A Wrap Up: December 2017

Hi, and thanks for stopping by.

Today's post is the first since the end of Blogmas - I really hope everybody enjoyed those 12 special posts and the celebration of the amazing books I read in 2017. I cannot wait to discover so many more special books in 2018, but for now, let's quickly wrap up last year, with everything I read in December.

Keren david’s this is not a love story

2.5 stars

Unfortunately, this book wasn't as good as I'd hoped it would be. My main issue with this book was that the three main characters (two of which we have perspectives from - Kitty and Theo - and then Ethan, who they both obsess over, WHO KNOWS WHY) were bland and had no charm or charisma, to me. I also saw the twist in the storyline with Theo and Ethan from literally the first couple of chapters, but it wasn't necessarily that obvious, so don't worry, spoiler-wise.

Melinda salisbury’s the sleeping prince

3 stars

I really didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one in the trilogy, unfortunately. It had a very slow start - for about 75% of the story, nothing of major consequence seemed to happen. I also didn't even really feel like it was related to the first story, other than the fact that Lief was mentioned every now and then and the Sleeping Prince had returned - he needed to be more present in it though, because he was fabulous potential as a villain, but was barely mentioned at all. Obviously we start to see familiar characters in the last 10-20% of the book, but that's a little late for proper engagement, for me at least!!

Jasmine warga’s my heart and other black holes

4.5 stars

This book was a stunning, moving depiction of depression. It was also one of the best depictions of suicidal thoughts/suicide itself that I have personally ever read (I haven't read too many - I'd love some recommendations in the comments section if you have them). I don't want to include any spoilers here, but I promise you will get so attached to Aysel and Roman and you will be so terrified that they might really go through with their suicide pact. I thought the ending in particular, the last 20 pages or so, were beautifully written. I'd highly recommend this one, especially to those interested in reads focusing on mental health conditions. Be warned though, it's obviously potentially upsetting/triggering.

Melinda salisbury’s the scarecrow queen

3 stars

It was really strange to me, reading this final book, because 2&3 in this trilogy just didn't feel like even the same series as The Sin Eater's Daughter which I really enjoyed (possibly because that one was all set in the castle, with no fighting or strategising, and focused a lot on the traditions of Lomere, like the goddesses and Twylla's role and Sin Eating). This book was pretty slow, like The Sleeping Prince, although the last 50 pages or so were much faster and better. I thought the way Lief's story was written to a conclusion was possibly the best part. Some wonderful romantic endings in places, too.

Brigid kemmerer’s more than we can tell

5 stars

This book was completely stunning. It's a kind of sequel to Letters to the Lost (which I talked about here) but I think it has the edge on that story, which I gave 4 stars. It follows Emma and Rev, who were both incredibly sympathetic, likeable, sweet protagonists/narrators, who I was 1000% rooting for throughout. Be warned, this book does have some seriously dark moments, but they are written so beautifully; I have so much respect for Brigid after reading this, for tackling SO many different issues so perfectly within one book (trolling, sexism in industry, fostering, abuse, religion, friendship, love, assault...SO many, like I said!!). I spoke about it more fully here.

Jay asher’s what light

3 stars

For me, the majority of this book, unfortunately, was only a 2 star read really; I just found both Sierra and Caleb to be quite plain characters, who didn't seem very three-dimensional or interesting. Even the extra, peripheral characters weren't very special; I did like Rachel, but we only saw her for the tiniest amounts of the story. Also, the whole knife storyline was bizarre...like I appreciate that Sierra was so forgiving and you could obviously tell that Caleb wasn't violent/dangerous, but she literally just didn't even question it and just carried on making out with him, essentially...kinda weird. I did LOVE the festive vibes though - one whole star was for those parts.

Rainbow rowell’s almost midnight

5 stars

Reading this reminded me of why Rainbow Rowell was my second favourite author of the whole of 2016 (Jandy Nelson was number one...sorry!!). Her writing is so vivid, funny...reading it just feels like such a treat, so warm and comforting. These stories were festive (one set on various New Years Eves and the other in the lead-up to Christmas). I loved rereading Midnights, Noel reminded me SO much of a slightly more cheeky, confident Levi which I absolutely love. I also really enjoyed Kindred Spirits, with its couple of little twists and general celebration of geekiness - fabulous!! I hope Rainbow Rowell has plans to publish more YA soon!!!

Katie cotugno’s 99 days

 3.5 stars

I did still struggle with Patrick as a love interest. I had HUGE issues with how he and Gabe "competed" for Molly and I was SO glad when she finally told them both to stop acting like freaking cavemen. Molly herself was another sympathetic, reliable protagonist who I was really rooting for - however, she did make some SERIOUS mistakes. I was really mad at her, often. But it was good to see Katie illustrate how often women are blamed in situations involving infidelity, and the men seem to get off with barely a scratch. I wrote a little more about it here.

Lauren oliver’s vanishing girls

4 stars

I didn't even see a tiny glimpse of this book's big twist coming - I was constnatly trying to figure out how Dara and Parker and Nick and Madeline & Sarah Snow were all going to come together in the end, but it was done really excellently. I only wish there had been more moments included between Parker and Nick, because they had great chemistry.

Ann brashares’s the whole thing together

2.5 stars

Firstly I should say thank you to the publishers, via NetGalley, for this book. Once again with this author, I have issues with this book.  liked the relationship between Ray and Sasha - it was unique, well written and they had great chemistry & humour. However, there wasn't NEARLY enough of them. Space that they could have filled well was instead preoccupied with the three sisters they share. I'm sorry, but I didn't care about their three stories. There were just too many perspectives, too many names - too complex and not pulled off well enough to get away with that complexity. I ranted in full here.

Holly smale’s all wrapped up

3.5 stars

This Geek Girl Christmas story was so much fun to read - Harriet's narrative is just the easiest thing to read and enjoy. I loved the fact that all of the hilarious characters made their appearances; Harriet's dad (Richard, right?) and Toby are two particular personal favourites. My only real complaint is that it was SO short - I barely had time to get reacquainted and cosy before it was over!!

Julie murphy’s side effects may vary

 2 stars

Man was I disappointed by this book. The concept just seemed so unique and brilliant, but the reality was a huge let down. Firstly, plot-wise, we never even get to find out what exactly Alice wants to do before she dies; other than get revenge on two people, she just seems to do random things that she never really explains. Also, her personality was SO repellent, so selfish. Obviously I understand she's in the most horrific situation, but that isn't an excuse, in my opinion. Harvey's niceness just got irritating by the end, because she was so obviously manipulating him. Also, her then trying to get him to cheat on his girlfriend with her was HORRIBLE.

Carrie mac’s 10 things I can see from here

4 stars

This book has one of the most honest, unflinching & accurate portrayals of anxiety I have ever read; there is a tendency in YA, I think, to write mental health conditions as very romantic things, as very curable things, and so often that is just not the reality. Perhaps that's easier/more satisfying to read about, but this was far more relatable and honest. Some really great, brave depictions of family relationships and addiction. Also, a really wonderful lesbian relationship  - another book where the romance was so well written that it didn't need to be centre stage 24/7.

Patrick ness’s a monster calls
4 stars

This book was really beautiful. I think it really did help that I had a library edition, complete with Jim Kay's stunningly dark illustrations. I realise that not a lot actually happens, plot-wise, and that in places it even reads as a little repetitive, but I loved it regardless. The ending DESTROYED me.

Karen gregory’s countless

4 stars

I received this from the publishers, through Netgalley, so thanks to them for their generosity. The first half of this book was a little repetitive, but I do think that's fairly expected when a book mainly focuses on mental health disorders. The second half was much, much stronger. I enjoyed reading about Hedda and Robin's friendship and I was glad there was no romantic, healing relationship between them. The way things were concluded was really, really sad. The last 10% or so had me really emotional - I really felt heartbroken reading about Hedda's final decision, because it was so brave and sad all at once.

Matthew crow’s in bloom

2 stars

Really wasn't much of a fan of this. I didn't GET the characters - I think they were supposed to be super funny and quirky, but they just weren't, in my opinion... Amber wasn't even likeable?! She was just quite irritating and actually really mean.  I did like the relationship Francis had with his brother & mum, but otherwise I found the majority of this story unfortunately left me completely cold.

Lily collins’s unfiltered

3 stars

I should preface this by saying that I am a HUGE Lily Collins fan; she's one of my favourite actresses ever and she just comes across as the most beautiful, funny person. I did really enjoy reading about her life and finding out about the things she had been through, particularly the chapters about her relationship with her lovely mother and her eating disorder. However, I don't know that someone who isn't necessarily a fan of Lily would get much from this, although it does have a positive message overall.

Laura stevens’s the exact opposite of okay

3/3.5 stars

I also received this book from the publishers, so thank you to them!! I have really mixed feelings on this story unfortunately. I did really like the feminist message and the discussion of topics like revenge porn and slut-shaming, as well as having a sexually experienced protagonist who was confident, funny and smart. However, I found the humour was a little over-written and self-conscious and it really began to show the effort by the end. 

Huntley fitzpatrick’s the boy most likely to

3.5 stars

I really wish I had read this soon after My Life Next Door, because some of the links and references were pretty lost on me. Secondly, this book was too long for its plot. Sure, a lot did happen, but enough to warrant nearly 500 pages. I did like both Tim and Alice - they were both funny and charming and sympathetic. I also did feel like they had good chemistry for the most part, and the intimate scenes between them were some of the most well written, without all the cliche romanticism and euphemism that you find in a lot of YA.

Jennifer gold’s on the spectrum

3 stars

I struggled with this book's protagonist, Clara, and that's kind of a huge red flag, for me as a reader. I found her just super selfish and quite ignorant, particularly when making comments about autism before she had met Alastair - she did grow on me eventually, but I still never felt emotionally involved/connected with her or her story. The representation of orthorexia and autism was really encouraging to read and well done, in my opinion.

So those are the books I read in December!! I think my stand-out book of the month would have to be More Than We Can Tell. Almost Midnight felt like the biggest treat to read, though, because I missed Rainbow Rowell so much in 2017! What was your favourite book you read over Christmas?

Till next time

 Katie