Reading is my most loved hobby – it makes me feel relaxed, and it has the ability to take me away from the present world and enter somewhere completely different! So I thought, as a little series, I would do a books I’ve read recently! When I have a small bundle of books that I have read, I will come on here and have a chat with you about them!
Book 1: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Askaban (J.K Rowling)
I started off 2020 by reading (for the second time) everyone’s favourite wizard! I read the first two Harry Potter’s at the end of last year, and of course, it’s a great way to end and start a year! If you’re not familiar (I mean, I hope you are), this book follows Harry Potter in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. During this year, he discovers hidden secrets about his family, plays some damn good quidditch and meets a werewolf! I don’t think I will ever get bored or get enough of Harry Potter, it always provides me with the perfect escape.
Book 2: Love, As Always Mum xxx (Mae West)
This one is a heavy one! It is an autobiography from the daughter of Fred and Rose West – Gloucestershire’s most notorious serial killers. Crime and law will always be a fascination for me and reading something by a person who has had first hand experience can allow you to learn so much more than what the media reports, or the gruesome facts. It is emotional and gripping, and I finished it within two days.
Book 3: Rachel’s Holiday (Marian Keyes)
It took me a while to get into this one, but once I had, I really enjoyed it! The story follows Rachel, who is Irish, but has moved to Manhattan with her best friend Brigit. It is apparent that Rachel is a drug addict, but she won’t realise it – until she is shipped off to drug rehab back in Ireland. It focuses on love, sex, friendship, and denial. You will end up loving, hating, sympathising, and cherishing Rachel. Marian Keyes has recently announced that the sequel is currently being written, I’ll definitely be purchasing when it’s released!
Book 4: Cilka’s Journey (Heather Morris)
Another heavy one! This is the sequel to ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ and, as a sequel, it does not let it down. The story follows Cilka, who was taken to Auschwitz at the age of sixteen – she is then charged as a collaborator to the Nazi’s by the Russians and is sent to Vorkuta (a prison camp in Siberia). It primarily tells the story of Cilka’s journey in Vorkuta, with flashbacks to Auschwitz and her family life beforehand. Again, I finished it within 2 days.
Book 5: Normal People (Sally Rooney)
I can’t even put into words how much I fell in love with this book. I fell in love with the storyline, the characters, Ireland, and Sally Rooney. It follows Connell and Marianne who were at school together, and then continue at college together. It primarily focuses on their relationship, and the obstacles and barriers that it faces. It has a heavy focus on sex, mental health, and relationships. I loved it completely – there isn’t much else to say other than READ IT!! It has been adapted to a BBC show which helped me to fall in love even deeper (didn’t know that was possible).
Book 6: Her Best Friend’s Secret (Anna Mansell)
This is the most recent book I have read. It follows four friends – Emily, Jess, Amanda and Lolly – who were best friends throughout school but drifted apart shortly after. Emily, who moved away, is now back in Cornwall and they reunite after years and years apart. It was lovely to read something that is focused on love between friends rather than between lovers, as it can be just as strong (if not stronger) and there isn’t a bond like it.
I am currently reading Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard – I loved the TV series and I have watched it completely five times. I thought it was about time to give the book series a go!
Until next time! 🦩💙
Lots of love, Emily
Blue Flamingo 