Summer 2014 | Reading Rundown

Over the summer, my reading rate rockets and I get through more books in a week than I do the rest of the year! I had considered doing a review for each and every one of these books, but then I thought it would be a lot easier if I just grouped them all together and gave you a list of little mini reviews. If there are any of the titles you'd like a full review on, leave me a message.

1. The Giver by Lois Lowry (4/5)

I read this book at the end of June because I knew the film was coming out in August (expect a review when I finally get to go see it!) After reading the book, I'm really excited for the movie (despite some fears over its accuracy based on the trailers). This book has both a decent plot (although it is a little slow in places) and its one where I actually liked the characters. I'm hoping to read the rest of the series soon, but I make no promises, and I would recommend this to other Dystopian nerds like myself.

2. Paper Towns by John Green (3/5)

Personally, I'm a huge fan of Green's writing style, and that's what won this book most of its points. The only character I likes was Q, and I felt like the storyline wasn't sensational. For John Green fans, this is a cult read, however if you're not a fan of his writing I wouldn't start here. Try TFIOS first, and see how you go.

3. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman (5/5)

This is an amazing book, in a very crooked way. Neil Gaiman is renowned for his twisted, nightmare inducing stories, and this one I no different. However, it is extremely well writing with a good plot and interesting characters... There is little fault really. Plus, its short... I read it in a day.

4. Mockingjay (5/5)

This was a a reread. I first read this 2 summers ago and since then I've read the original Hunger Games book twice and Catching Fire 3 times. However, this is the first time I've reread Mockingjay as it was my least favourite of the books. Definitely worth reading again, I loved it so much more this time and it now ranks along with Catching Fire (one of my all time favourite books). This installment of the series definitely requires a finer eye than the first two books, and so reading it twice is almost necessary for full appreciation.

5. The Kill Order by James Dashner (4/5)

I'm not going to get into too much detail, because I have a series review related to this book. However, this prequel is by far my favourite book in this series and is worth a read even if you haven't read the Maze Runner trilogy. The characters and general plot are different and so it isn't really necessary to read one without reading the other. (Note - if you do plan to read the series, save this one to the end, it spoils the mystery of the first book)

6. The Program by Suzanne Young (4/5)

Not even going to mention it, I have a full review already up... Go check it out! ;)

7. The Butcher Boy by Patrick McCabe (2/5)

This was a book I had to read for school and got a low ranking for personal reasons. The writing itself is good (although very Irish and contains alot of cursing) and the plot, despite its disturbing nature, is also interesting, you do grow to pity Francie. However, as I mentioned, it reminded me of personal things that I won't discuss here and so my enjoyment, or at least interest, was hindered.

8. Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone by JK Rowling (4/5)

This book was a let down for me after being hyped up so much. I've never read these books before and decided to give them a try. The book isn't bad by any standard, and the writing is some of the best I've seen, however the years of build up to this read mean’t I didn't come away star struck. With that said, I did like it and so I am going to read the rest of the series.

9. The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger (3/5)

Another book for school, I loved this ones ending but found the repetitive nature of the narrative a little tiring, however I see its purpose in context. I did like the characters and I'm excited to study it in more detail this year.

10. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (5/5)

NEW FAVOURITE BOOK ALERT! This is now tied with To Kill A Mockingbird (my favourite book). The mystery, the writing, the characters, the love stories... Its just superb... Even if you're not a classics person you have to try this one it’s sensational! (P.S. for those who’ve read it, am I the only one who loves Hareton?)

11. Divergent by Veronica Roth. (4/5)

Another reread, with the intention of a blog post. I love this book, and got through it in less than two days both times I've read it. It’s truly one of the greatest Dystopian books and so I'm excited now to reread the rest of the series.

12. Gone (2/5)

I really didn’t like this. Sorry! I know loads of people are in love with this series but it just seemed to be the same as Under The Dome by Stephen King and was overall just a bot weird… + it does the same thing as James Dashner and tries to shove too many plot points into one book. I don’t think I’ll continue with this series anytime soon.

There you go. What did you guys read this summer?

xx