Mini-Review! - Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson

Title: Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit

Author: Jeanette Winterson

Genre: (Modern) Classics, LGBTQ+, F/F

Amazon: UK - USA

Verdict:

This is held up to be a modern classic, so I figured - why not? It looked interesting, after all.

I think this book doesn't get read enough because it's about *whispers* lesbians. We need to get over the narrow-mindedness, in all honesty.

Let me explain something straightaway, though - given the knowing glances and reluctance to talk about this book, I was expecting there to be sexy-times.

There was none of the sexy-times in this book. There were references to the sexy-times, but that's all. And even those are fairly tame, to be perfectly honest.

And I'm always honest with you guys ;)

This is a book about the fictional Jeanette (not to be confused with the real Jeanette,) a girl being raised in an evangelical Christian family up North in the 60s/70s.

They're raising her to be a missionary and do the Lord's work.

This is fine until Jeanette falls in love with another girl. Then the problems start.

This is a semi-autobiographical novel, where the author uses aspects of her own life to create a fictional version of herself.

I really enjoyed this book. The fable-style interludes were cool, and the way the characters were written was the right mix of affection, humour, and frustration.

It was also hugely readable, and quite short (less than 200 pages - practically bite-sized!) And if you want an interesting read, it's a sure-thing.

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Author's Site

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Mini-Review! - Panic by Lauren Oliver

Title: Panic

Author: Lauren Oliver

Genre: YA, Contemporary

Amazon: UK - USA

Verdict:

Ahhh summers as a teen. Long lazy days of such wholesome activities as... walking across a main road blindfolded and... playing Russian roulette.

No? Yeah, me neither. But in the no-hope town of Carp, New York, this is what summer means to the high school's graduating class.

Every year, the seniors play Panic. A game where people get hurt.

Why take the risk? Because the prize is enough money to get the hell out of Carp - and that's what most of these kids want.

This book was a) well-written, b) full of complex characters and real life problems and c) generally awesome.

BUT DO NOT TAKE THESE CHARACTERS AS ROLE MODELS.

THE DECISIONS ARE SOOOO BAD! BAD DECISIONS EVERYWHERE!!!!!!

That said, the decisions, despite their stupidity, are realistic ones. You can see desperate teens doing these things, just because they feel so trapped.

I liked our protagonists - there's a duel point of view from seniors Heather and Dodge - but I so wanted to scream at them to NOT DO THE THING.

But this is an awesomely readable book - it may be a cliché, but it really was a page-turner.

I also loved the realism here - not gritty for the sake of it, but most definitely not sugar-coated either.

Oh, there's some swearing, a dash of violence, and references to sexy-times, but nothing your average teenager can't handle!

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Author's Site

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Month in Review(s) - June 2016

We're half-way through the year folks! Which is kind of rocking, really, because it means we're that much closer to Christmas.

(I love Christmas!)





Anyway, back to the summer-ish-ness of June, and I can honestly say I read a little bit of everything this month.

Plus it was a pretty fab month blog-wise: I reached over 750 Twitter followers, over 15k blog page-views (ARGH!!!!!) and over 30 Bloglovin followers.




AND JUNO DAWSON LIKED MY TWEET!!!!!!

(I'm a massive Juno Dawson fan - so this was kind of a fantabulously big deal to me.)

So catch up on all my reviews this month with this handy link-list (and I've added cover images, because I spoil you.)

Kids

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke - Fantasy

Young Adult

Say Her Name by Juno Dawson - Horror, Ghost Story

These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly - Historical Fiction, Crime

Adult

Life Blood by V M Black - Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, Novella

Landline by Rainbow Rowell - Contemporary, Chick Lit, Magic Realism, Romance* (*ish)

Graphic Novels

Codename Baboushka, Vol: The Conclave of Death - Spy, Gangster, Thriller, Crime

Klaw, The First Cycle - Young Adult, Fantasy, Superhero*, Paranormal* (*ish - there are shifters of various types and somewhat of a superhero origin story.)

Mini-Review! - Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Title: Inkheart

Author: Cornelia Funke

Translator: Anthea Bell

Genre: Kids, Fantasy

Series: Inkworld #1

Amazon: UK - USA

Verdict:

You know all the books you loved as a kid? All the magic and wonder that seemed unique to places like Narnia, Hogwarts, and Neverland?

This book is that feeling. This book has that magic.

Inkheart is a book about magic, and a book about books.

It has a woven enchantment to the language that manages to shine through even in translation (props to Anthea Bell, the translator.)

Meggie, the 12-year-old daughter of a book-binder, is about to find out that her father has secrets, and that some people have such a talent for story-telling that they can actually bring the story to life.

I've wanted to read this one for a while, having seen the film (UK - US) starring Brendan Fraser more than once. (Because... Brendan Fraser! Man, I love him.)

I wonder now why I put off reading this book for so long - probably just slipped to the back of my mind. I'm glad I've read it now though: it's awesome! :)

If you have ever loved fantasy, or books in general, then read this.

Yes, it's a kids book (the author's website recommends ages 9+,) but who cares? You'll love it.

And if you don't absolutely adore Dustfinger, I'm not sure we can be friends any more (just kidding - but I'll totally pout and stamp my foot.)

I've already added the next book in the trilogy - Inkspell (UK - US) - to my TBR - seriously, this book rocks.

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Author's Site

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Mini-review! - Life Blood by V M Black

Title: Life Blood

Author: V M Black

Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, Novella

Series: Cora's Choice #1

Amazon: UK - USA

Verdict:

I picked this book up because free e-books are my kryptonite. Particularly paranormal romances. They're like alcopops or junk food to me, honestly.

So yeah... this went on the e-reader!

This is one of those 'get-you-hooked' series-starter novellas. Like a drug dealer who gives you the first hit for free.

(Reading is an addiction - I keep telling you people this.)

As such, it's pretty short, and is series-foundation-setting rather than a full-blooded (ha! Blooded. Vampires. I just noticed that,) romance in and of itself.

The sexy-times only start to appear near the end, and aren't all that graphic (but I still don't want you young 'uns reading this! It does get a li'l steamy.)

And I'm not entirely sure I'm sold on the love-interest/s.

Luckily, the main romantic-al feller/vampire is more a lust-interest at this stage, so has time to develop in other books into (potentially) something deeper before everyone starts declaring undying love, or whatever.

Oh, and personal-safety-wise? It was nice to see Cora being careful to tell people where she is... even if some of her other decisions are a little ill-advised to say the least.

At least someone would be able to find the body if she was murdered and left in a ditch. Better than what most heroines manage, Cora - 10 points to Gryffindor!

(I don't know if she's in Gryffindor... I just kind of assumed...) (No, I actually haven't had coffee - which is more worrying than having it to be honest...)

This, then, is a short and very readable para-romance novella. If vampire romance is your thing, you'll probably devour this. :)

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Author's Site

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Month in Review(s) - May 2016

And so another month is well on its way to faffing off into the sunset.

I actually haven't reviewed any graphic novels this month (I know - who am, and what have I done with Cee?)

I'm probably making up for last month, which had graphic novels falling from the ever-loving rafters.

I've been on a bit of a contemporary YA binge lately - which led to me reviewing 3 contemporary YA titles this month.

'The Art of Being Normal' was beautiful, 'One' was unique, and 'Boy Meets Boy' was your favourite rom-com in book form.






My stand-out book this month, though? 'Swan Boy.' Wow. Just wow.





Kids




Swan Boy by Nikki Sheehan - Contemporary, Magic Realism








Young Adult

The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson - Contemporary, LGBTQ+
One by Sarah Crossan - Contemporary, Poetry* (*novel in verse)
Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan - Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance (M/M)









Adult




alt. sherlock. holmes - Anthology, Novellas/Short Stories, Crime, Contemporary*, Historical Fiction*, LGBTQ+* M/M* (*one or more stories.)







Non-fiction




Reasons To Stay Alive by Matt Haig

Mini-Review - One by Sarah Crossan

Title: One

Author: Sarah Crossan

Genre: YA, Contemporary, Poetry* (*novel in verse.)

Amazon: UK - USA

Verdict:

This is the first novel in verse that I've ever read - and I did find the form a little... odd.

Not bad, necessarily, just odd. I don't know whether I liked the form or not, really. It was different, I'll give it that.

But poetry in general is an incredibly personal thing - so... make of that what you will I guess!

This book is about conjoined twins Tippi and Grace, who've spent their entire lives literally joined at the hip, with all the good and the bad that that brings.

What I really liked about this was the fleshed-out minor characters - everyone was fully developed, maybe even more than Tippi and Grace.

Personally, I couldn't warm to Tippi - she just seemed a little less there than everyone else (ironic since, due to Grace's first-person viewpoint, Tippi is literally always there.)

Grace, though, I did like. By the end of the book, you know her so well that it's very hard not to like her.

The plot is quite intense in places... can't say more for fear of spoilerage, but I can imagine people getting more than slightly upset at some points.

A unique book certainly, and one that you've got to form your own opinions on I think!

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Author's Site

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Mini-Review! - Reasons To Stay Alive by Matt Haig

16-22 May is Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK. May is also Mental Health Month in the US.

Title: Reasons To Stay Alive

Author: Matt Haig

Genre: Non-fiction

Amazon: UK - USA

Verdict:

The main importance of this book is that it exists.

It exists because Matt Haig is alive, when depression could so easily have taken him from the world.

He kept going. He has loved, laughed, and lived, and continues to do so.

So he gives us this - 'Reasons To Stay Alive' - in the hope of adding another spark of light to the end of the metaphorical tunnel.

-0-

The main importance of this book is that it exists.

It exists for people like me - who need to continually add weapons to our tool-kit against depression.

Not all of the tips will help everyone. There are things which will help, and things which won't. Do what works for you.

It exists for people who care about someone with a mental illness. To give a glimpse of what they may be feeling.

It exists for society. Because we need to speak out. To stop the stigma that still exists and haunts us.

It's not an easy read in places. It's an intense topic - let's face it.

And I took a lot of breaks between chapters, to try and let myself absorb what I was reading without overwhelming myself. Sometimes you need processing time.

-0-

The main importance of this book is that it exists.

It exists because the pain is not endless - even though it often feels like it.

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Author's Site

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Mini-Review! - Play Hard by J T Fox

Title: Play Hard

Author: J T Fox

Genre: LGBTQ+, Romance (m/m,)Short Stories, Contemporary

Series: Hot for Him (#1)

Amazon: UK - USA

Verdict:

18+ only

I picked this up for free on Kobo, because I have an addiction to free smut.

This is about two American football players who play for rival teams... and just happen to fancy the pants off each other (quite literally - this is a steamy romance dammit!)

I didn't understand a word of the American football stuff, but luckily it served as background more than plot.

Amongst all the naughty goings-on (which are mighty hot, might I add!) Jordan and Eric are dodging match-fixing scandals, helping out sports programmes, doing news interviews, and hiding in the closet so far that they can probably see Narnia!

The closet-thing is for their careers (the inference being that gay players will be dropped from the team.) But they just can't seem to keep their hands off each other...

And all this in just over 50 pages!

Seriously, this is quick and breathless and damned hot. Luckily there are plenty of references to showers, so you can cool down.

There's also actual relationship stuff: will-they-won't-they moments and some feelings stuck in for good measure. So it's not just about the pretty faces ;)

Buy Now UK - Buy Now USA - Goodreads – Author's Facebook

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The Month In Review(s) - March 2016

Ahhh, spring and March and books and reviews :)

Check out all the books I've reviewed this month:

Kids

Midnight by Jacqueline Wilson - contemporary, chick lit
After Tomorrow by Gillian Cross - dystopian

Young Adult

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell - fantasy, paranormal, LGBTQ+ (M/M)

Adult

Mr Mercedes by Stephen King - crime, thriller
Orlando by Virginia Woolf - classics, historical fiction, LGBT*Q+
The True and Splendid History of the Harristown Sisters by Michelle Lovric - historical fiction
The Zoo Father by Pascale Petit - poetry

Graphic Novels

Adulthood is a Myth: A Sarah's Scribbles Collection by Sarah Andersen - humour
The Beauty, Volume 1 - dystopian, horror, sci-fi

Non-fiction

Everyday Sexism by Laura Bates

Mini-Review (Poetry Edition!) - The Zoo Father by Pascale Petit

Title: The Zoo Father

Author: Pascale Petit

Genre: Poetry

Amazon: UK - USA

Verdict:

This is not an easy book to read; it's a dark book, a book of poems filled with the confused aftermath of violence and abuse.

Much of the imagery is dark and uncomfortable. The relationship between the poet and her parents - particularly the relationship between herself and her father - is laid painfully bare.

These aren't the most captivating poems I have ever read: I have read many more which spoke more to me personally. Poetry can be funny like that - uniquely subjective in a way almost no other medium is.

Still though, this is powerful poetry - poetry with its roots entangled in pain and reality. You can't help but feel the truth in the words.

And for anyone to write such raw truths - imaginatively, carefully, questioningly - must be admired in a way that is reserved for those who have given part of themselves to the world.

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads – Author's Site

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Mini-Review! - Omega Beloved by Aiden Bates

Title: Omega Beloved.

Author: Aiden Bates.

Genre: Romance (m/m,) Paranormal, Fantasy, Werewolves, Short Story, LGBTQ+

Series: Omega Beloved #1

Amazon: (UK - US)

Verdict:

This is an 18+ book - I mean it! (Stay in school, don't commit crimes, etc. etc. - don't let your parents yell at me. Please.)

This is a book that I mentioned in my post on guilty pleasures - and how we need to ditch the 'guilt' part.

Basically, what we have here is a fairly steamy m/m werewolf romance. It follows the Omegaverse trope - something which will be fairly familiar to fanfiction readers like myself.

It's also quite sweet in places, very well-written, and there's signs of real character development, and real heart.

So, yeah, I thought it was pretty damned awesome - even though, at 35 pages, it's short to say the least. Time well spent.

Buy Now UK - Buy Now USA - Goodreads – Author's Facebook

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Mini-Review! (Classics Edition!) - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Title: Jane Eyre

Author: Charlotte Bronte

Genre: Classics, Romance

Amazon: UK - USA

Verdict:

Awesome, awesome, awesome book! I just finished re-reading this, and I forgot how much I love this book!

Some people may find the prose and style old-fashioned (but given that this book was published in the 1840s, that's hardly surprising,) but the effort you put in really does pay off.

Honestly, I adore this book - if you love creepy, atmospheric, novels with complex characters, societal conventions to use and rebel against, and secrets upon secrets, then this book is for you too!

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads

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