On The Bookshelf | 2016 Part IV

Like last year, my one and only New Years Resolution for 2016 was book related. In 2015 I challenged myself to 50 books, to which I met with somewhat ease. I lowered the count to 40 this year, knowing full well that 50 would be way too many for my growing schedule. My life slowly got busier and busier, and reading no longer became a realistic priority. By the time I got home from work I was so exhausted I could barely keep my eyes open for a page or two. I found this years reading challenge to be exceptional difficult, which is why I could only finish 34 out of my original 40 books goal. 

Other than time, my biggest problem this year was finding books that I actually wanted to read. I found myself in bookstores for hours this year, often walking out without purchasing anything at all. All the classics I wanted to read I read last year, and this year just didn't seem like a great year for books to begin with. I'm a little disappointed, however 34 books is still a pretty awesome accomplishment! So lets wrap up the last 2016 reading update with the final four books on my list!

Cities I've Never Lived In: Stories | Sara Majka

3/5
A series of stories of being alone, and getting to know others. This book left me confused and dazed. It was hard to figure out how each chapter related to the story as a whole. I felt I was jumping into a new plot with new characters every couple of pages. But throughout these misguided stories you develop a bond with the narrator that leaves you feeling like a friend.

The Bookshop on the Corner | Jenny Colgan

3/5
Nina is a young librarian who finds herself without a job. Determined to make something great out of her life, she sets out on a mission to create her own traveling bookstore. Humor, romance, and a love for books, this book was a cute read from start to finish. 

The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House | Kate Anderson Bower

5/5
The most famous residence in the world can not run on its own. It takes a team of highly skilled and highly secretive people to keep the White House running smoothly. Not only are the staff there to serve, they are there to protect, to honor, and to care for the first family. I could not put this book down! I was devouring these first hand accounts of White House staffers. What they know and what they've seen not only makes me respect the few who get to work in the house, but also provides me with a more humanized version of the first families past and present. 

Scrappy Little Nobody | Anna Kendrick
4/5
I rarely read autobiographies. The last one I truly enjoyed was Amy Poehler's Yes, Please and that was years ago. I was dying to read Anna Kendrick's book for a few reasons, but the most important was because she has always been a celebrity I felt I could relate to. Scrappy Little Nobody is witty, weird, insightful, and even a little dirty. She's the kind of girl who likes to rebel, but is too scared to break any rules. She makes her career from stage to screen seem completely normal. I can respect any girl who locks herself in a hotel room after getting paranoid at a Twilight wrap party.

What were some of your favorite books of 2016??
xoxo

On the Bookshelf | 2016 Part III

I've read some pretty amazing books as of late. I found it extremely difficult to rate this bunch as I enjoyed them all immensely. However, some I enjoyed as entertainment while others I found to be flat out beautiful. All in all, you can't go wrong with a single one of these books. 

SWEETBITTER | Stephanie Danler 

4/5
Living in New York City is completely different than experiencing it. Tess moves from a small town to the city to find whatever it is New York has to offer. Working as a backwaitress, she learns a side of New York she had never imagined. Fine food, fascinating people, and exceptional wine. Yes, lots of wine. This book is beautiful, but real. I enjoyed every page and recommend this more than any other book on the list. 

THE GIRLS | Emma Cline 

4/5
Evie falls headfirst into one of California's most infamous cults. Too young to know any better, she is drawn in by the freedom and love the family has to offer. Attaching herself to one of the older girls, Evie is blind to the violent path the cult is about to take. This book captures the essence of cult culture fascination. Focusing on the female voices of the cult, this novel creates a narrative for those who blindly follow cults and their leaders. 

NERVE | Jeanne Ryan

3/5

Kids doing stupid dares for fame and fortune? Sounds about right. When Vee decides to join the online world of Nerve, where dares are broadcasted live on the internet, things turn ugly. I enjoyed this book for it's entertainment value. A quick read (I finished it in a single evening), Nerve provides a not so far fetched plot of what could happen when the internet starts to control us. 

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD | JK Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany

5/5

Ah, Harry. It's been awhile, hasn't it? Harry Potter may have grown up, but the magic and mayhem that surrounds him, Hermonie, and Ron are still there. I found it extremely difficult to immerse myself in the play format, but after a few pages I finally seemed to get the hang of it. Meant for the stage, the published play is by no means a 'sequel' to the Harry Potter book series. However, once you come to understand it for what it is (a PLAY), then you can truly enjoy it. 

BLOOD SISTERS: THE WOMEN BEHIND THE WARS OF THE ROSES | Sarah Gristwood

3/5
If you follow along with my reading updates, you may know that I tend to read quite a lot of medieval history books. I was thrilled to find a history book that focused on my favorite women players of the Wars of the Roses. However, this book lacked originality. Having read almost every book on the era, I found this book to be repetitive to other popular works out right now. 

THE MUSE | Jessie Burton

4/5
Jessie Burton's The Miniaturist was one of my favorite reads of 2015. I had high expectations for The Muse. A painting is rediscovered, but it is not the painting that puzzles Odelle, it is the painting's mysterious history. Where did it come from? Why had it been hidden away for so long? Although Odelle sets out to find these answers, the answers more or less find her. 

DEADWAKE | Erik Larson

4/5
Not many people can read historical non-fiction. However, Erik Larson has perfected the art of readable history. The sinking of the Lusitania is a common topic in history classes, however the details of its journey are often overlooked. Larson presents a beautifully written piece that follows the journey of the Lusitania from departure to its eventual sinking.

BOSWORTH 1485 | Michael Jones

4/5
I had been eager to get my hands on this book for awhile now. The Battle of Bosworth was a specific event I wrote about in my Masters dissertation and there aren't many works that discuss the battle alone. While Jones' depiction focuses on the themes leading up to the battle, he provides a clear picture of both sides. 

MODERN ROMANCE | Aziz Ansari 

3/5
How does one even begin to date in the modern age. Aziz Ansari sets out to find the answers. A surprisingly hilarious, yet educational, study on modern romance. 

THE GATES OF EVANGELINE | Hester Young 

3/5
This book had me by the cover. I know, terrible. But anything set in Louisiana is bound to grab my attention. Charlotte is hired to write a book on one of the most infamous unsolved cases of the 20th century, the disappearance of Gabriel Deveau. As she investigates the family and their secretive past, Charlotte begins to discover there is more going on in the swamps of Louisiana than she originally thought. This is a good read to fill that gapping hole after reading The Girl on the Train or Gone Girl. 

BLOGGER RECOMMENDS: Sweetbitter & The Girls

On the Bookshelf | 2016 Reading Challenge Part II

I hope everyone is having a great start to the week! Before we jump into what I've been reading lately, a quick service announcement. I've added ratings to my book reviews! I personally have always found book reviews with blogger's ratings more helpful for choosing the next book I want to read. As my book reviews come in sets of ten, my hope is that these ratings will help you easily chose what book to pick up next! All my ratings are the same ratings I provided these books on Goodreads, so if you aren't following me there make sure to add me and say hello! Okay, shall we dive in?

THE SILVER WITCH | Paula Brackston 
4/5
Adult fantasy is a hard art to master. I rarely pick up books like this solely for that reason. Having said that, I found The Silver Witch to be an exceptional fantasy novel geared towards an older crowd. The Silver Witch follows a newly widowed woman, Tilda Fordwells, into Wales where she discovers her mystical ancestry. There is mystery, suspense, action, and even a little romance. I personally love books that reference ancient magic and found this book very entertaining!

DREAM A LITTLE DREAM | Giovanna Fletcher
3/5
Recently I've been traveling for work, and I usually prefer a good audiobook to the radio. I chose this book for a little lighthearted fun. Unfortunately, I found myself depressed and slightly bored. Sarah, a woman who can remember every detail of almost every dream, finds the world she created in her sleep to be more exciting than reality. When the two words crash, it becomes a comically sad mess.

THE WARS OF THE ROSES | Alison Weir
4/5 
As the Wars of the Roses are becoming a highly sought after topic, the amount of historical works have increase drastically over the last 20 years. Weir's work, published in 1995, is one of the best comprehensive works out there for this particular time period.

THE COLOR PURPLE | Alice Walker
4/5
My friend and I challenged ourselves to begin reading more banned books by American authors. The Color Purple is arguably one of the most well known book that had been banned at some point in time. Walker's novel is immediately heart wrenching, and within pages I was crying. Celie, although uneducated and unappreciated, understands how to survive. As time goes on, she gains courage and strength to create a world of her own.

THE SECRET HISTORY | Donna Tartt
4/5
Where do I even begin with this book? A group of classic students at a small elite college become obsessed with the circumstances surrounding an accidental death. A well written physiological thriller that I would recommend to anyone willing to take on the daunting task of reading such a long book.

THE SCARLET LETTER | Nathaniel Hawthorne
3/5
Everyone knows the general theme of The Scarlet Letter. However, as I read this book (in one night I might add) the image in my head was completely broken down. The idea of adultery was of course the same, but there were many other themes I found to be even more interesting. Self vs public image, the ideas of childhood, living outside of society's rules. I throughly enjoyed this book, however, it is not something I will pick up again any time soon.

THE BEAUTIFUL AND DAMNED | F. Scott Fitzgerald
4/5
Fitzgerald has clever way of creating characters that I absolutely despise, yet feel invested in. The book follows the spoiled Anthony and Gloria in 1920s New York. The two characters are toxic for each other. Their love slowly leads to each of their downfalls. An entertaining and somewhat biographical read, The Beautiful and Damned has to be one of my favorite Fitzgerald reads.

THE BURIED GIANT | Kazuo Ishiguro
2/5 
Hmmm, okay. So I really wanted to like this book. An elderly couple sets out to find their son, only they can't really remember him, let alone anything from their distant past. My biggest problem was the writing style. I LOVED it, but it had been a while since I had read something Tolkien-esk. The amount of detail that went into each conversation was borderline excessive which made it extremely hard to get through.

AFTER YOU | Jojo Moyes
2/5
Lousia Clark is a character I just don't understand. After reading Me Before You and balling my eyes out, I was interested to see how Louisa's life carried on without Will. (Spoiler alert: it isn't that grand). Would I recommend this to anyone who has read Me Before You? Probably not.

THE CASUAL VACANCY | JK Rowling 
3/5
I'm surprised it has taken me this long to finally read The Causal Vacancy. A spot for a Parish Councilor becomes unexpectedly vacant leaving the tiny town of Pagford in total chaos. Rowling creates a town of betrayal and secrecy, one that can be compared to almost any small town across the world. The overall theme of this book was fantastic, however the sheer amount of characters I was forced to keep up with was daunting and at times slightly confusing. 

2016 Reading Update | 1

I know it's taken me four months to give you a reading update in 2016. Oops, my bad, don't hate me :) Last year, as you may or may not remember, I challenged myself to read 50 books. I was ecstatic when I finished my goal! 50 books is such a huge accomplishment, and while I would love to to that again this year, I decided to set myself a smaller goal in 2016. So, 2016! 40 books! Let's do this!

Here are the first 10 books I've read in 2016. What have you been reading?

Z: A NOVEL OF ZELDA FITZGERALD | Therese Anne Fowler
A novel loosely based around the life of Zelda Fitzgerald, this book is perfect for a light summer read. Zelda Fitzgerald's reputation is as famous as the roaring 20s themselves. The Southern Belle who's fame and fortune was accompanied by heartbreak and tragedy. Fowler gives life to that reputation by creating a story around Zelda and her turbulent life married to F. Scott Fitzgerald. Overall the novel was  and entertaining and sad read.  

THE CURIOS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON | F. Scott Fitzgerald

I'm not even sure why I picked this short story up. I had just finished 'Z', a fictionalized novel on the Fitzgeralds, and I was really itching to read something written by F Scott. Having only read 'The Great Gatsby' previously, I had high hopes for 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'. Boy was this whole story strange. Everyone knows the story, even if it is only the movie version, but I can honestly say without a doubt this one took me by surprise. Other than being well written, the story itself was hard to digest. It wasn't beautiful or sad, it was just weird.

THE WITCHES: SALEM, 1692 | Stacy Schiff
The hype surrounding 'The Witches: Salem, 1692' did in fact drawn me in. It is rare to find a complete history of such events, and Schiff's work was highly anticipated in both the academic and general community. I will admit, even as a historian I found myself having to put this book down for weeks at a time. There was so much to process that I found it almost exhausting. That being said, this was not a book I picked up for entertainment purposes. I wanted to study the complete history of the Salem Witch Trails and that is exactly what Schiff presented. One of the best histories I have read in a while. 

GIRLS WHO TRAVEL | Nicole Trilivas

If your a member of one of the many Facebook travel groups out there, you may have seen this title floating around. I was in the mood for some light material after reading a heavy history book, and 'Girls Who Travel' caught my eye. Set in London, an American girl finds adventure, boys, and fun. This whole book wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but perfect for some light reading to fill your time. 

STATION ELEVEN | Emily St. John Mandel
I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get into the theme of this book. I'm all about apocalyptic plots on the screen, but reading the summary had me second guessing this choice.  It did take me a few chapters to understand Emily St. John Mandel's writing style, but by chapter four I was hooked. The parallels between the world before and the world after were so beautiful created that the entire story itself becomes enticing. I would highly recommend this book to, anyone really!

ME BEFORE YOU | Jojo Moyes

Yes, I know. I'm JUST now reading this. As I have stated before, I am a firm believer in reading a book before seeing the movie. As soon as the first trailer was released I immediately grabbed this book and began reading. I read it in a single day! The was not the most well written novel, nor the hardest read. However, I still found myself extremely emotionally attached to Louisa and her quest to make the people around her happy. It was an absolutely heart wrenching story of the most unusual friendship, and to this day the plot still sticks with me. 

THE CREATION OF ANNE BOLEYN | Susan Bordo

I found myself rather disappointed with this pick. I was lead to believe this book would be discussing Anne Boleyn's upbringing and how she was shaped into the woman we all know. Although Bordo touched on Boleyn's upbringing, the majority of the novel was centered around the years of Henry VIII. Understandable as there is not much research on the childhood of Anne Boleyn, but slightly misleading. Nevertheless I was touched with Bordo's personal connection with the protagonist. 

WHAT SHE KNEW | Gilly Macmillan
MANY people recommended this book to me, solely because it takes place in Bristol, England. I LOVED reading a book with a familiar setting. I knew the streets and buildings Macmillan described, making this terrifying tale feel realistic. When a young boy goes missing, everyone close to him becomes a suspect. Even the people who love him the most. Although not my favorite thriller, it can compete easily with the likes of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. 

HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN | JK Rowling
My least favorite Harry Potter can still be better than most books I read. Need I say more?

UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN | Jon Krakauer

I love the journalistic voice of Krakauer's books. His research into true and unbelievable topics is always fascinating.  This one was no exception. My knowledge of American cults was limited to what I saw on TV. However, this book truly terrified me. I really had no idea the extensiveness of cult communities right in my own backyard. 

The Last 2015 Reading Update

I hope everyone has had an amazing holiday season! I know, I know. This post is LONG overdue. After my much needed Christmas break, I'm back into the blogging spirit! It's amazing what a month off from blogging can do to your overall well being! Not that I have ever thought blogging was necessarily bad… Just occasionally there are times when you need to disconnect and enjoy the world around you.

I know everyone is summing up their 2015, but for me I really just wanted to share the last 10 books I read before I met my one and only 2015 New Years Resolution! As many of you know, this past year I challenged myself to read 50 books. There were some times I questioned whether or not I would be able to finish my challenge. In the end, my goal of 50 books was met with a few weeks to spare! I am so proud of myself for finishing this challenge. Reading is priceless, and I loved excessing my mind and expanding my knowledge of the world. 

Throughout the year I have given y'all quick reviews of the books I have been reading. If you missed any of those updates, catch up here! But for now, let's jump right into the last 10 books I read of 2015!

THE NIGHTINGALE | Kristin Hannah

Goodreads | Amazon

After reading All the Light We Cannot See, I knew it would be hard for another Second World War novel to my capture my interest the way Doerr did. Kristin Hannah presents a fascinating story of two sisters who, although different in every way possible, did their part in fighting for the freedom of their country. There aren't many books that focus on the involvement of women in WWII, and I found the story fascinating, beautiful, and incredibly sad. This year, The Nightingale was voted best in historical fiction by Goodreads.

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE | JK Rowling, Illustrations by Jim Kay

Goodreads | Amazon

I was ecstatic to finally get my hands on Jim Kay's illustrated Harry Potter. It had been a few years since I had last read the series, and I found myself as easily hooked as I was when I first read the books. Not only is JK Rowling a literally GENIUS, having Jim Kay's beautiful illustrations throughout the novel added to the magic. Focusing on the descriptions from the book rather than the depictions from the movies, Jim Kay's work absolutely stunning. 

THE WOODVILLES | Susan Higginbotham 

Goodreads | Amazon
I have read many books on the Woodvilles and the Yorks in my time. However, I enjoyed how comprehensive Higginbotham's work was. It is hard to encompass the history of the Woodville family in less than 300 hundred pages, and I do admit Higginbotham took liberties in the overall history to do so. However, as introduction to a very complicated and powerful family, The Woodvilles is a great read.

THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON | Samuel Pepys

Goodreads 
Unless you have a fascination in fires, history, or 17th century London, I don't think this book will be everyone's cup of tea. However, this primary source documents life in London both before and after the great fire of 1666. Getting your hands on a copy can be difficult, however I managed to find one in Waterstone'f for less than 1 pound during my last visit to England. 

CAREER OF EVIL | Robert Galbraith

Goodreads | Amazon
The third installment of Robert Galbraith's Cormoran Strike series was no disappointment. As we all know, Galbraith was the brainchild of JK Rowling, and her writing has always been and will always be fascinating. These novels keep me on the edge of my seat always!

THE DANISH GIRL | David Ebershoff

Goodreads | Amazon
I'm a sucker for reading books before seeing the movie. As soon as I saw the trailer for The Danish Girl I immediately picked up the book. I have to admit, I would have liked to have a better understanding of what Lilli was thinking. The process of her transition, while not smooth, flowed easily in Ebershoff's writing. I found myself wanting to know more of her thoughts, but not getting enough. However, Ebershoff's thorough research is clearly proven by the presentation of a world so few truly understand. I DO recommend this book to anyone who loves history or wants a better understanding of transgender people and the hardships they face in everyday life. 

HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS | JK Rowling

Goodreads | Amazon

After reading the illustrated version of 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone', I was once again drawn into the magical world JK Rowling has created. Although I have read these books countless amounts of time, I feel I may be reading the entire series again this upcoming year. I would provide some sort of review for this book, but let's face it, the Harry Potter series speaks for itself.

TROUBLEMAKER | Leah Remini 

Goodreads | Amazon 
Where do I even begin? I really knew nothing of Leah Remini's personal life until her famous public split with the Church of Scientology. While I love her as an actress, I admit I picked this book up out of curiosity. Scientology… what do the people of this religion believe? All you ever hear are ridiculous accusations and over exaggerations. As I read Troublemaker, I found myself grasping a better understanding of why this religion has a hold on so many people. Remini's depiction was accusatory, but funny, sad, and rather eye opening. 

A WEEK IN DECEMBER | Sebastian Faulks 

Goodreads | Amazon
Sebastian Faulks was an author highly recommended to me by a good friend. I feel like I must have picked the wrong book because I just did not click with A Week In December. Although each character is painfully developed, the story lacks in steady flow. You are forced to read each characters thoughts on irrelevant subjects for pages, with no idea how those particular details will tie into the overall plot. In the end, I think I'll give Faulks another chancer Dies anyone have a suggestion as to which one I should try next?

EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU | Celeste Ng

Goodreads | Amazon 
A book about identity, culture, and inner nature, Everything I Never Told You turned out to not be what I was expecting. Instead of a mystery, the story was based around a family and their individual reactions to a tragedy. I found each character to be very developed in a way that made you understand their thoughts and actions. Yes, the story is incredibly sad, but it paints a true picture of the world we live in.

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Personally, reading wasn't the hardest part of this challenge. Finding 50 books that actually appealed to me was very difficult! I spent countless hours in bookshops reading synopsis after synopsis. There are so many books to chose from, but finding a book that your thoroughly want to read can sometimes be really challenging! That's why this year I have decided to set my goal to 40 books. I'm encouraging everyone I know to set some sort of reading goal, even if it is only a few books here or there.

If you participated in the 2015 reading challenge, what was the most difficult aspect of the challenge for you? Have you already set a 2016 reading goal? And what were some of your favorite books?

xoxo

Reading Update | 4

Can you believe it's already October? How did that even happen! I have to admit my reading has slowed down these last few months as I have been CRAZY busy at work. However, I have finally reached 40 books this year and I thought it was about time to update y'all with what I've been reading lately. If you missed the first three Reading Updates, make sue to check them out HERE.

LOVE AND TREASURE | Ayelet Waldman
Goodreads | Amazon 
I'm not going to lie, I had started the book back in 2014 then put it down due to a lack of interest. Set in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, a cast of characters is bound together by what we now refer to as the "Hungarian Gold Train". Although the plot itself is fascinating, I found it hard to connect with any of the characters due to the amount of detail in each one of their lives. When I finally picked it up again, I found myself comparing the story to All The Light We Cannot See and being disappointed as a result.

#GIRLBOSS | Sophia Amoruso 
Goodreads | Amazon
I really don't have much to say about this book. After the incredible amount of hype that had been surrounding this book since it was first published I had extremely high expectations. Every girl wants to be the boss and I loved the idea of a textbook/Bible for that message. I was not only disappointed, but I finished the book feeling I didn't really gain anything from it whatsoever. While the overall message of girl empowerment was inspiring, the book itself lacked depth.

DARK PLACES | Gillian Flynn 
Goodreads | Amazon
Dare I say, this book was dark. I had read reviews to not have high expectations despite the fact the Gillian Fylnn's Gone Girl was absolutely brilliant. So I began reading not really knowing what to expect. Dark Places follows a family who's past continues to haunt the family members who have survived it. The book is a page turner, but other than entertainment value I found Dark Places lacked the intellectual complexity of Gone Girl. Great to read if you are lacking something to do for a few evenings, not so great if you dislike gruesome and f-uped story lines.

WUTHERING HEIGHTS | Emily Bronte
Goodreads | Amazon
I hate to admit this, but I wasn't obsessed with Wuthering Heights as everyone claims I should be. The story line was interesting, and the characters extremely complex and developed.Unfortunately, I had a hard time keeping up. It was just all over the place, and I didn't really get it. I may give this book another chance, but for some reason it just didn't click with me the way other classics have.

INTO THE WILD | Jon Krakauer
Goodreads | Amazon
Possibly because the events studied in Into the Wild occurred when I was an infant, I really knew nothing of Chris McCandless and his story. Jon Krakauer's investigation into Chris' life and death was not only fascinating but well told. Although non-fiction, Krakauer has a way of flowing stories, interviews, and science into one detailed compilation. I found Chris' ideas on life moving and sad, yet extremely brave. Some may call him foolish, but to me it seemed Chris lived his life the way he wanted.  I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves travel, meeting new people, and connecting with nature.

HOW TO QUIT YOUR JOB AND TRAVEL THE WORLD | Kate Jordan
Goodreads | Amazon
Quite a few bloggers out there have recently published books. While I had been meaning to pick up and read some bloggers' latest published works, I hadn't really gotten around to it. While browsing the iTunes audiobook section for some work commute entertainment I noticed Kate Jordan's How To Quit Your Job and Travel the World. Naturally, I immediately downloaded it. I have been reading Kate's blog for years and I was not disappointed by her book. Easy to understand and well organized, How To Quit Your Job outlines a variety of ways to make money while traveling. I found Kate's tips entertaining yet still useful!

THE GREAT ZOO OF CHINA | Matthew Reilly 
Goodreads | Amazon
It is tradition to buy at least one book while at an airport. I simply cannot pass up a newsstand without browsing the latest published works. On one particular visit to the airport, I happened across The Great Zoo of China. I was intrigued by the idea; The Chinese government industrializes the existence of dragons. What more do you need? However, I found the plot to be too action packed. There was barely any room for character development as every paragraph was one near death experience after another. My overall thoughts? This will make a great movie.

RICHARD III | William Shakespeare 
Goodreads | Amazon
The reign of Richard III played a crucial role in my Masters studies. As a historian, I purposely stayed away from Shakespeare's Wars of the Roses plays. By doing so, I was able to write my dissertation in the most historically accurate and non biased way possible. However, I have always been fascinated by propaganda of the time, and as my studies were over I finally decided to pick up Richard III. Knowing the historical inaccuracies of the piece, I felt I was able to enjoy the story more. I enjoyed Shakespeare's dramatization of widely spread rumors of the time. The propaganda of this piece is so powerful it still taints the reputation of the last Plantagenet king to this day.

IS EVERYONE HANGING OUT WITHOUT ME? | Mindy Kaling
Goodreads | Amazon
Before reading Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? I always thought of Mindy as "that girl from the office". I really didn't know any of her work or background, yet this book has always been on the top charts of everything for as long as I can remember. So, I decided to give it a go and I'm glad I did! Mindy's hilarious and awkward life stories made for a light, fun read. This is a total beach read, however, I'm not sure when it'll be beach weather again!

THE MARTIAN | Andy Weir 
Goodreads | Amazon
I'm one of those people who has to read a book before the movie comes out. If I see a movie I know I'll want to see, I immediately head to the store and buy the book. Mark Watney ends up stranded on Mars after a mission goes wrong. Interesting, no? I thought so too. I LOVED the idea of this book. I really wanted to like it. But the science and mathematics of the main character's every day life on Mars really distracted me from the overall picture. I did in fact enjoy the movie and was extremely impressed with the adaptation.  

2015 Reading Update | 3

When I set my goal of reading 50 books in 2015 I thought there was no way. Yet as July comes to an end I am just finishing up my 31st book of the year and I am beyond excited. I can't even believe at how much I have accomplished! As always, you can keep up with what I'm reading on Goodreads but for now let's dive straight into the books I've been reading lately!

VERY GOOD LIVES | JK Rowling
I had seen Rowling's Harvard commencement speech online some years ago, so I was pleased to see the speech had been published in print. Rowling's story is both emotional and inspiring. Her message to embrace life's failures can leave you feeling like you can do anything. The entire book can be read in less than 20 minutes, but proceeds go to charity so buy it and support a good cause!
Goodreads | Amazon

THE OPPOSITE OF LONELINESS | Marina Keegan
The Opposite of Loneliness is a compilation of both fictional and non-fictional essays written Mariana Keegan. Keegan was a promising young writer who died five days after her graduation from Yale. Her talent was unique because she wrote stories that people her age could relate to. I enjoyed both the range of each essay as well as the length Keegan's family and friends went through to preserve her legacy. This book will make you smile and cry, but most importantly it will make you realize how much you can accomplish no matter how young you are.
Goodreads | Amazon

PAPER TOWNS | John Green
I had originally read this book a couple of years ago, however with the movie being released this month I decided to reread it. John Green is an exceptional writer and his books are both unique and realistic. Paper Towns is my favorite of his books due to themes of getting lost and addressing the distorted perceptions you create of the people around you. If you're looking for the perfect summer read, I suggest buying this book and bringing it with you to the beach. It's a very light read.
Goodreads | Amazon

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN | Paula Hawkins
This book turned out to be something completely different than what I was expecting. On an ordinary day just like any other a woman notices something odd while commuting on the train into London. Her life suddenly becomes intertwined with an open investigation of two people she has never even met. I'll admit, the characters Hawkins created are some of the most dislikable characters I have ever been introduced to, but that is what makes this novel entertaining. There's no sugar-coating, no fluff. The characters are realistic and can relate to almost any reader on some level. Did I think this book lived up to its hype? No, but I did find it entertaining to read for the time being.
Goodreads | Amazon

BOSSYPANTS | Tina Fey 
On a recent trip to Dallas, Texas I downloaded Bossypants as my road trip entertainment. Having read Amy Poehler's Yes Please late last year I had high hopes for Tina Fey's book. Let me tell you, listening to Tina Fey tell her hilarious stories growing up had me cracking up the entire trip. Having watched Saturday Night Live from a very young age I was familiar with a lot of the skits she referred to as well as the people she mentioned. Do I think it was the most groundbreaking book I've ever read? No. But it was entertaining as hell and empowering for any woman who has been in the professional workforce.
Goodreads | Amazon

NORTHANGER ABBEY | Jane Austen
Until about a year ago I really hadn't read any Jane Austen other than Pride and Prejudice. However, after picking up Sense & Sensibility I have been loving reading all things Jane Austen. Northanger Abbey has become one of my favorite Austen novels by far. In typical Austen fashion the story follows a young woman looking for love and friendship. However, she has to overcome a few hilarious roadblocks in order to achieve both. The characters in Abbey were developed and relatable, and the plot was funny yet heartrenching. I particularly enjoyed reading all about Bath society, since I have the pleasure to say I am very familiar with Bath indeed.
Goodreads | Amazon

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD | Harper Lee
I originally read this novel as a 14 year old high school student with no appreciation for American literature. In anticipation for the release of Go Set A Watchman, I decided to reread To Kill A Mockingbird. I can honestly say I absolutely adore this book and appreciate it so much more now as an adult.
Goodreads | Amazon

ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE | Anthony Doerr
I had heard so many good things about this book, yet I was weary of the idea of reading a World War II novel. My previous attempts in WWII fiction often resulted in me never finishing the novel, or setting it aside for months on end. However, the plot of All the Light We Cannot See fascinated me. The two main characters have so much depth that you can't help but be completely enchanted by their story. A blind French girl and an orphaned German boy are forced to grow up in a world where childhood no longer exists. At over 400 pages, I finished the book in less than three days. Possibly my favorite book of 2015 so far? I known bold statement.
Goodreads | Amazon

GO SET A WATCHMAN | Harper Lee
Where do I even begin? This highly anticipated "sequel" of To Kill A Mockingbird has been all anyone has been talking about for the last couple of weeks. I, like most everyone else who was a fan of Lee's first published novel, was excited beyond belief to read it. However, the further I got into GSAW the more I realized this book shouldn't have been presented as a sequel. In my opinion, it was in no condition to publish. Lee's writing is still exceptional however the plot lacks depth and contradicts TKAB entirely. I still don't know how I feel about it, but I do appreciate the fact that Go Set A Watchman does actually relate to a lot of issues we are facing in American society today.
Goodreads | Amazon

Happy Monday!
xoxo

2015 Reading Update | 2

To my surprise, one of the most popular requests on my 2015 Reader Survey was to write more book reviews. It was nice to see I'm not the only one who enjoys reading book reviews and adding them to my Amazon wish list! The way I usually pick a book to read is by blogger recommendations, and it looks like some of you are the same. A note about my reading style: I like to alternate between non-fiction and fiction. Having a masters degree in medieval history means I like to read a lot of non-fiction books. I know some books I read aren't everyone's cup of tea, so it won't hurt my feelings if you don't read every book review thoroughly!

MEDIEVAL LIVES | Terry Jones 

History written by a comedian? Surely not. However, I picked up Medieval Lives with no prior knowledge of its author. I found this book to be entertaining, readable, and extremely well researched. I'm a firm believer in writing history for the public, not just for the academic community. When I learned of the background of the author I was impressed. Historian and co-director of Monty Python, Terry Jones knows how to weave history into an entertaining tale.

SUMMER CROSSING | Truman Capote 

I read Breakfast at Tiffany's a few months back and fell in love with Captoe's writing style. I was interested to read some lesser known works by him and picked Summer Crossing as a good starting point. Although his writing is unique and clear, I found it difficult to attach myself to the characters. I felt the plot moved either too slowly or too quickly at times, which can be expected with such a short book. I would only recommend this book if you are interested in postwar NYC attitudes and social classes.

THE CATCHER IN THE RYE | J.D. Salinger 
Although many of my friends were required to read this book in high school growing up, my school did not assign The Cather and the Rye. I understand my schools reason for not assigning it, it's deep, raunchy, and pretty sad. However, I am glad I read it as an adult rather than a teenager. The themes in this book would have completely gone over my head at the age of fourteen. At 23, I found the book moving, disturbing, and beautifully written.

H IS FOR HAWK | Helen Macdonald
I've been waiting for this book to be released in the states for months now. A widely publicized and well reviewed book, I was interested to read the internal and external struggles Helen Macdonald faced in training a ghosthawk in the wake of her father's death. I know nothing about hawks or falconry or birds in general. However, Macdonald's ghosthawk taught her more than inner peace. Macdonald learned to be observant of nature and humanity, linking the two through England's fascinating history.

WE ARE ALL COMPLETELY BESIDE OURSELVES | Karen Joy Fowler
If there is one book you should read off this list it should be We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves. I really can't give this novel much of a summary because it is difficult to describe this book without giving away the fascinating plot. However, the main theme throughout the book of bridging an experimental childhood to an extraordinarily ordinary adulthood is beautifully written. I could not put this book down.

THE WARS OF THE ROSES: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors | Dan Jones
I'm not going to lie y'all. This book took me four months to read. Not because it's a particularly hard read, but because it has SO much information it. The amount of facts got overwhelming and I found myself putting this book down for weeks on end. I enjoyed the read, although some of Jones' opinions on the individuals in the Wars of the Roses are not shared by myself. Jones presents a readable history of a very confusing time, which I fully support.

HOT BODY YEAR ROUND | Cassey Ho (aka Blogilates)
I have been doing Blogilates workouts on and off for about two years. I'm a big fan of Cassey's workouts purely because they make you WORK, even if it is just in your living room. I decided to buy her book to have more tangible workouts at my fingertips. I enjoyed reading a little more about the girl behind the blog, as well has her tips of living healthy.

LOVE TANYA | Tanya Burr
Another online personality, Tanya Burr is my go-to beauty guru when I am looking for product reviews or makeup tutorials. I preordered her book, Love Tanya, back in January. It didn't arrive until the end of April *side eye Amazon*. My excitement for the book had faded by the time it finally arrived and I have to say I was slightly disappointed in the content. I felt like the book was targeted at a much younger audience and all the beauty advice was pretty much common sense.

TRIGGER WARNING | Neil Gaiman
My first experience with Neil Gaiman was his well reviewed novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane. The book received outstanding reviews but I just didn't get it. I found it disappointing and unbelievable.  However, I decided to give him another chance and picked up Trigger Warning. This collection of short stories was very hit or miss with me. There were a handful of stories I found gripping and fascinating, but the majority of the book was met with disappointment. The only story that has really stuck with me, the only one I can recommend without hesitation, is The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains. There is no way to describe this particular story other than brilliant.

ANNE NEVILLE: Queen to Richard III | Michael Hicks
Anne Neville is one of the most fascinating characters in the Wars of the Roses. Her history, as most women of this era, is defined by the men she was associated with. Her father, the Kingmaker, was one of the most powerful men in England. Her first husband, Edward, was heir to the Lancastrian throne. And finally her second husband, Richard III, has become one of the most infamous names in all of history. Michael Hicks was presented with the task of trying to bring a woman, who has been virtually forgotten in history, to life. Although detailed, I found Hicks' opinions on the men in Anne's life to overshadow her own story.

If you missed my first 2015 reading update, you can check that out here, or if you are a member of Goodreads, add me here. 

:: coffee in glastonbury. #glastonbury #coffee #coffeeshop

A photo posted by S a r a D a v i s (@sararosedavis) on Nov 7, 2014 at 2:57am PST

Yes, I realize this picture is from last November. I've been too busy to take a picture for this post, don't judge me.

Happy Thursday!

xoxo 

2015 Reading Update | 1

I'm not a huge fan of New Years Resolutions.

I know I won't stick to them, let alone remember them half way through the year.

That being said I made one resolution for 2015: Read 50 books. 

So here's a little update on the books I've read so far in 2015!
(In the order read)

INFERNO | Dan Brown

I enjoy the fast pace historical thrillers of Dan Brown. Inferno was more or less the same story. Although I found the book entertaining and enjoyable, there's only so many times a history professor from Harvard can save the world. However, Dan Brown has an amazing ability to take his research and spin it into a fantastic story.

THE MINIATURIST | Jessie Burton

I literally could not put this book down! I found the book to be exceptionally researched and well written. The characters are perfectly developed and I couldn't help but falling in love with them despite  their flaws. The mysterious theme follows you even after you've finished the book. It's hard to believe that this book is the author's first work, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Burton has in store for us in the further!

ELIZABETH WOODVILLE | David MacGibbon

The story of Elizabeth Woodville is known across the English speaking world. However, the history of this extraordinary woman is masked behind the powerful men of her time. I applaud MacGibbon for piecing together Elizabeth's story. However, there are more than one flaws in this biography. Names are sometimes accidentally swapped and there are quite a few typos. Considering this is one of the very few biographies of the queen you can easily get past those mistakes. 

THE TALES OF BEEDLE THE BARD | J. K. Rowling

I'm slightly ashamed I hadn't read this sooner. Getting to read some of the wizarding fairy tales mentioned in Harry Potter made the child in me extremely happy. Not to mention, Dumbledore has some excellent annotations and notes for every story! I recommend this to any Harry Potter fan!

MARGARET BEAUFORT: MOTHER OF THE TUDOR DYNASTY | Elizabeth Norton

Margaret Beaufort has to be one of my favorite people in all of history. A widow and mother at 13, Margaret dedicated her life to putting her son, Henry Tudor, on the throne. Elizabeth Norton presents Margaret in a realistic yet admirable way. Loved this biography!

PERSUASION | Jane Austen 

For me, Jane Austen novels are extremely hard to get into. However, every one of her books gets me hooked midway to the point where I'm devouring every word! Persuasion was no exception. Set in some of my favorite places in England, it was a beautiful and hilarious read. Persuasion has to be my favorite Jane Austen novel so far (there are still a couple I have yet to read). 

BRING UP THE BODIES | Hilary Mantel 

After re-reading Wolf Hall a couple months ago and LOVING IT, I was nervous to read Bring Up the Bodies. How could it compare? Within the first few pages I was hooked. Having already been introduced to most of these characters in Wolf Hall, I found Bring Up the Bodies to be even more entertaining than its predecessor!

COMMON SENSE | Thomas Paine
Common Sense is the 1776 pamphlet written by Thomas Paine just before America declared itself independent. Paine critically questions the monarchy and its purpose, calling out for Colonist to see common sense. It's a bit of a hard read but should be read by all Americans/ anyone interested in American history at some point.

THE PROMISE | Ann Weisgarber
To be honest, I probably wouldn't have picked this book up myself. As a historian, I have a hard time reading historical fiction that isn't based on real people. I'll either love it or hate it. However, my mom came home one day with a signed copy of The Promise having just met the author. Ann Weisgarber wrote "Sara, may your love of history help you see the world in new ways". So I began reading it the next day. The story takes place in Galveston during the 1900 hurricane, which is such a fascinating part of Texas history. Having not grown up in the Houston/Galveston area herself, Ann stretches history slightly (dairy farms on the island?), but the story is very readable and the characters highly developed.

ELIZABETH IS MISSING | Emma Healey
Wow. I mean wow. I have never read a book like this. I don't want to give too much away because this book is so much better if you don't know anything about it. So, instead I'll tell you how I came across Elizabeth is Missing. On my week long visit back to Bristol for graduation, I had limited space in my suitcase. I was packing everything from my Bristol flat to take back to Texas. Somehow, I found myself in a Waterstones looking for a book that isn't out in the US yet (H is for Hawk). I was disappointed to see there was only a hardback edition for sale (I had limited space AND a strict weight guideline to follow) so I decided to find a paperback book instead. I picked up Elizabeth is Missing and was immediately intrigued. Long story short, I read the entire book that day. I could not recommend this book more!

Keep up to date with what I'm reading on Goodreads!

Happy Friday!
xoxo