This weeks post is something I've never done before and upon reading what it is, you may roll your eyes- I probably would have a few months ago.. but bare with me! I wanted to do some book reviews for someone who like me, is fairly new at 'reading for fun.' As you know, I moved home with my parents and wanted to find a new way of unwinding. I had an Argos voucher left over from Christmas and after thinking about it for weeks I treated myself to a Kindle.
I was only ever a 'poolside reader' but I wanted to better myself and start reading and enjoying it. I'm happy to say I'm a convert. I even take my Kindle to work and whack it out during my lunch breaks. So here, I have 3 books for an easy transition into reading.
1. GONE GIRL-Gillian Flynn
My first book I downloaded, I hadn't watched the film, I had just heard very good things and a few friends recommended for me to read it. So, feeling all smug and fancy with my brand new Kindle, I downloaded it.
I got into it straight away, the book is told by Nick and Amy, a couple facing some pretty intense drama. The chapters are narrated alternatively by the pair which kept me interested the whole way through. You saw both their views and the story was told in two different ways, eventually crossing into one as the plot drew to a head.
It was a really entertaining read and only took me about two weeks to finish because I was tuning it every night until my eyes couldn't stay open! I'm hesitant to watch the film because I don't want the characters in my head to be replaced by some flouncy Hollywood stars! Definitely a really easy read to ease you in.
2. WILD-Cheryl Strayed
Now, this book is probably my favourite. The character Cheryl, (who's also the author-it's a memoir to her travel) decides to trek along the PCT, a hiking trail from California to Washington, with zero training and no companion. I fell so in love with her character, she seemed so honest and real (go on, roll your eyes..) It was about her journey throughout, and had the perfect balance of what she was encountering along with stories from her past.
For me, I loved this read because Cheryl was discovering more about herself with every step of the trail. As with other books you know you're nearing the end as the plot untwists but with this every chapter was nearing closer to her final destination so you actually felt like you were moving along.
The ending of this one was really lovely and not really what I expected it to be, which I liked. I really do recommend, I promise you it will make you feel empowered and inspired to go and do something out of your comfort zone and also make you want to scream- "GIRL POWER." Also is it really embarrassing to admit that I felt really sad to leave this character? She was flipping amazing!
3. A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS-Khaled Hosseini
Now, this one is definitely more challenging then the previous two as it's very hard hitting. I hate to say I almost gave up with this but I kept hearing such good reviews I thought I need to power though and I'm SO glad I did.
The story tells of two women living in Afghanistan through the Soviet War and Taliban take over. The brutality and hardship is overwhelming and had me with a lump in my throat more than once! This book genuinely opened my eyes to some of the horrors around the world and has taught me about the abuse and violence that was endured. The book isn't necessarily about the war, just more about the tale of the ladies who are affected and living through it. I was so pleased that there was some hope of a happy ending, the bond between the two women Laila and Mariam is full of bravery and hope. You need to give this a read!
(lol that I paired my kindle with cacti, I was gonna do a 'coffee and kindle' shot but a)Boring b)I wanted to show off these gorgeous little creatures.)
What books do you recommend?
A Thousand Splendid Suns was just heartbreaking! I really want to read Gone Girl, I loved the film...I thought Rosamund Pike was brill in it! x
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