Today, we are very happy to welcome our friend Trinity, who is 1. Wonderful; 2. Australian; 3. Blogs at Trin in the Wind, and 4. Is an aspiring author. I (Flannery) first met Trinity through mutual friends on Goodreads but we at The Readventurer have become fans of her reviews, which are both well thought out and well written. She has wonderful taste and I knew she'd be able to give a few unique recommendations for our If You Like This, You Might Like That feature, where people give book recommendations based on random likes and dislikes.
Thanks so much to Flannery for asking me to do a guest post (though it took me approximately a million years so I doubt I'll be asked back). (Note from Flannery: If you think being tardy for a guest post is grounds for me to not harass you, you are sorely mistaken) I tried to pick some lesser known books to harp on about and I hope you find something that you like...
Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda
This book was a result of me being flustered in Borders (pre goodreads days). Will this be any good? They made it into a movie, a French movie, with Audrey Tautou. It's a French book, I wish I were French, maybe if I read this book I'll be a bit more French…and so went my thoughts. Turns out I did like the book, quite a lot. (I like the film more though–Guillaume Canet mmm) I recommend if you like French stuff, quirky characters, lovely prose (though a bit dense at times) and a highly satisfying ending.
This book was a result of me being flustered in Borders (pre goodreads days). Will this be any good? They made it into a movie, a French movie, with Audrey Tautou. It's a French book, I wish I were French, maybe if I read this book I'll be a bit more French…and so went my thoughts. Turns out I did like the book, quite a lot. (I like the film more though–Guillaume Canet mmm) I recommend if you like French stuff, quirky characters, lovely prose (though a bit dense at times) and a highly satisfying ending.
Shadows by Paula Weston
I feel like I can't shut up about this book at the moment. One of the best books I've read this year. I put this off for ages because, you guys, I'm not a fan of Angel-type books. I like to hang out on the contemporary side of the street. BUT YOU GUYS. This book, this book. Recommend if you don't really like angel books but do like swoon, action, brilliant brilliant prose and a glowing feeling in your chest. This book stands up with some of the best Aussie Contemp YA.
I feel like I can't shut up about this book at the moment. One of the best books I've read this year. I put this off for ages because, you guys, I'm not a fan of Angel-type books. I like to hang out on the contemporary side of the street. BUT YOU GUYS. This book, this book. Recommend if you don't really like angel books but do like swoon, action, brilliant brilliant prose and a glowing feeling in your chest. This book stands up with some of the best Aussie Contemp YA.
Shift by Em Bailey
This book was a surprising read for me this year, for some reason I thought it'd be crap (I think it's cos I saw it everywhere and it made me suspicious…over marketed books, they can't be good right?) But I did like it, so there you go. Shift is a YA psychological thriller but not overly scary just incredibly creepy. It's so enjoyable. It won the 2012 Gold Inky and I can totally see why. Recommend if you liked to be creeped out, like making up your own words and tend to spend too much time obsessing over the strange new girl at school.
This book was a surprising read for me this year, for some reason I thought it'd be crap (I think it's cos I saw it everywhere and it made me suspicious…over marketed books, they can't be good right?) But I did like it, so there you go. Shift is a YA psychological thriller but not overly scary just incredibly creepy. It's so enjoyable. It won the 2012 Gold Inky and I can totally see why. Recommend if you liked to be creeped out, like making up your own words and tend to spend too much time obsessing over the strange new girl at school.
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
I read this book as part of research for my own work and found it utterly sad and beautiful. It's a journal of sorts by C.S. Lewis after the passing of his wife. He is completely open and raw with his words and the way he articulates his grief just makes you stop and say that's it, that's completely it. He hides from the world, prays and shouts at God. At only 60 pages it is a very powerful read. Recommend if you want some insight into grief, if you're a fan of the man, if you like stunning prose and if you need a quick, poignant read.
I read this book as part of research for my own work and found it utterly sad and beautiful. It's a journal of sorts by C.S. Lewis after the passing of his wife. He is completely open and raw with his words and the way he articulates his grief just makes you stop and say that's it, that's completely it. He hides from the world, prays and shouts at God. At only 60 pages it is a very powerful read. Recommend if you want some insight into grief, if you're a fan of the man, if you like stunning prose and if you need a quick, poignant read.
Red Queen by Honey Brown
This is the first book I've read by Honey Brown and it certainly won't be the last. It is another psychological thriller, but where Shift was ultimately safe, this book is opened up wide. There are things here that ring with so much devastating truth. It is quite a bleak read. I'd like to marry her prose though. The story is quiet but charged with an unsettling edge. Recommend if you want to devour a book, if you enjoy being challenged and getting out of your comfort zone, if you want to read some exquisite prose.
This is the first book I've read by Honey Brown and it certainly won't be the last. It is another psychological thriller, but where Shift was ultimately safe, this book is opened up wide. There are things here that ring with so much devastating truth. It is quite a bleak read. I'd like to marry her prose though. The story is quiet but charged with an unsettling edge. Recommend if you want to devour a book, if you enjoy being challenged and getting out of your comfort zone, if you want to read some exquisite prose.
