Happy weekend friends!
It feels strange writing on a Saturday but as life is still pretty strange all round, I thought why the hell not? Stranger things have happened. The third instalment of the book club is a little overdue but I couldn’t not cover the books that I finished 2020 with. I ended the year having read 12 books, which is so many more than I had read in the last few years. I have fallen back in love with reading and I’m so here for it – although my bank balance is not… (I definitely need a book buying ban). That being said, there are worse things I could spend my money on and I am so excited to beat 12 books this year which hopefully, when looking at my TBR list, I should be able to do!
Eye of the Needle – Ken Follett
After having tackled Pillars of the Earth earlier last year, we decided to give another of Ken’s a go. This time, it was his spy thriller, ‘Eye of the Needle’. Set it 1944, it tells the story of the spy who was hired by Hitler to uncover the Allie’s D-Day plans. Although it’s not a topic that I would typically chose to read, I actually really enjoyed. As always Follett surprised me with how easy of a read this was, despite its subject. The dialogue is perfectly done to uncover each character and the unexpected twists are welcome – I reaaally enjoyed the unexpected ending. I would say that it did get a little slow during the middle for me, but it soon picked up.
The Hate U Give – Angie Thomas
I am a sucker for a good young adult book and I would urge anyone else that loves the genre or just generally 14-20 year olds to give this read. THUG is an essential read filled with lessons about prejudice, loyalty and sticking up for what you believe in. When Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her best friend Khalil who is shot by a police officer, she knows she needs to speak out. The problem? In doing so, she puts herself and her family in danger. I really really enjoyed this. It’s moving, gripping and was perfectly written to imagine every scene as it happens. In covering the topic of racism, I felt that at times the harsh reality of racism does create quite a bit of a divide – although, this was very much the point! It’s not meant to be an easy read.
Would really recommend!
Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
My last book of 2020 was the beast of a book, ‘Midnight Sun’ which threw me back to being sixteen again as I relived Twilight for the first time. Meyer recovers the first of the saga but in the voice and mind of Edward – telling the story through his eyes. Honestly, I was a little bit disappointed but I think this may have been that my expectation’s were super high. I love Twilight and the nostalgia I feel about those books kind of made this one hard to measure up to. I loved getting to know Edward a little more and the familiarity made this book a great read but I didn’t feel like the 756 pages were necessary and at times I really struggled with the pace of the story. Who knew Edward could talk so much?
Really pleased I got through it and gave it a go, my sixteen year old self would be buzzing! Worth a read if you’re a fan and I’d love to know if you loved it!
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This instalment is short and sweet but very ready to start the book club for 2021 and bring you the first few books of the year. I have just finished Educated by Tara Westover and I am in awe. It’ll be a hard one to beat.
What’s on your reading list this year? Send your recommendations my way! (Not that I need ANYMORE books)
lovelove,
thehouseonthegreen 