Little Fires Everywhere by: Celeste Ng

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary
Published: September 12, 2017 by: Penguin Press
Pages: 338
Rating: 5/5 stars

Shaker Heights is a neighbourhood that plays by the rules. It's residents are successful and orderly, and everybody knows their place. So when Mia Warren enters town, an eccentric artist with her daughter Pearl, suspicions arise. Elena Richardson, one of Shaker Heights' most prominent residents, soon becomes weary of Mia when the adoption of a Chinese-American baby by Elena's friend puts Elena and Mia on opposing sides. Soon Elena will try to uncover the secrets of Mia's past out of spite, but it will have devastating costs for both her family, and Mia's.

This book BLEW MY MIND. It was so cleverly written, with well-rounded, developed characters and a kickass setting. It kinda had the feeling of Big Little Lies to me, but this book truly can stand on it's own of being an amazing read.

There are so many layers to this book. There are themes of motherhood, of adoption, and importantly, of culture. I think Shaker Heights as a whole was an amazing setting to place this story in because you really see how this perfect neighbourhood breaks down as the story goes on.

The characters were incredibly well-written. Elena, I loved to hate, I had such a respect for Mia as a mother, and even the Richardson children and Pearl were really developed characters. I think that Ng really succeeded in writing such complex characters that you can rally behind, but also scoff at their decisions. (But in a good way!)

Overall, the plot of this book was fascinating; the themes, really well-written, and I could not put it down. It was suspenseful, shocking, also funny at times, and I think Ng is a brilliant writer.

Have you read Little Fires Everywhere? What did you think?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

My Favourite Books for People Who Hate Reading

I think we all know at least one person in our personal lives who hates to read. I know a couple, and I am even taking a literature class currently where a guy in it said that he "hated reading and would not read a single book in the course." I was as baffled as you are. Anyways, I am a firm believer that those who hate to read maybe just haven't found the right book yet, so today I am providing some novels that I think are perfect for people who hate to read.

1. The Outsiders by: S.E. Hinton

It's no secret that I love this book, but I can honestly say that I have witnessed so many people who aren't into reading, pick this up, and never put it down. My sister is included. It's short, gets the action going right away, and when you're finished it, you can reward yourself with the movie which is as good as the book!

2. The Hunger Games series by: Suzanne Collins

You might think it's stupid to recommend a whole series to people who may not even like picking up a standalone, but just trust me. I recently re-read the series and found a whole new appreciation for it. I think it is really easy to follow, as well as not too long and heavy for being a series. If you have tweens in your life who struggle to find books they like, I think this series is a great introduction to YA as well.

3. The Glass Castle by: Jeannette Walls

For people who may not be too keen on fiction, I think this memoir will totally work for you! It has a really beautiful descriptive quality without being boring, and I guarantee you will be completely immersed in Walls' story.

4. Little Fires Everywhere by: Celeste Ng

I think this book is perfect for people who get caught up in dramatic television shows and forget to read. This book has it all: drama, crime, dysfunctional families in wealthy neighbourhoods. If you love reality TV, you will love this book.

5. Maus by: Art Spiegelman

Yet another recommendation courtesy of my sister, someone who hates reading. This is a graphic novel, so it won't be too dialogue heavy and the illustrations are as harrowing as the words. It is incredibly emotional.

6. The Hate U Give by: Angie Thomas

Even if you're not a reader, you'd have to be living under a rock if you haven't heard of this book. This incredible YA is full of current social issues that everyone should be aware of, as well as a lot of pop-culture references sprinkled through. This book is really up on the current times and is so easy just to fly through.

7. The Great Gatsby by: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Classics can be daunting, especially if you're not a reader. I myself am not the biggest fan of them, though one that I truly loved is The Great Gatsby. It's very short, so you don't have to be worried about boring descriptions and heavy language. The characters are very intriguing that I think it's hard not to be captivated by the writing.

So those are my recommendations! What are your book recommendations for non-readers?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: January

It's a new year, new school term, and a lot has changed. I really took control of my overbearing schedule this month, and, after a rough few weeks, I finally feel like I have some time to myself now. But, I did read a lot! Despite most of it being for school.

What I Read:

New Moon by: Stephenie Meyer: 5/5 stars
Eclipse by: Stephenie Meyer: 4/5 stars
Growing Up Stupid Under the Union Jack by: Austin Clarke: 3/5 stars
Breaking Dawn by: Stephenie Meyer: 3/5 stars
Wide Sargasso Sea by: Jean Rhys: 4/5 stars
The Hunger Games by: Suzanne Collins: 5/5 stars
Catching Fire by: Suzanne Collins: 5/5 stars

My favourite book was New Moon. As all of you know I was on a Twilight kick due to a university course, and this was my favourite of the series. Now I'm getting into The Hunger Games for the same course and I'm sure I will fly through that as well!

What I Blogged:

I only put up one blog post besides this one in January, that is my Review and Discussion of Twilight. I really liked the discussion I had with some of you and I'm hoping for more later on!

Favourite Blog Posts:

Lais talks about Books that Should be Required Reading 

Veronika shares Her Favourite Book Dedications 

Jillian discusses Pursuing Art in a Third-World Country 

Life Stuff:

School and work really took over my life, but like I said in the beginning of this post, I have reduced the hours I am at work and now I feel like I can get back on track. I'm also starting therapy soon which I am oddly excited for!

I also got really into podcasts this month. I never really used to listen to them before, but a friend at work recommended some to me when she heard that I love Greek Mythology and I have been hooked ever since! My favourite one is Let's Talk about Myth's Baby on Spotify.

That was my January! How was yours?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: December

I hope everyone had a great holiday season! I'm in the post-Christmas dumps, but still have a few days left of break and I am hoping to get back into a routine for the New Year. I was toying between doing a Year in Review or just a Month in Review, but decided on the latter to make it more specific. This post would be just TOO long otherwise. However, I will sprinkle in some yearly stats and discussions here and there. Here's what happened in December:

What I Read:

The Song of Achilles by: Madeline Miller (re-read): 5/5 stars
Broken Things by: Lauren Oliver: 3/5 stars

I know, I know, not a lot of books this month either. BUT I am taking a YA fiction course this year and I have a glorious reading list of some iconic YA series! Right now I'm re-reading the Twilight saga, gosh I haven't touched these books since I was 10, so beware of some Twilight-related posts soon!

Favourite book: The Song of Achilles was a re-read and I am still in love with it. I had to revisit it after loving Circe!

Overall, I read 55 books this year, completing my goodreads challenge of 50 books. My goal was drastically smaller than in previous years, because I didn't want to rush through books just for the sake of finishing them. My favourite book of the year was Maus by: Art Spiegelman. It was so different from anything else I have ever read and it definitely stuck with me.

What I Blogged:

I didn't get up to much blogging; only two posts! I took an unplanned break for the holidays but I am back on track and am hoping to post a lot more reviews! I did post my Book Wish-List for when I go on a book-buying spree with gift cards I got for Christmas. Go check it out and let me know what books you think I should totally get!

Overall, I am happy with my blogging schedule this year. I think that two posts a week is just too much for me and I am comfortable with posting on Friday's. It keeps my content fresh and doesn't make me rush through it!

Favourite Blog Posts:

Cee discusses Valid Feelings when You're Grieving 

Olivia-Savannah asks if she has Favourite Authors or Favourite Books?

Life Stuff:

Christmas came and went. I got a lot of cozy presents that I am looking forward to enjoying once these dreary months of January and February kick in. I'm hopeful that this semester will have more enjoyable courses rather than my previous one.

The month had ups and downs. I got quite anxious with all of the social gatherings Christmas involves, but my New Year's Resolution is to tackle the anxiety once and for all and finally seek help for it. Wish me luck!

The year was hit and miss as well. Second year hit me like a ton of bricks, and I definitely am happy that I am halfway through. However I did make some important life steps, such as passing my road test, and, just recently, getting a tattoo! I have an outline of a sunset on my forearm for my love of The Outsiders. I'm really happy with it.

My goal for this year is to stop bottling up my anxiety, and talk to people about it. I also want to not stress myself out with a lot of posting, and again shorten my reading challenge. Hopefully by the end of 2019, I will be a better version of myself!

How was your December and your 2018? Do you have any hopes for the New Year?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

My Winter Reading List: What Should I Get for Christmas?

Every Christmas I get a huge influx of Chapters gift cards and go on a huge book-buying binge. I feel like I read more during the month of January than any other month! While I intend to use a chunk of the money for books I need for school, my regular tbr is also not going to be ignored. I've narrowed down my main choices, and I'd like your opinions! I'll probably do a book haul featuring my picks. What books should I absolutely get for Christmas?

1. Two Dark Reigns by: Kendare Blake
I read the first two books in the Three Dark Crowns series in September and it's a really awesome story! I can't believe I have waited this long to finally pay attention to the third.

2. On the Come Up by: Angie Thomas
This is being released early February so it's perfect for winter reading! However, I'm not exactly sure if I'll love it just as much as I loved THUG. If you have read an ARC, how was it?

3. My Lady Jane by: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows
This is an older release that I have had my eye on for FOREVER. Now's the time to finally pick it up.

4. Heretics Anonymous by: Katie Henry
This looks like such a great read about religion. I genuinely think that I would love this book. If you have read it, was it amazing?

5. The Silence of the Girls by: Pat Barker
Since I love my Trojan War retellings, this one is from the perspectives of the lesser-known women in the war. I think it's looks really cool, although I haven't seen much hype about it.

6. Fruit of the Drunken Tree by: Ingrid Rojas Contreras
I think I first heard of this book when the author wrote a beautiful article about her childhood on Buzzfeed. It looks like it's got some harsh content, but also promising.

7. A Reaper at the Gates by: Sabaa Tahir
I know, this instalment in the Ember trilogy has been out for some time. However I've been on the fence because I didn't really love the second book. Ugh, it's unfortunate, but Ember fans, convince me!

Those are the main books on my list! What are you looking to read in the New Year?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Circe by: Madeline Miller

Genre: Fiction, Mythology
Published: April 10, 2018 by: Little, Brown and Company
Pages: 393
Rating: 5/5 stars

Circe was born to the God Helios, but, unlike her powerful father and siblings, she is mousy and quiet, an outcast amongst the titans. However when Circe discovers that she possesses the power of witchcraft, she begins to use that power to help the mortals that she has grown to love. When Zeus becomes threatened, Circe is banished to an island, where she comes across many famous mythological beasts and heroes, notably Odysseus on his way back to Ithaca. But when Circe comes to face one of the most vicious Olympians, she must choose between the godly world in which her powers thrive, or the mortal world in which she feels she truly belongs.

I would be happily content in just reading Madeline Miller books for the rest of my life. Seriously though, when I found out that Miller was writing another book after I finished The Song of Achilles, I knew it would be amazing. I absolutely love Greek mythology with all of my heart and she gives me everything I could ever want in mythology books.

*Funny anecdote about The Song of Achilles, I was at Indigo yesterday with my dad and he took me over to where TSoA was on a shelf and said he thought I might like it. DAD IF ONLY YOU KNEW.

Lol, anyways, Circe was a beautifully written story with the incredible imagery that always draws me to Miller's writing. This book was particularly special because it had a lot of feminist undertones to it. Circe is fiercely independent, and watching her grow into this powerful woman was amazing.

I really enjoyed the integration of a number of mythological figures, but her interactions with Odysseus were by far my favourite. It was a great nod to The Song of Achilles, but this book truly does stand on its own. Circe is an amazing character that you can't help but root for.

Overall, this is a book that I will re-read time and time again. Now to wait patiently for Miller's next book :)

Have you read Circe? What did you think?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Month in Review: November

November absolutely flew by and now I am officially in Christmas mode. I am happy the semester is almost over, but it will still be not exactly a holiday for me as I still have to work. *sigh.* Anyways, here's what happened in November!

What I Read: 

Shatter Me by: Tahereh Mafi: 4/5 stars
Lies You Never Told Me by: Jennifer Donaldson: 3/5 stars

Look who got up to a lot of reading in November!!! *sobs.* Hopefully with Christmas rolling around, I will get to buy a lot more books and reading will be more a priority.

Favourite Book: I re-read Shatter Me because I first read it about two years ago and wanted to give it a second shot. It was really good, although I don't think it will be a series that I will obsess over.

What I Blogged: 

My favourite blog post of the month was my Rant About my Creative Writing Course. It felt GREAT to get some things off my chest.

Favourite Blog Posts of the Month:

Cee asks that we Remember Them, Too 

Veronika and Clare try to Beat the Backlist 

Life Stuff: 

Nothing major, just work and school. I have a lot of end of term essays to do, and it is evident that I am not doing as well as I did in first year. But alas, we will persevere and hopefully get through the term with semi-ok marks!

That was my November! How was yours?

Emily @ Paperback Princess