda.co.uk

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    1. I am, I've bought the second and I'm going to start it when I've finished The First Fifteen Lives Of Harry August - can't wait x

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  3. I really wanna read Lena's book!
    Pam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥

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  4. Great post. x

    www.themakeupaficionado.com

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  5. Sometimes I fear that getting kindle bargains means getting so many books I'll never be able to finish my to-read list.

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    1. Same but they are so cheap, I can't help myself x

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  6. I definitely need to get back into reading as I really enjoy it but just don't find enough time in the day lately. I love romance novels so the latest book I finished was Me Before You x

    Beauty with charm

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    1. I've heard great things about Me Before You but I'm not really into romance books x

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  7. Not That Kind Of Girl is on my wishlist - great reviews! :) x

    Evelyn @ We Were Raised By Wolves

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  8. I love the Cormoran Strike series! I'd love if book 4 comes out this year but I have a feeling that it'll be next year.

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