2018 Reads #03
The last time I sat and wrote my latest reads was back in April with the second installment of my 2018 reads (2018 Reads #02) and ever since I have lost my mojo with reading. I put it down to life stuff getting in the way, leaving with me little motivation to read (but I am trying!)
Now that Summer is here, I really hope I can get my butt into gear because I have quite the big TBR pile. I'm hoping to get through 6 or more books this summer, I just need to decide on the 6 I'd like to read.
Anyhow, let's get stuck in and chat about the books I have been reading recently!
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton | ☆☆☆ 1/2
Everything I know About Love is about the struggles of early adulthood in all its grubby, hopeful uncertainty.
I grabbed this book at the library after hearing a lot of hype surrounding it. Journalist and former Sunday Times columnist Dolly Alderton's memoir is reaccounts all of her experiences in finding love. Some of them feel relatable, particularly back in the days of MSN. I do feel that people in their late 20's will be able to relate to this book far more than people in their teens. Dolly's writing style is very individual to her and although I enjoyed reading it, I didn't love it like everyone else did.
Caraval by Sarah Knight | ☆☆☆
Welcome, welcome to Caraval…beware of getting swept too far away.
I found this book incredibly hard to get into at the beginning but once I gave it time I really got stuck into Scarlett's story. It's all centred around Scarlett Dragna who has never left the tiny island where she has been living with her sister, Tell, and their powerful but cruel father. Scarlett's father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks that her dreams of seeing Caraval - the faraway, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show - are over. This year Scarlett's invitation finally arrives and off she goes with the help of a mysterious sailor and her sister. Tella is kidnapped as soon as they arrive in Caraval and whoever finds her first is the winner.
I found that the plot didn't gravitate me in too much, even though so many people were telling me it was a great book! I definitely expected more from this story, it has sequels so I'd be intrigued to see how the characters and different plots developed over the course of time.
How To Stop Time by Matt Haig | ☆☆☆☆☆
"The first rule is that you don't fall in love, ' he said... 'There are other rules too, but that is the main one. No falling in love. No staying in love. No daydreaming of love. If you stick to this you will just about be okay.'"
Matt Haig is undoubtedly one of my favourite authors and a fantastic advocate for Mental Health. I've been wanting to read How To Stop Time for a while so was glad to finally tuck into this book! This book was one of the most stunning reads I have ever got my hands on and it really grabbed my attention. The concept of the book is really beautiful and the use of philosophy, history and time blended so well around one particular character. That character is Tom Hazard, he has a dangerous secret. Although he may look like an ordinary 41-year-old, but a rare condition means he has been alive for centuries. His encounter with history is really captivating and Haig has really brought together an interesting story I'll want to read over and over again.
This book for me was definitely my favourite of the year so far!
What have you been reading recently? If you enjoyed reading this and would like more recommendations for your TBR pile you may enjoy reading my 2018 Reads #02.