The Library | March

 My challenge for 2016 was to read wider variety of different books, to explore different genres which I really enjoyed. My challenge this year is to read one book a week, or the equivalent of one a week so my total of books read this year is 52. I love reading, but sometimes opt to spend hours scrolling aimlessly through social media instead of just picking up a book, so this challenge was set to help me combat that and get through some more books!

That Girl From Nowhere - Dorothy Koomson

 Dorothy Koomson is brilliant. I've read a couple of her books now, and they have all been so good! I love the fact that they all have different and interesting twists to them. The storyline to this book was really gripping, but I did find that in some areas it lacked the emotion I expect to feel alongside the dramatic storyline. I'm not too sure that makes sense but I expected myself to feel a lot more emotional about the things that were happening in the novel! Despite this, I'd still really recommend it.

The Dynamite Room - Jason Hewitt

The Dynamite Room was a chance find when I went to Rochester, and went through the vast amount of charity book shops. I picked it up, liked the sound of the blurb and brought it home with me! I really enjoyed this read, especially as it was a little different to the books I usually read. The storyline was quite out there, but I liked the fact that the novel focused on two main characters with flash backs to their past and how they ended up in their unique situation.

Who Do You Love - Jennifer Weiner

I devoured this book by Jennifer Weiner. It's a love story through and through, and a lovely one at that. I felt really invested in the characters, and liked the fact that this was a realistic love story with highs and lows unlike many of the stories you read which are all unrealistically perfect. Who Do You Love is one of those books that you really can't put down because you want to know what happens so much!

The Notebook - Nicholas Sparks

I started reading this book a while ago but didn't really get into it (probably because it was around my birthday so I had lots of new books catching my eye!). This time around though, I have loved it. It's a truly beautiful love story, despite being terribly sad too. It's quite a short read so perfect for fitting in around work and life!

The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood

Whilst this was a slightly haunting read, to say the least, it was definitely very interesting and I'm pleased I read it! The United States of America is now the Republic of Gilead and women are treated very differently. The story follows Offred, who is a handmaid. A woman who is taken into the home of The Commander to bear his children as he and his wife cannot. Offred's story is terribly sad, but it's was definitely an interesting read too!

Who's That Girl - Mhairi McFarlane

I adored this book by Mhairi. It was hilarious, and heart-warming and if you read one book this month, make it this one. The characters came alive to me, and I really liked that because sometimes it can take a little while for you to connect with the characters. With the characters in Who's That Girl, I felt connected to them from page one.

What have you been reading recently?