charlottebibliophile

Monthly Archives: October 2017

• Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Creepy Books On My TBR List

  Posted at 9:00 am by charlottebibliophile, on October 31, 2017

  October 31: Top Ten Creepy Books On My TBR List
  Happy Halloween to those who celebrate possibly the strangest holiday in history (I don’t partake in the festivities, as you might have gathered). Regardless, this week’s prompt was a related freebie, so here we are: creepy books, come at me!

  1. Dracula by Bram Stoker
  What could be creepier than vampires? There are many, many classics on my extensive TBR list, but this one is near the top.

  2. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
  Monsters are definitely frightening and ooze the very essence of Halloween, and I’m very intrigued by Frankenstein’s creation.

  3. The Woman In Black by Susan Hill
  I read (the majority of) Susan Hill’s I’m The King Of The Castle when I was sixteen and enjoyed it, so I’m certain I’ll similarly enjoy her most well known novel.

  4. Grimm’s Fairy Tales by Jacob Grimm
  These stories are just inherently spine-chilling; I adore fairy tales, so I have high expectations for these classics.

  5. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
  When I was eleven I was the lead in the school musical, a strange mix of this novel and The Rocky Horror Picture Show/Frankenstein, and ever since then I’ve had an interest in this book.

  6. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
  I’ve been really interested in everything Jack the Ripper since GCSE History, for which I had an entire coursework module on the world renowned killed, so I’m sold.

  7. There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins
  The title alone is creepy enough; I’ve always been scared of this very concept so I’m probably going to be terrified reading this one.

  8. Beastly by Alex Flinn
  A boy or a beast? If that doesn’t scream creepy, I don’t know what does. This one has been on my TBR since the movie version (which I also haven’t experienced) was released.

  9. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
  There’s an underlying creepiness about dystopian novels: being watched and controlled is truly disturbing.

  10. 1984 by George Orwell
  This novel was on my required A Level reading, but I never actually read it (my bad), but in the current political climate I don’t think it’s ever been more horrifyingly relevant.

  Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. Check out their blog and get involved!

  For more content, visit @charlottebibliophile on Goodreads, Instagram and YouTube

  Posted in General Musings | 0 Comments | Tagged book, book blog, book porn, book tube, books, halloween, instagram, literature, novel, novels, top ten tuesday, ya, young adult

• Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Unique Book Titles

  Posted at 11:58 pm by charlottebibliophile, on October 24, 2017

  October 24: Top Ten Unique Book Titles
  I’m not sure I really believe in “unique” book titles as such, but there are certainly those that are full of intrigue and mystery. This week’s list comprises ten books on my TBR list that have truly magical and marvellous titles.

  1. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
  John Green’s books always have amazing titles: The Fault In Our Stars, Turtles All The Way Down etc etc. How does he think of them?

  2. The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton
  By the title alone, this novel sounds super mysterious, and for some reason reminds me of books like The One Memory of Flora Banks and The Raven Boys, I don’t know why!

  3. History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera
  Having finally read, and loved, an Adam Silvera book last month (They Both Die At The End – another fabulous title) I am so on board with reading his back catalogue.

  4. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
  I’m not sure why, but the longer the title the more interesting I find it; and the fact this one has ancient philosophers makes it doubly exciting.

  5. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
  It’s not quite as interesting as Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, but I’m intrigued to uncover the concept of this novel.

  6. The Gentleman’s Guide To Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
  Who wouldn’t want to read a book about vice and virtue? It sounds scandalous and oh so wonderful.

  7. My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Wanga
  This book has been on my TBR for so long that I have completely forgotten the premise. Regardless, it does have a cool title.

  8. The Long Way To A Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
  I love a good sci-fi novel (I’ve been reading more and more lately) so I’m looking forward to finally getting to this series, which was first recommended to me by a friend (hey, Alice!)

  9. The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
  This novel has been on my TBR since before it was featured in Richard and Judy’s Book Club, but as is typical other books have pushed their way in front. Will rectify.

  10. A Quiet Kind Of Thunder by Sara Barnard
  I love a good oxymoron! I’ve heard great things about Sara’s novels, so I’m going to get to this one when I’m in the mood for a YA contemporary.

  Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. Check out their blog and get involved!

  For more content, visit @charlottebibliophile on Goodreads, Instagram and YouTube

  Posted in General Musings | 0 Comments | Tagged book, book blog, book porn, book tube, books, instagram, literature, novel, novels, tbr, top ten tuesday, ya, young adult

• ‘Northern Lights’ by Philip Pullman [Book Review]

  Posted at 7:03 pm by charlottebibliophile, on October 18, 2017

  Today, on a flight to Kos, Greece, I finished listening to the audiobook of a novel that had been on my TBR list since I was a kid: Northern Lights by Philip Pullman. Whilst it didn’t explicitly count towards the 2017 Reading Challenge, I am incredibly happy that I finally got to experience the magic of this immense literary world.

  Title: Northern Lights
  Author: Philip Pullman
  Released: 1995
  Pages: 397
  Category: #61 A book with a young female protagonist
  Rating: 7/10

  [PHOTO]

  Review:
  “But you cannot change what you are, only what you do.”

  The first book in the His Dark Materials series begins with young Lyra Belacqua and her daemon Pantalaimon enjoying their responsibility-free lifestyle among the scholars of Jordan College, Oxford. Having been raised by educated minds, in an upper-class environment, Lyra is well-versed in the hierarchy of society, but when the strange and wonderful Mrs Coulter visits the college and develops a particular interest in the youngster, Lyra’s life changes dramatically.

  In a world filled with magic, living, breathing, spirit animals, and a suspicious rise in the kidnapping of children, Lyra must utilise all her knowledge and new skills for the good of the world.

  I did attempt reading this novel when I was at primary school, but I struggled with some of the more testing themes. Religion and sociology play pivotal roles in the series, and looking back I can understand why I failed to connect with the book, and ultimately was unable to finish it, as a child. The audiobook was wonderful, with a full cast of characters, and it really helped immerse me in the world. I can’t wait to continue with these books!

  For more content, visit @charlottebibliophile on Goodreads, Instagram and YouTube

  Posted in General Musings | 1 Comment | Tagged 2017, 2017 reading challenge, book, book blog, book tube, books, his dark materials, literature, northern lights, novel, philip pullman, reading challenge, young adult

• Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Yummy Foods Mentioned In Books

  Posted at 9:57 pm by charlottebibliophile, on October 17, 2017

  October 17: Top Ten Yummy Foods Mentioned In Books
  Whilst writing this particular post, it occurred to me just how infrequently food is actually mentioned in books – it’s like fictional characters don’t have to eat. Regardless, there were a few that stood out that I’m certain are mouthwateringly delicious.

  1. Hogwarts feasts (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling)
  I don’t think there is a single item of food or drink mentioned throughout the entire Harry Potter series that I wouldn’t try, but the feasts appeal to me the most.

  2. Chocolate Factory (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl)
  There’s so much food in the Chocolate Factory, I mean the whole novel revolves around food. I’d probably try everything that Mr. Wonka said was safe to eat.

  3. French toast (They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera)
  I love French toast, especially cinnamon when it’s drenched in maple syrup.

  4. Mushroom ravioli (Twilight by Stephenie Meyer)
  Two of my very favourite foods are mushrooms and pasta, so this is a no brainer.

  5. Chocolate cake (Matilda by Roald Dahl)
  Lucky Bruce getting to demolish that mammoth cake. I mean I wouldn’t want more than a slice, but it’s got to be tasty.

  6. Lamb stew with dried plums (The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins)
  A lot of food is mentioned in the series, but as Katniss’s favourite food in the Capitol, this one stood out. I love lamb tagine, so I’m sure this is incredible.

  7. The feasts (A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin)
  You would definitely have to be careful that no one slipped any poison into your wine over dinner, but I’d imagine the feasts would be amazing.

  8. Lembas bread (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)
  I’d just be curious to see if one bite truly would keep you full for an entire day. If so, can we develop something like this to end poverty?!

  9. Cupcakes (Tanya Bakes by Tanya Burr)
  I love baking cupcakes, and Tanya had a couple of great recipes that I’ve made a few times. Damn, now I just want to go and do some baking!

  10. Potatoes (The Martian by Andy Weir)
  Although I’m not entirely convinced that I’d be okay eating potatoes grown in my own faeces, I guess if you’re in a position like Mark Watney and it’s a life or death situation, I expect those spuds would taste incredible!

  Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. Check out their blog and get involved!

  For more content, visit @charlottebibliophile on Goodreads, Instagram and YouTube

  Posted in General Musings | 0 Comments | Tagged book, book blog, book porn, book tube, books, instagram, literature, novel, novels, tbr, top ten tuesday, ya, young adult

• Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books That Scream Autumn

  Posted at 10:58 am by charlottebibliophile, on October 10, 2017

  October 10: Top Ten Books That Scream Autumn
  With October upon us Autumn is definitely here. I don’t know about you, but for me as the nights draw in and the temperature drops, all I want to do is curl up with a scary book, a blanket and a mug of hot chocolate.

  [PHOTO]

  1. Half Bad by Sally Green
  There’s little that screams autumn (well, Halloween) quite like werewolves. This series has been on my TBR for a few years, so maybe this is the year I finally get to read it.

  2. The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
  Having read (and loved) the first book in The Raven Cycle earlier this year, I’m super excited to read more of this psychic urban fantasy world.

  3. Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
  The whole premise of this series sounds, and looks, super creepy. I am going into this novel relatively blind, but I have high expectations given the hype that it has received. 

  4. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
  I’ve yet to read a single book in The Grisha Series, but at present I’m unsure where to start. I know in theory it should be with this volume, but personally I’m more intrigued by the Six of Crows duology, so I may well throw caution to the wind and dive straight in at the deep end.

  5. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
  I managed to get my hands on an advance reader copy of this upcoming release at YALC, and I fully intend on diving into this magical realm.

  6. The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell
  I believe that this was a Waterstones Book of the Month a year or so ago, and it has been on my radar from then, but having heard Katherine speak at the London Book Fair earlier in 2017 I’m all the more intrigued.

  7. Geekerella by Ashley Poston
  I had to include a contemporary on my list, and this Cinderella retelling sounds like the perfect fun Halloween-y tale.

  8. The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
  Having obtained a proof copy at YALC I promptly read the description and learnt that this book is about dark fairy-tales. I’m sold on that alone.

  9. The Call by Peadar O’Guilin
  This horror sounds terrifying: a world where you could disappear at any minute? If that’s not scary, I don’t know what is.

  10. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  This novel sounds really mysterious, enchanting and magical, which seems perfect for a cold winter’s night.

  Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. Check out their blog and get involved!

  For more content, visit @charlottebibliophile on Goodreads, Instagram and YouTube

  Posted in General Musings | 0 Comments | Tagged book, book blog, book porn, book tube, books, instagram, literature, novel, novels, tbr, top ten tuesday, ya, young adult

• Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Book Boyfriends

  Posted at 10:25 pm by charlottebibliophile, on October 3, 2017

  October 3: Top Ten Book Boyfriends
  Some of my favourite novels feature incredible romantic relationships. This particular list comprises some recent additions to my favourite book boyfriends, as well as some long-standing crushes.

  1. Mateo Torrez & Rufus Emeterio (They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera)
  I have to include both boys in this example, not only because they make the cutest friends, but they are both fiercely loyal and bring out the best in the other.

  2. Aiden Green (Unconventional by Maggie Harcourt)
  Who wouldn’t want to date a cute author? Although there was some deception in the beginning of his relationship with Lexi, it soon becomes apparent what a good guy he is.

  3. Mark Darcy (Bridget Jones’s Diary: The Edge of Reason by Helen Fielding)
  Mr Darcy? The answer is always yes, right?! I think part of the appeal is Bridget being the average woman, and winning her perfect man.

  4. Joe (Our Song by Dani Atkins)
  Oh my. If you’re a fan of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, and you haven’t read this incredible novel, you need to before you can even begin to understand what an incredible man Joe is.

  5. Olly (Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon)
  When a new and brooding bad boy moves in next door you know it’s love. Olly possesses the incredible, and all too rare, power of allowing people to be themselves.

  6. Peeta Mellark (The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins)
  In my mind Peeta is the ultimate book boyfriend. He’s the most kind, loyal and selfless individual I’ve come across in YA literature (and not bad on the eye either).

  7. Dash (Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by David Levithan & Rachel Cohn)
  If organising a treasure hunt across New York City over Christmas isn’t the most romantic way to make someone fall in love with you, I don’t know what is.

  8. Jacob Black (Twilight by Stephenie Meyer)
  I am team Jake. Sorry, not sorry. With the exception of that forced kiss, he was nothing but the perfect gentleman. *spoiler alert* At least Renesmee got her happily ever after.

  9. Noah Calhoun (The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks)
  Any man willing to write the love of their life a letter a day for an entire year is definitely a keeper.

  10. Henry DeTamble (The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger)
  Although not perfect (since he disappears without warning), no one could doubt his true love and dedication to his wife, Clare.

  Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. Check out their blog and get involved!

  For more content, visit @charlottebibliophile on Goodreads, Instagram and YouTube

  Posted in General Musings | 1 Comment | Tagged book, book blog, book porn, book tube, books, instagram, literature, novel, novels, tbr, top ten tuesday, ya, young adult

• ‘Doing It!’ by Hannah Witton [Book Review]

  Posted at 11:59 pm by charlottebibliophile, on October 2, 2017

  Following an impressive reading month in September, October has begun positively; today I finished Doing It! by Hannah Witton for the 2017 Reading Challenge. I like to read a smattering of non-fiction books in amongst my typical fiction, and this was a great inclusion in that particular category.

  Title: Doing It!
  Author: Hannah Witton
  Released: 2017
  Pages: 320
  Category: #60 A non-fiction book
  Rating: 7/10

  [PHOTO]

  Review:
  “Live your life the way that you want to and along the way you’ll meet people trying to do the same thing.”

  This informative book covers a wide breadth of relationship related topics, including love, sex, and contraception. Aimed at young teenagers, it is wildly more in depth than anything with a similar target audience; it addresses common questions and inaccurate myths in a straightforward, honest and accessible manner.

  As a renowned YouTuber on the subject of sex and relationships, the book is also written as an autobiographical account of the author’s personal experiences, and as a result is full of both amusing anecdotes and important information.

  Whilst I am usually reluctant to recommend anything to an entire group of people, I genuinely believe that there is useful advice for teens and young adults alike in this book: it is funny and unashamedly honest, and I think that it’s great that such information can be accessed in an open, safe and appropriate manner.

  For more content, visit @charlottebibliophile on Goodreads, Instagram and YouTube

  Posted in General Musings | 0 Comments | Tagged 2017, 2017 reading challenge, book, book blog, book tube, books, doing it, hannah witton, literature, memoir, novel, reading challenge, YouTube

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