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October Reading Wrap Up

october-reading-wrap-up

This October was a good one, reading-wise. Partly because I finished all work ahead of schedule, and partly because of all those Kindle deals. I’d been introduced to books by authors I hadn’t known before, and for the most part, I loved it! There are books by one particular author that I wasn’t really impressed with, so much so that I felt like it was such a waste of money and time (especially since I bought three books altogether, never again!). But the rest made up for it, especially books by Nicola Yoon and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I’m now officially a fan.

Bloodstream by Tess Gerritsen

My friend recommended Tess Gerritsen a long time ago, but it wasn’t until now I got my hand on one of her books. It’s definitely a good thriller, with a detailed medical background (you might want to get yourself familiar with some of the medical terms so you wouldn’t get lost). The story itself is a bit unbelievable, and the ending isn’t quite satisfying. Still good though, and I’m curious to read more of her books. 3/5 stars.

Dear Stranger: Letters on the Subject of Happiness

I wrote a lot about this in this post, so I won’t write much here. This book helped me understand more about mental health and how to cope with it, and I found it useful. 3/5 stars.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

I know, the title was enough to put me off to be honest, but John Green recommends it in his vlog (in fact, he speaks highly of it). I adore John Green and his books, so I thought I’d give it a try. But oh god. This might be the worst book I’ve read this year, if not ever. Not even the setting of Paris could help this book. Save yourself from reading about ungrateful spoiled brats making too much of a big deal of inconsequential things. 1/5 star.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Even worse than Anna and the French Kiss, I wish I hadn’t bothered. 1/5 star, and I’m being generous here.

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

To my surprise, I found this book to be slightly more bearable than the other two. The characters are more mature (although still overly dramatic), and I felt that Perkins here did a better job in digging a bit deeper about their emotions. 2/5 stars

Behind Closed Doors by B A Paris

For a debut novel, B A Paris did well with this one. It’s not on a par with Gone Girl, but it’s definitely a page-turner. It was a harrowing and uncomfortable read (as you’d expect from a psychological thriller), and I found myself flinch every few pages. Paris definitely knows how to keep the readers engaged. Despite some flaws and the abrupt ending, I liked this book. 3/5 stars.

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

This book was only 2 quids on Kindle so I bought it on a whim, and I LOVED it. Lovable characters + unique story + unpredictable plot twist = an amazing read. The graphics and notes add more personal touch to the characters, which I always love. Unfortunately, the graphics aren’t too great on Kindle (I had to squint my eyes to be able to read the minuscule letters), so I’d recommend buying the paperback or hardcover for this one. 4/5 stars.

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

A short essay which was written based on Adichie’s personal experiences. This is the first piece from Adichie that I read, and I’ve fallen in love with this shrewd, eloquent, and opinionated woman. 5/5 stars.

Halloween Party by Agatha Christie

Compared to the other Poirot novels, this one is okay. It’s good, but I didn’t find the story compelling or interesting enough. It’s not that complex either so when the mystery is finally unraveled, I wasn’t surprised or excited or anything. 3/5 stars.

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2 Comments

  • Reply damasdamas

    Good reviews dix! Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon was so so adorable I can’t stop smiling while reading it (except for the sad bit). I actually enjoyed Anna and the French Kiss but not that much to continue on with the sequels. Can I also recommend some books for you based on your October reads?

    For enjoyable contemporaries :

    1. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (this one is LGBTQ and it is so cute)
    2. Am I Normal Yet? (The Spinster Club #1) by Holly Bourne (about a girl with severe OCD but it is really funny)
    3. Every Day (Every Day #1) by David Levithan (had some problems with it, but it made me think a lot)

    For thrillers :

    1.You (You #1) by Caroline Kepnes (so so creepy because it is told from the perspective of a stalker, in a second person point of view)
    2. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware (not my favourite, but I like the twists and turns)
    3. I See You by Clare Mackintosh (so gripping!)
    4. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart (Had some problems with it, but the writing is so beautiful and the whole book has a haunting quality to it)

    For feminists books :

    1. Everyday Sexism by Laura Bates (loved it. Such an important book about sexual harrasment)
    2. Only Ever Yours and Asking For It by Louise O’Neill (To be honest I can’t finish these two book because it is just so realy and creepy. But it is a very important feminist book)

    November 8, 2016 at 10:53 am
    • Reply Dixiezetha

      Thank you Dams! Agree about Everything, Everything. One of my favorites from this year’s read. And omg, thanks so much for the recommendations! Every Day, I See You, and Only Ever Yours have been on my list for ever, I really should get my hand on those, especially now after reading your short reviews. I read You by Caroline Kepnes last year and I didn’t like it somehow (which is a shame, because I had a high expectation after reading the reviews). Maybe it’s because I found it uncomfortable to be in the perspective of a psychopath, I just couldn’t wait to finish the book, and not in a good way. I guess it’s a love-it-or-hate-it kind of book. Anyway, all your recommendations have been noted, thanks once again 🙂

      November 9, 2016 at 11:40 am

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