Happy Friday!!! (Anyone else feel like doing a happy dance now that the weekend is here?) After my Mid-Year Book Tag post last week, I realised there are a fair number of books I’ve enjoyed this year that I haven’t reviewed or mentioned on my blog yet. Now, some of those I still plan to review (*hides face with shame at how disorganised I am*) but for those I know I won’t go into depth about, I feel like it would be unfair to the books if I don’t give them a proper mention. Especially since I gave all of these books 4* or more. So here are 6 book recommendations for the 6 months of the year that have now been and gone!
1- Me Before You– I finished this wittily written, tightly wound wonder of a book really recently. This book hits you right in the gut and is sure to either make you cry or wondering what is wrong with your tearducts if you don’t. I really recommend giving it a go.
Rating: 4/5 bananas
2- Feet of Clay– let’s be honest, I don’t review or mention Terry Pratchett books often enough- and that is a terrible shame on me! But rest assured- I still love Pratchett and I’m looking to rectify that huge fault of mine by mentioning it right now. And just for the record- this one was up there as one of the best Pratchett books I’ve ever read! (so far!)
Rating 4½/5 bananas
3- Black Maria– here’s another author that I don’t mention off enough. I *adore* Diana Wynn Jones and I feel like I don’t mention often enough. I love the Chrestomanci series and so I’ve been reading more of that, but I particularly enjoyed this standalone!
Rating: 4/5 bananas
4- The Witch’s Daughter– I thoroughly enjoyed this fantastical take on historical fiction- and that’s coming from someone that doesn’t often like historical fiction. I can’t say it’s an especially challenging or trying read, but it was fun, quick and worth picking up. I’m definitely gonna continue with this series.
Rating: 4/5 bananas
5- The Five People You Meet In Heaven– here’s another one I can happily recommend. Surprisingly for the subject matter, this is a very light read and didn’t give me too much trouble in the emotional department. That being said, it was well written and managed to be highly enjoyable and life affirming. Give it a try and let me know what you think- I’d be interested to see your reaction to it!
Rating: 4/5 bananas
6- The Darkest Part of the Forest– I’m going to finish off with this rather splendid standalone. This is an exquisitely woven, dark take on modern fairy tales! It is only the second book I’ve read by Holly Black, but I have to say, I’ve come away satisfied every time. I love her unique storytelling style and I find I really connect with her characters. After this one, I’m very keen to read more of her work.
Rating: 4/5 bananas
And that’s everything for now- have you read these books? Did you enjoy them? Do you fancy picking any of them up? Let me know in the comments!
So true about Holly Black. She’s a strong storyteller with an intelligent writing style. Many reviewers seem to have expressed disappointment over The Darkest Part of the Forest, but I gave it 4/5 stars (bananas?) too. 🙂 After reading your recommendation I HAD to add The Five People You Meet in Heaven to my TBR.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah I’ve heard that too- which surprises me because I thought it was a really solid book and everyone I know has read it in real life enjoyed it 🙂 Awesome- I hope you enjoy it!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I’m so thrilled to see The Darkest Part of the forest on here! I have this on my TBR and I can’t wait to read it. It sounds SO weird, for sure, but I’m excited haha. Glad you loved it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah I’m glad- I hope you like it. It is a little unusual- but in a good way!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely doing a weekend happy dance! Will totally be adding some of these recs to my TBR – especially Darkest Part, I’ve heard some good things about that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh I know right 😉 Ahh I’m glad 🙂 I hope you enjoy it when you get to it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank youuuu!
LikeLike
I started The Darkest Part of the Forest months ago and still need to finish it. I’m glad you liked it. I better pick it back up and see what everyone is talking about. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah yes, I’ve heard some people couldn’t get into it- but it worked for me 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it would be totally unfair to the books! Lol!
I’m glad to see the Witch’s Daughter on your list. I love the cover and always tempted to pick it up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha I know right 😉 Ahh good- I hope you enjoy it- it’s a very enjoyable read 🙂
LikeLike
Holly Black and I have a love-hate relationship… I read Tithe several years ago, and really enjoyed it, but the rest of that series fell very flat for me… I tried Darkest Part…and just couldn’t get into it, which was a shame, because her particular storytelling flair is in fine form in that one.
I’ve read nearly every single Discworld book (and every moment of that devotion was TOTALLY well spent!!!)… Been a while since Feet of Clay, though… Need to start re-reading Discworld (again – forever…)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve heard that from quite a few people. That is a shame.
Ah that’s awesome- I’m still working my way through them and I love them so much so far 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great list. Adding The Witch’s daughter to my TBR. i remember wanting to read Five people you meet in heaven during my undergrad. then I forgot about it. thanks fr reminding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Awesome! Ah that’s great- it’s a well written book- I’m glad I could remind it to you
LikeLike
I fancy picking ALL of them up now *sighs*. The Witch’s Daughter in particular. Instant cover love if you will. 😊 Plus I do love historical fiction xD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh I’m glad! It is a really enjoyable read 🙂 I didn’t know whether I’d like it when I finished, but was delighted that I did xD
LikeLiked by 1 person
a big yes for Pratchett! 😀 totally agree!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh he’s amazing, right 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
totally 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m surprised to see none that get 5/5 from you, but these all sound excellent. :]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I have actually read a fair number of 5* books this year, but I’ve either reviewed them or will review them at some point (hopefully!)- if it was good enough to warrant 5* it deserves more than a quick mention! 😉
LikeLike
I really do have to get around to reading Me Before You before I go to see the movie (if I do go at all). My librarian has been trying to get the whole school to read The Five People You Meet In Heaven for such a long time – sounds really good 🙂 !
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s definitely worth giving a go- it’s an emotional one though! Ah it is! 🙂
LikeLike
BOOKS ARE GOING ON MY TBR. I’ve only read two books out of this list and those two books I loved! Me Before You left me WRECKED and the Darkesf Part of the Forest was such a pleasant surprise! I can’t wait to check out all those other books!
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha awesome!! Ah me too!! And I really loved that book- I kind of expected too, cos I liked the concept and I liked one of her other books 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read The Five People You Meet Heaven a while back and really enjoyed it too. It definitely one of those thinker books. Have you read Tuesday’s with Morrie by any chance? A different sort of book by him but still good nonetheless. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome!! It really is 🙂 No I haven’t- I will have to check it out cos I liked his writing style 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve only read Me Before You, but I’ve read other books by Mitch Albom before. I quite like his writing. Have you read The Time Keeper by any chance?
LikeLiked by 1 person
He does write really well- I’d be up for reading more- no, I haven’t, is it good? 🙂
LikeLike
The Time Keeper is absolutely amazing! It honestly crushed me with it’s message.
LikeLike
You’ve got a great mix of books on here! The ones I’ve read were really good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh thank you!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person