This month has been a great reading month and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read! There were two clear standout books that I thought were amazing, but overall, it has been a very good month. Let me know your favourite reads of the month in the comments!
I’ve read 7 books in July, which I think is the highest number of books I’ve read in a month so far this year. August is a big month for me as I’ve got to write my dissertation, so I’m expecting to read less. Although I am very excited to read As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson, anyone else?
The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
When one of my amazing friends kindly bought me this for my birthday, I knew I had to read it as soon as possible. I absolutely loved the Netflix adaptation and wanted to be immersed in the world again – and the book did not disappoint. It is witty, funny, and full of dark humour. The characters are well-crafted, the story is full of twists and the plot is good. I can’t wait to continue on with the series, but as this is the first of 13 books, I’m definitely going to be taking my time with the series.
Rating – ★★★★
Heartstopper Vol 1 by Alice Oseman
Heartstopper Vol 1 is amazing and cute and cosy, and I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to read. I cannot even cope with how cute Charlie and Nick are! I need more content from them asap and I am going to pick up Vol 2 today! I don’t usually read graphic novels and honestly, I’m not sure why because I love how easily digestible, they are! I devoured this in one sitting and I’m sure I’m going to love the rest of the series. If you haven’t read this one and you’re looking for a great LGBTQ+ read, get this, you won’t be disappointed!
Rating – ★★★★★
24 Hours to Change Your Life by Helen Redding
I’ve been in a bit of a slump lately, and I wanted to read a quick self-help book to get me out of my rut. This book was okay, but I found that it had a lot of obvious tips in or things that I’ve read before. Nonetheless, I did take away some new ideas that I’m going to implement into my daily life in order to try and get out of this slump.
Rating – ★★★
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
I tutor English and this was the text we were finishing in July. It was a re-read for me, as I completed my EPQ at college on this and The Picture of Dorian Gray. I love this tale of good and evil, it’s a classic and one that I’d recommend even to those who are beginners with the classic genre. It is easy to digest, full of gothic landscapes and ideologies, and set upon the backdrop of the Victorian fin de siècle, where contemporary anxieties and fears are at their highest. If you’re looking for a gothic tale, I’d recommend!
Rating – ★★★★
You Are A Champion: How to be the Best you can be by Marcus Rashford
I absolutely loved You Are a Champion by Marcus Rashford, and I’ve wrote a full review which you can read here! This is a non-fiction, self-help book for children, written by footballer and activist Marcus Rashford. It is also co-written by journalist Carl Anka and psychologist Kate Warriner. It shows children to find their own voice, to dream big, and to remember that they are champions.
Rating – ★★★★★
The Secret Detectives by Ella Risbridger
The Secret Detectives is a children’s historical fiction novel inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s infamous novel The Secret Garden. When eleven-year-old Isobel Petty becomes an orphan, she is sent from India to live with a distant uncle in England. However, it is on the mail ship, that this story truly comes alive. Isobel witnesses a terrible crime and along with new friends Sameer and Lettie, they go out on a dangerous quest to unpick this mysterious crime. I loved how each of the main characters have their own personalities and Isobel’s sassiness really comes through, especially when Lettie is involved! I kindly received this ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Rating – ★★★★
Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I buddy read this with a friend of mine and I loved our discussion of this one. The Great Gatsby is one of, if not my favourite book of all time. It has a special place in my heart, and I also loved reading up on the author too. Tender is the Night, is a semi-autobiographical novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The writing was at times, beautiful and the author cleverly captures the Riviera in the 1920s. I did find myself lost a little with the writing, and the first book almost feels like a play, with all of the new characters that are introduced. That being said, I enjoyed this, and Fitzgerald expertly captures a society full of people who are powerful but unfortunately, ultimately become lost themselves.
Rating – ★★★★
Wishing you all a happy reading month in August!
Books and Baking 