#holiday read

[alberta-sunrise]

Vacation Vibes

[jeff-rees-jones]

It's almost that time of the year again!

Angel Bright.

it's Christmas Eve and one little angel is lost and far from home...

Read it on Christmas Eve, it's becoming a tradition for friends and families.

Gift it to someone you love.

Available across the World on Kindle or get a signed copy from me on ebay.

Also available as a 2cd audiobook narrated by cult British actress Fenella Fielding.

[bookishlyvintage]

Lovelight Farms, BK Borrison

☆☆☆ || full review

[shesamreads]

Clumsy? Limbs sometimes do what they want? Flighty, but can hyper-focus like a motherfucker?

Sounds like Louisa has ADHD.

[headfulloffantasies]

12 Days of Christmas Reading

[welcometothebookreport]

“I’ve essentially handed my heart over to the person who’s had it on reserve for half my life, and I’m terrified that he doesn’t realize what he’s holding.” 

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

[apicturewithasmile]

Any book recommendations that are a funny, light-hearted holiday read?

Something in the vein of Mark Haddon’s Curious Incident, Matt Haig’s The Humans, or Graham Norton’s Holding. You know... a good detective story or family story but with a good amount of humour and a happy ending.

[gingerbooks]

My Book of the Year - I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

It's the big one. I had to name this my book of 2018 because it ticked all the boxes for things I like in books ;

Plot twists

Well crafted characters that are not having a very good time ;)

A touch of magic or mystery

Romance

Many quotable quotes :)

A message

Leaves you feeling something

I ended up buying I'll Give You The Sun to read on holiday after googling "Books like The Raven Cycle" (The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater is my favourite series). It's name kept appearing so I bought it. It is about a set of twins, Noah and Jude, who were once so close but then drift apart. It goes back and forth between the twins at 13 and the twins at 16 and the plot resolves around secrets they keep from each other. Art is also a big theme, the story touches on Noah and Judes creative journey, as well as how this links in with their turbulent relationship with their mother. I would say it is similar to The Raven Cycle in the way it has a nice writing style similar to Stiefvater's. It also has the same gorgeous use of metaphor, and includes the idea of magic and superstitions. It also has themes of family, friendship, and love.

I would struggle to recommend a particular audience or place this book in a specific genre which is what makes it so special. I think EVERYONE should read it. That's how I know I've read a very special book - when I want everyone to read it. It could be labelled as teens and YA as at one point the book is written from the point of view of young teenagers, but on the other hand, it uses swear words and covers themes younger readers wouldn't be comfortable with. Part of me thinks parents should read it, as it handles difficult family topics, such as grief and bereavement in a touching way. The story is a beautiful mix of bittersweet moments, humour, and pain.

I think what makes I'll Give You The Sun stand out - without giving anything away, is that it's a very special story told in an unusual way. So as a reader I got to be involved the storyline whilst also enjoying they way it was put together and delivered.