Books: November & December Edition

Wow, the last month has been insane. I never got my November books post up, so I am just combining November & December into one post, and I'm gonna try and keep it short, so I am not including book summaries. Sorry, y'all. Anyhow, here it goes:

First I read Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. This book covers a tough topic (suicide) pretty well, but I had some trouble connecting with the characters. It was a good read, though, and an interesting exploit into high school difficulties. Four out of Five stars.

Then I read Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse #1) by Charlaine Harris. Honestly, I have avoided these books for many years, and I don't really have a good reason why. But finally, I said what the heck, picked it up, and read it. And actually loved it. Sookie is hilarious and the characters are all unique and wonderful. This was a fun and easy read, a bit of mystery and the supernatural with a touch of romance. Four out of Five stars.

After that, I read Captain Wentworth's Diary by Amanda Grange. I love Jane Austen spin-offs, so I was excited for this one. Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen, so reading this in Wentworth's point of view was a nice change of pace. This was a sweet, romantic book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Four out of Five stars.

Then I had to read Persuasion by Jane Austen again, since it had been a while. Still my favorite of hers! I just really love this book and all the ways it makes me reconsider life and love. Five out of Five stars.

Then Reached by Ally Condie was released and I pretty much dropped everything and devoured this book. I now want to reread the whole series. I just have a serious love for these books. I could not put Reached down, and absolutely loved the ending to this series. Five out of Five stars.

I went back on my Jane Austen kick and read The Man Who Loved Jane Austen by Sally Smith O'Rourke. This was a cute, slightly cheesy little spin-off of Pride and Prejudice, and honestly surprised me. It was sweet, an easy read to make you smile. I gave this one Four out of Five stars.

Lastly, I read A Game of Thrones (A Song of Fire and Ice #1) by George R.R. Martin. I have heard many good things about these books and since I love fantasy, I picked this up at the library. Just a note: This book is huge! They all are. But I loved this book and plowed my way through it. I love all of the characters, the many story lines, the interwoven plot, the history, everything! Even though some bits were predictable, I loved the book anyways. I give it Five out of Five stars.

I have been so busy with my new job, that I haven't had much time to read since starting it. I had planned to read my winter break away, but so far I have only made small headway in A Clash of Kings (A Song of Fire and Ice #2). It is worth it, however, as I am still loving my new job and what I have been doing. 

At the beginning of the year, I gave myself a goal to read 45 books this year. I read 50! Maybe for this next year I will make my goal 60? I just love reading so much. Enjoy some of these awesome books over the winter break, curl up next to your fire with a cup of coffee/cocoa and escape into another world. 

Enjoy,

Cait

What I've Been Up To

Lately I have been....

Reading Reached by Ally Condie and A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. I'm still not really sure how to talk about Reached, but I know it made me happy and I loved it. And so far, I'm really enjoying A Game of Thrones.

Drinking... Lots of hot cocoa and coffee. Mmmm!

Listening to Taylor Swift's new album Red, and my favorite contestant from The Voice, Cassadee Pope.  Dang, that girl can sing.

Crafting another scarf for the cold winder that I know is coming.

Watching Gilmore Girls, starting with season one. Gosh, I just love this show.

And now, I probably have to be a hermit for three weeks while I get tons of school work done before the semester ends. Oh, joy!

As always,
Cait