Read like Rory Gilmore – part one

I don’t know about you but I am really excited about the upcoming Gilmore Girls reunion shows. I love that show so much and am so excited to see what has happened in Stars Hollow.

I created the Read like Rory Gilmore board on Pinterest a few years ago so I could work my way through her extensive on-screen library. The original list of 339 titles was collated by Patrick Lenton – I just took his list and added some pretty pictures! I thought it would be fun to share some of my favourites from the list in honour of the reboot. The first books I’ve chosen to feature are ones that I consider to be classics. Do you have any favourites from the list?

classics

Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen | On the Road – Jack Kerouac | The Outsiders – S.E. Hinton | Howl – Allen Ginsberg | Complete Tales & Poems – Edgar Allen Poe | The Godfather – Mario Puzo

Book Review – The Wrath and the Dawn – Renée Ahdieh

wrathWhen I bought The Wrath and the Dawn and began reading it was like I had stepped into a new world. I’ve never read One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights) – the book upon which this story is based –  so I had absolutely no reference point but Ahdieh is a masterful storyteller. In this book she weaves a magical tale of the relationship between a courageous young woman and a damaged King, supported by a cast of characters so rich and diverse that I felt I was sharing the same air with them.

There are countless examples of Ahdieh’s brilliant writing in this book, I mean, the whole thing is outstanding. But there are gems scattered throughout which I highlighted with abandon. I think my favourite line out of the whole book – and it’s not anything profound, I just think it’s simple and beautiful is “And he smiled a smile to shame the sun.” That line makes my heart soar.

You won’t be able to put it down, I promise. I gave The Wrath and the Dawn 5 out of 5 stars
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Book review – Thicker than Water – Brigid Kemmerer

I finished reading a great book called Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer last week. It was actually a recommendation from a brilliant writer – Sarah Ayoub (follow her on Facebook too).

Thicker Than Water is a paranormal YA but the paranormal stuff develops in the last third of the book which I found really interesting. Usually the paranormal stuff is kind of in your face right from the get go. The first two thirds of the book were about getting to know the characters on a really personal level. I think developing this connection, particularly with the main male character Thomas is pretty important; you’ll understand why when you read the book.

Oh and the emergence of the paranormal stuff was so well done – it had me really questioning the feelings I’d developed for Thomas in particular. Was he a good guy or had he fooled us?

Thicker Than Water is an easy read and is perfect for when you want something quick but engaging. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
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