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