Book Club

Here's what I think about the books I've read.

Blurb:

When Klara was a child her mother vanished from her life. All she has left is a handful of stories, passed down from the father who raised her. Klara believes she has long ago come to terms with her mother’s disappearance, but then she receives a note and a key from someone who call themselves ‘N.R’. These lead her to a store room, full of the remnants of her mother’s past, Klara discovers a woman who doesn’t quite match the portrait her father had painstakingly painted for her, and a story that leads her to question everything – and everyone – she thought she knew…

My thoughts:

I got his book at the GLAMOUR book club event I’ve told you about and I was over the moon when Jessica Ruston signed my copy. I couldn’t wait to start reading.

This beautiful book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions!

It all starts with the letter and key Klara receives in the mail. She doesn’t know who N.R. is and she’s certainly didn’t know that there is a store room full of her mother’s belongings. The content of the store room and all the unanswered questions - new and old - send Klara on a journey she will never forget as she discovers who Sadie really was.

I’ve loved this book from the start! The characters are fascinating and so is each of their stories. Even when I wasn’t reading I was trying to figure out what would happen next, and most importantly, what happened to Klara’s mother? Why is her father lying? What kind of life did Sadie lead? And why had she disappeared?

The Lies You Told Me is a must-read!  It’s a trip down memory lane you won’t forget that easily.

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Blurb:

Sophie May has a secret.

One that she’s successfully kept for years. It’s meant that she’s had to give up her dreams of going to university and travelling the world to stay in her little village, living with her mum and working in the local teashop.

But then she meets the gorgeous Billy – an actor with ambitions to make it to the top. And when they fall in love, Sophie is whisked away from the comfort of her life into Billy’s glamorous – but ruthless – world.

Their relationship throws Sophie right into the spotlight after years of shying away from attention. Can she handle the constant scrutiny that comes with being with Billy? And most of all, is she ready for her secret heartbreak to be discovered and shared with the nation?

My thoughts:

I’ve loved this book – totally and absolutely!

Sophie May and Billy Busking meet at the location of the heartthrob’s new movie and it’s not long before the first picture of them hit the newsstands.

When Sophie decides to leave the familiar and quite streets of Rosefont Hill behind and joins Billy in his nifty apartment in central London she has to realise that being the girlfriend of a man in the spotlight is not just glamorous. Sophie discovers that there is a lot more going on behind the scenes than she’d have thought.

Billy and Sophie try to build a relationship between award shows, designer clothes, coffee, ex-girlfriends and the busy streets of London. And there is something in Sophie’s past that Billy has not heard about yet.

I've been looking forward to reading Billy and Me ever since Giovanna Fletcher announced that she’d be publishing her debut novel in 2013. It was well worth the wait.

This is the perfect book to read in the sun, giving the characters and plot your full attention while you soak up your Vitamin D. You won’t be able to resist Molly, Sophie, Billy and Sophie’s mum while they're all trying to find their way – in and out. It’s a beautiful story about friendship, dreams and love.

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Blurb:

Before. Miles "Pudge" Halter's whole existence has been one big nonevent, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave the "Great Perhaps" (François Rabelais, poet) even more. Then he heads off to the sometimes crazy, possibly unstable, and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed-up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young, who is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart.

After. Nothing is ever the same.

My thoughts:

I have loved this book from the very first page!

We meet Miles at the beginning of his adventure that is Culver Creek Boarding School. His life had been incredible boring but Miles has a mission. He’s off to seeks a Great Perhaps.

And then he meets Alaska. Fair to say Alaska is like no one else and Miles falls in love – hard and fast.

I don’t want to spoil the effect this book will have on you, and I don’t want to give anything away. It is a must-read. I was glued to every word and I didn’t want this book to end – ever!

Looking for Alaska takes you on a journey you will most likely not forget that easily. It’s more a story about love, than a love story.

I couldn’t help but love the characters in this book, even tho they are be a big younger than I am.

This was the first book of John Green for me and I had very high expectations. Save to say, I was not disappointed. I laughed and cried and cheered the whole way through. A truly amazing read!

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Blurb:

Is it really necessary to go halfway round the world to find the real you?

Gorgeous, world-famous cellist Evie Silverman is classical-lite through and through. 

Real musicians despise her. Her talent has been promoted way beyond its value because -- apparently -- everyone loves a blonde girl in lipstick who can do interesting things between her thighs. She's played for the President of the United States. She's played at No 10 Downing Street. And tonight she's playing for Royalty. 

But tonight she's also going to change her life. Tonight she's going to leave her husband. Tonight, for the first time in fifteen years, she's going to stand on her own two feet. 

For tomorrow begins her new life -- starting with a trip to New York. 

It all too soon becomes apparent that breaking the rules -- and escaping from your past -- isn't what it's cracked up to be!

My thoughts:

Evie Silvermann’s got it all. She’s famous, she’s beautiful and she hooks up with a smoking hot teen idol after leaving her husband.

But, although Evie enjoys the spotlight, it’s not all perfect behind the scenes. A nasty stalker and a whiny ex-husband are trying to pull her strings. And then there is the super important concert in New York...

But a lot of pressure from her music label and a pushy agent are not the only things she has to deal with as she temporarily settles down in NYC. 

Evie will have to face a past that has scared her for life and influenced a lot of her decisions. Barely anyone knows about her secret and as terrifying it might be, there seems to be no way to avoid it any longer. A long list of questions have to be answered.

I have to admit, it took me a couple of pages to really get into the book. I didn't quite sympathize with the main character at first but something about her ignorance and selfishness kept me reading.

As story evolves and Evie’s past gets pushed into the light if felt more and more sympathy towards her. And suddenly, when the secret gets revealed, a lot about her makes much more sense.

It was a beautiful read and maybe even a little reminder to not judge people too quickly. Emily Barr has created a great heroin that you might question in her decisions but simply can not dislike.

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Blurb:

What if you found your soulmate... and then discovered you couldn’t lose him?

When Lucy meets Nate aged 18, it is love at first sight. As far as she’s concerned, he’s The One. Caught up in the whirlwind of first love, they kiss under the Bridge of Sighs in Venice at sunset and – according to the legend – are tied together indefinitely. 

But ten years later, they’ve almost forgotten about each other. That is, until fate starts to bring them together. Again. And again. And again. It doesn’t seem as wonderful as it had before, but if Nate’s not The One – then why on earth is it proving so hard to break up with him?

A funny and magical romantic comedy about what happens when every girl’s dream of finding her dream man comes very true indeed...

My thoughts:

When Lucy and Nate meet in Venice aged 18, they are both sure, this is it. So a kiss at sunset under the Bridge of Sighs, which will tie them together for eternity, seems to be just what they need... It seems like the legend doesn’t work its magic when they break up tho. 

Lucy moves to New York and - what are the odds - Nate, of all people, walks into her gallery. She is over the moon to be finally rejoined with her soulmate, but ten years is a long time. 

Turn out that a lot can happen in a decade, and people do change. So, now, how do you get rid of ‘The One’? After all those years of absence it seems that now, there is no way of escaping each other.

This book as been recommended to me a couple of times. I have never read an Alexandra Potter book before so I was quite excited to get my hands on You’re The One I Don’t Want. 

I loved the idea of not wanting ‘The One’ but I have to say that I was a tad disappointed. 

The story is told in a fun, cheery way but was a bit slow-paced for me. Potter’s style in this book wasn’t quite for me either, but I will definitely give her other books a read. I liked most of the characters tho and had a couple of good giggles throughout. 

But if you want your love story to have a little witty twist and are always up for a chick-lit you will absolutely enjoy You’re The One I Don’t Want!

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Blurb:

On the morning she will never forget, suburban teenager Cynthia Archer awakes with a nasty hangover and a feeling she is going to have an even nastier confrontation with her mom and dad. But when she leaves her bedroom, she discovers the house is empty, with no sign of her parents or younger brother Todd. In the blink of an eye, without any explanation, her family has simply disappeared.

Twenty-five years later Cynthia is still haunted by unanswered questions. Were her family murdered? If so, why was she spared? And if they're alive, why did they abandon her in such a cruel way?

Now married with a daughter of her own, Cynthia fears that her new family will be taken from her just as her first one was. And so she agrees to take part in a TV documentary revisiting the case, in the hope that somebody somewhere will remember something - or even that her father, mother or brother might finally reach out to her...

Then a letter arrives which makes no sense and yet chills Cynthia to the core. And soon she begins to realise that stirring up the past could be the worst mistake she has ever made...

My thoughts:

Actually, I can't remember if I have read this book before but when I found it in my bedroom here in London I just had to start it. I have definitely heard of it before and wanted to buy it anyway. 

One day young Cynthia wakes up and has to discover that her parents and her brother have disappeared. No one has seen them, no one knows where they are. And no one can tell her what had happened.

Twenty-five years after her family has varnished Cynthia receives a letter that raises more questions instead of bringing any answers. 

Cynthia tires, once again, to disclose what happened to her family and if they might even be still alive. Because didn't that young man in the food court of the mall just look like her brother would now? The hat that had mysteriously appeared on their kitchen table one night, it is definitely her father's. And there's still her aunt, who has kept a secret for so many years...

A desperate hunt for the truth and whereabouts of her family begins and threatens to tear her and her husband apart.

I don't want to say too much, you simply must read this book! I picked it up whenever I had time and finished it within three days. A thrilling, captivating story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. I will read it more than once, for sure.

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The Blurb:

Memories define us. So what if you lost yours every time you went to sleep?

My Thoughts:

I was looking forward to reading this a while now. But my 'books-to-read' list got longer and longer, and this epic piece had to wait.

But on my last stop at the bookstore I simply had to pick it up and start reading. The bestie had read it already and praised it to the skies.

Christine wakes up not knowing who the man in the bed next to her is. Actually, she doesn't even know who's bed she has slept in.

Everyday, Christine discovers that she is not the twenty-something year old woman she thought she was when she had opened her eyes, and has to be told what happened to her all over again. But whenever she closes her eyes and goes to sleep at night, the memories and everything she has learned that day disappear.

Her new doctor, Dr. Nash, suggests that Christine should start a journal. So she starts to write down everything she experiences and the seldom memories that come back to her. But as Christine starts to remember and uncover the lies she's been told by her husband, she must also begin to face the crule reality about what and who had caused her condition.

I have loved this book and couldn't put it down all the more, as the secrets got revealed. Twisting and turning, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. I have found myself trying so hard to figure out what had happened to Christine, but were taken by surpise when she uncovered the truth. A fabulous book!

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Blurb:
To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It’s where he was born, where he and his Ma eat and play and learn. At night, Ma puts him safely to sleep in the wardrobe, in case Old Nick comes.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma it’s the prison where she’s been held for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for her son. But Jack’s curiosity is building alongside Ma’s desperation — and she knows Room cannot contain either indefinitely. …

Told in the inventive, funny, and poignant voice of Jack, Room is a powerful story of a mother and son whose love lets them survive the impossible.

My thoughts:

This book was really something else.

I've picked it up several times on one of my, by now, almost weekly strolls through the book store. But I had put it down every time, until I coudln't resist it any longer. Very good decision!

We join Jack and his Ma on his fifth birthday. The boy has grown up believing that Room is everything there is. Outside Room is... nothing. And everything in TV is not real. Just he and Ma are, and Old Nick.

When Ma tells him a story, a new story, and explains that there is a entire world outside Room, Jack has a really hard time believing her, of course.

From that day on Jack's head is full of questions and he is not sure if the whole world can really fit in there. Soon the little guy will find himself on an adventure he didn't dare to dearm was possible.

Told in the voice of the five-year old, brave and absolutely adorable Jack, it gives the story a whole new twist. Room will let you explore the - declaredly strange - world throught the eyes of an extraordinary, pure child.

I really enjoyed reading this book. True viciousness told in such an innocent voice will send a chill down your spine and get you the giggles at the same time.

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Since I am an enormous Sex and the City fan this was a must read for me!

Blurb:

Summer is a magical time in New York City and Carrie is in love with all of it—the crazy characters in her neighborhood, the vintage-clothing boutiques, the wild parties, and the glamorous man who has swept her off  her feet. Best of all, she's finally in a real writing class, taking her first steps toward fulfilling her dream.

My thoughts:

Finally, New York City! Carrie has arrived in the big smoke and the adventure begins right away. Glamurous parties, meeting various artists, manager and wanna-bes and trying to succed in her writing class - that is how Carrie spends her days in the city that never sleeps.

With Samantha and Miranda on her side, the three girls try to leave their marks on New York's streets and men. There is so much to see, feel and do, and while exploring the city, the fashion and all kind of heartbreaks, this amazing friendship develops.

I have read The Carrie Diaries last summer and was really looking forward to this one ever since. I couldn't put this book down and finished it within a week.

It was great to see what had happened at the beginning; how the girls met and over what they've bonded.

Everyone who enjoys the series and movies about those four amazing ladies and their New York life should give this a read.

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Blurb:

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

My thoughts:

After I've finished Matched I couldn't wait to see what happens next.

It seems the story picks up a couple of months after what had happened at the end of Matched.

Told by Cassia as well as Ky, we accompany the two of them throughout the adventure that has just begun, and get different views of the story. Also, we get introduced to new characters and dive deeper into the tortuous actions of the Society.

While Cassia is fighting her way through Society, the Outer Provinces and all kinds of emotions, Ky is starting to tell his story. And even Xander has a few secrets to share. Along the way we meet Vick, Indie and Eli - each bringing in they're own story. And you can not help but to love or at least be fascinated by them.

As more secrets get revealed and we get more and more pieces of everyone's story, I've found myself being surprised and admiring each character for what they did, gone through or come to.

Animated by the desire of freedom and the strengh of love, Condie is taking you onto another beautiful and heartbreaking adventure. The precision with which she describes the setting takes you right into the Outer Province and the Canyon. And the use of classic poems to fuel and support the characters makes you fall for them even harder.

I have really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the release of the next one. Codie has done a great job in setting up the endgame and I can't wait to get my hands on it. If you have liked Matched, you will love Crossed.

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I have just finished this one.

First, I've got to say I was hoocked just by looking at it. I found the German version of this lying around at my bestie's and got curious. After I've read the blurb I could not resist but to read the first few pages just right then.

Blurb:

In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s hardly any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one… until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow — between perfection and passion.

My thoughts:

I was really excited to start reading Matched. I instantly fell in love with the idea of the story.

The book starts right at the Matching ceremony - one part I was really excited about - and we get intoduced to the Society and their rules right away. Along the first few pages we meet Cassia's family, her best friend Xander as well as the rest of her social enviroment. As we follow Cassia, and quickly grow fond of her and everyone else, the huge influence that the Society has gets revealed.

Part of me had a hard time getting my head around the thought of other people contolling lives so strictly and... successful. But this just increased my sympathy for Cassia and the road she chooses to take.

As her view of the Society and everything she's ever known is starting to crack up, we get sucked into the hurricane of events, decisions and emotions Cassia has to come across.

Some parts are so easily to relate to, as we have faced them as well or know we will have to at some point. Losing a loved one, falling in love, letting go...

Other parts appeal to our imagination, letting us be a part of this whole new idea of living a life led by predictions and calculations.

I can only recommend this book, it had me crying and shivering of excitement and empathy. Although I had huge expectations towards Matched, it did not disappoint me and I have already started Crossed (the second book of this triology), because I can not wait to see what happens next.