What I've Been Reading In July

Hey guys!

How has your week been? I finished my first work experience on Friday - can't believe I was there for a whole month! Kinda wish I had another week left! Today I am going to post some mini book reviews on the books I've read in July. I read five books in total (you can read the review for Something Like This here) - it may seem a lot to some people, but I'm a fast reader and I was hoping to finish a couple more! I've been so busy with work, and all I've wanted to do is come home, watch Netflix and sleep! I am not looking forward to doing like 30+ weeks straight of 9 to 5!


Torn

Torn is the first book I've read by Cat Clarke, and though it is aimed at a younger audience, I did enjoy it. Torn is an emotional and thought-provoking book. It is also captivating - I found myself eager to find out what had really happened on the school trip. In terms of characterisation, I did think that some of the characters were a bit underdeveloped. However, I could still connect with Alice, the protagonist - she's been through so much tragedy. Overall, Torn is an unusual and original take on revenge and school bullying. I think it would suit fans of Before I Fall (Lauren Oliver), Forgotten (Cat Patrick), Between (Jessica Warman) and Pretty Little Liars (Sara Shepard).


Safe Haven

I've read two books by Nicholas Sparks and I've liked both. Though Safe Haven and The Last Song are similar in that they are both emotional and feature romance, their similarities end there. Safe Haven is more of a thriller, with a sense of mystery thrown in. It is also dark and full of unexpected twists and turns. I particularly liked the parts told from Kevin's point of view: it is interesting to see things from his perspective. I honestly did not expect Safe Haven to turn out the way it did! It was so much better than I thought and I'll be watching the film soon!


Ransom My Heart

Meg Cabot may be known for her fluffy chick-lit, but she sure can write historical books too! Ransom My Heart is the perfect example of this. At first, I wasn't really sure whether I would like Ransom My Heart or not (it is supposedly "written" by Mia Thermopolis). However, I turned out to be a fun and enjoyable read. I love the romance between Finnula and Hugo. They seem like an odd couple, but their relationship works really well. Although Ransom My Heart may be cheesy and full of clichés, it is well worth your time. I would definitely recommend Ransom My Heart to (older) fans of The Princess Diaries, or just Meg Cabot in general.


The Invention of Wings

The Invention of Wings has been described as The Help of 2014, and it's easy to see why. Written by the author of The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd, The Invention of Wings is a truly inspirational book. It is based on a real-life pair of sisters, Sarah and Nina Grimke, who were among some of the first feminist thinkers. In the book, the two girls try to fight against slavery in their hometown, Charleston. Along the way, Sarah and Nina realise that the inferior status as women will make their mission even more complicated. However, the girls are determined to not let anything stand in their way. Yet again, Sue Monk Kidd has created a fascinating novel that will stay with the reader for a very long time after finishing the last chapter. If you want to read my full review of this book, head over to my new book blog, A Secret Book Lover.



Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?


Hasta luego!


Serena