Something I had missed immensely when working silly hours as a Science teacher was being able to read. My Mum and Dad will tell you, I have always been a keen reader, filling many bookcases at theirs and in our new house since. Simon bought be a kindle at Christmas and even though I thought I would hate it… I now LOVE it. Being able to store endless books in a device the size of a 100 page book is amazing! Also, usually I can purchase the books for cheaper than a paperback and save trees!! Now, don’t get me wrong… I love holding a book and I also love sharing books, which is a downside to the kindle.

So since travelling my eagerness to read has returned and since leaving I have already read a total of 5 books!!

Many people keep giving me recommendations and my kindle is full and ready to go with many more, but I wanted to summarise what i’ve read so far for some of the people I have met on the road and also for my fellow readers back home.

Flawed – Cecilia Adhern

Cecilia Adhern you may more commonly know as the author of books such as p.s. I love you and where rainbows end. Flawed is her first young adult novel and as I love her writing style so much I thought I would give it a go. Flawed is a 2 parter with Perfect being released in April next year. It has a similar feel to the Divergent trilogy and Hunger games and my worry is that at times it feels like a bit of a copy of those. It follows a girl called Celestine living in a world where you will be branded flawed if you step out of line morally or socially. As with the Hunger Games and Divergent it has a coming of age spin to it. It’s a good book and I will definitely read the second part.

I give it 3.5 koalas out of 5.

 

The Secret Life of Bees – Sue Monk Kidd

This book was recommended to me by Loveday and I have been meaning to read it for years. I tried to summarise this book earlier to someone and I struggled. It follows a 14 girl called Lily Owens who is struggling with the lose of her mother early in her life and an abuse father. She runs away with her housekeeper Roseleen and is taken in by a family of 3 sisters who are bee keepers. The book hits of the topics of abuse, the stages of grief, religion and primarily black repression in America. It is a beautiful book and I really enjoyed reading it. Apparently, it’s a movie too so i’ll have to check that one out.

I give it 4 out of 5 koalas

 

Love Lies – Adele Parks

I was in desperate need of a pick me up girly book a few weeks ago so decided on Adele Parks as it was free. The book follows Fern, a soon to be 30 year old woman who feels she deserves a proposal from her live in long term boyfriend Adam. When this doesn’t happen she meets a famous musician called Scottie and a whole lot of stuff happens. It’s really lighthearted and easy to read, and actually not as predicitable as you might except. I did eventually figure out the twist but it took a while.

I give it 4 out of 5 koalas.

 

Keeping Faith – Jodi Picoult

Let’s start by saying I love Jodi Picoult books. I love that they are realistic and a little sad in places (weird I know). Jodi Picoult is the author of My sisters keeper and many many other beautiful books. This book however was not my favourite. The main character is Faith, a 7 year old girl who claims to be seeing a guard (God) after the breakdown of her parents relationship.  The story follows the custody battle between the parents and the media and religious onslaught that Faith receives as a result of her claims. At about 99% I realised I wouldn’t receive a proper conclusion to the story and the characters and was left pretty disappointed. It was hard to read at times and a little repetitive. Sorry Jodi, i’m going to trust this was a 1 time mistake and remain loyal.

I give it 1.5 out of 5 koalas

 

Summers child – Diana Chamberlain

I found Diana through my Mum, who told me she was like Jodi Picoult. Wooo! Who doesn’t like to find a new author. I have enjoyed all of her books previously so was happy to read another one of hers. Summers child is about a girl called Daria who finds a baby abandoned on the beach one Summer early in the morning. When the identify of the mother cannot be found out she us adopted by Daria’s family and names Shelly. 20 or so years later Shelly is curious who her parents are and ropes in Rory, a tv investigator, to try and investigate the truth. Lots go on in the little town with lots of twists and turns and many underlying character stories. It was a good read, but was a little slow to get going. However, I did enjoy it.

I give it 3.7 koalas.

 

So what’s next for me…

Gone girl

12 years a slave

The Martian

Shantaran

The Girl on the Train

After you

The Art of Racing in the Rain

and many more… but these are a good start for now! !

Any recommendations, please let me know.