A question I find insanely difficult to answer is ‘what’s your favourite book?’, there are so many incredible books out in the world, all conveying different messages and sharing different stories. How can I be expected to pick just one?
Usually I end up recommending a 101 books to whoever asked, when they were probably just asking to be polite. However, since this is the first post on this blog and the first month of 2021 I thought what better way to start the blog than by sharing 12 of my favourite books, one for each month of the year.
So, although this will still be incredibly difficult. In no particular order here are my 12 books for 12 months…
- ‘Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children’ by Ransom Riggs
Miss Peregrines (as I call it for short) was author Ransom Riggs debut novel and what an amazing novel it was. The story is told through a combination of collected photographs the author has collected over time and narrative from the main character Jacob Portman. The story opens as a horrific family tragedy sets Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children.
I was recommended the novel by a school librarian and instantly fell in love with it, and the creativity involved. Since it was published in 2011 it has been followed by 4 other books in the series (soon to be 5 in February, completing the series) and was adapted into a major motion picture by Tim Burton (however if you have seen the film the book is quite different) which proves it has been pretty popular.
Miss Peregrine’s is always one of the first books I would suggest to someone who asks since I consider it unique especially with how photography is involved and is a book I have adored since I first read it. So I definitely recommend it. - ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ by Holly Jackson
‘The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. Th police know he did it. Everyone in the town knows he did it. But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn’t so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in the town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth?’ (description from Goodreads.)
‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ was also Holly Jackson’s debut novel and was published to a lot of positive attention online. I picked it up very quickly after it was published and read it very quickly too, I love a crime novel especially when it’s gripping, which is exactly what ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ Is.
Since published, ‘A Good Girl’s Guide’ to murder had been followed by it’s sequel ‘Good Girl, Bad Blood’ and has at least two more books to follow. - ‘Undercover Princess’ by Connie Glynn
‘When fairy tale obsessed Lottie Pumpkin starts at the infamous Rosewood Hall, she is not expecting to share the room with the Crown Princess of Maradova, Ellie Wolf. Due to a series of lies and coincidences, 14-year-old Lottie finds herself pretending to be the princess so that Ellie can live a normal teenage life. Lottie is thrust into the real world of royalty – a world filled with secrets, intrigue and betrayal. She must do everything she can to help Ellie keep her secret, but with school, the looming Maradovian ball and the mysterious new boy Jamie, she’ll soon discover that reality doesn’t always have the happily ever after you’d expect…’ (description from Goodreads)
I received a proof copy of ‘Undercover Princess’ a few months before release in 2017 from a convention and thoroughly enjoyed it, and after a few re-reads I began to notice clever little clues that I didn’t notice the first time around, making the rereads just as enjoyable.
‘Undercover Princess’ is the first book of five in the ‘Rosewood Chronicles’ with the first three having been published and the fourth ‘Princess at Heart’ being released this February. Giving you the chance to catch up on the series so far! - ‘The School for Good and Evil’ by Soman Chainani.
‘In the forest of primeval
A school for Good and Evil
Twin towers like two heads
One for the pure
And one for the wicked
Try to escape you’ll always fail,
The only way out is
Through a fairytale.’
I love love love ‘The School for Good and Evil’ and began the series whilst in junior school, alongside my friends (who also really enjoyed it). I really loved the world created by the author and the way it links into fairy tales in an unexpected way. And don’t let me forget the beginning poem (quoted above).
The novel begins with a small village where kidnappings take place every year where two children were taken, one always beautiful and good and the second, homely and odd, an outcast from birth. Always an opposing pair, plucked from youth and spirited away. As you can guess to ‘The School for Good and Evil’. Like the other books I have shared so far it is apart of a series made up of two trilogies, with a handbook as well. So if you are looking for a lengthy series to enjoy this is definitely one to consider. There is also a film adaption of the first novel in progress which has recently announced its first castings of Sophie Anne Caruso and Sofia Wylie so if you intend to watch, I recommend reading the book first! - ‘Clap When You Land’ by Elizabeth Acevedo
‘In a novel-in-verse that brims with grief and love, Elizabeth Acevedo writes about the devastation of loss, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the bittersweet bonds that shape our lives. Camino Rios lives for the summers when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic. But this time, on the day his plan is supposed to land, she arrives at the airport to see crowds of people crying. In New York City, Yahira Rios is called to the principal’s office where her mother is waiting to tell her that her father, her hero, has died in a plane crash. Separated by distance – and Papi’s secrets – the two girls are forced to face a new reality in which their father is dead and their lives are forever altered. And then, when it seems like they’ve lost everything of their father, they learn of each other’ (description from Goodreads)
The description really shows you how beautiful the book will be, these two girls are from two completely different lives but end up connecting in a beautiful way. I cannot recommend this book enough! - ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood
Although ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ was published in 1985, it still holds relevance today (unfortunately). The book is set in the Republic of Gilead and follows a Handmaid named Offred. Offred can remember the years before when she lived with her husband and protected her daughter, when she was able to make money at a job of her own and had access to knowledge. But now all of that is gone…
I am currently reading ‘The Testaments’, the sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale and I do enjoy reading it. Although this is set in a brutal society some elements of it are far too real, which is why it is uncomfortable. The book was also adapted into a successful television series with three seasons so far, proving very successful. - ‘Flawed’ by Cecelia Ahern
‘Celestine North lives a perfect life. She’s a model daughter and sister, she’s well liked by her classmates and teachers, and she’s dating the impossibly charming Art Crevan. But then Celestine encounters a situation in which she makes an instinctive decision. She breaks a rule and now faces life-changing repercussions. She could be imprisoned. She could be branded. She could be found FLAWED. Cecelia Ahern depicts a society in which perfection is paramount and mistakes are punished. And where one young woman decides to take a stand that could cost her everything.’ (Description from Goodreads)
I really enjoy Cecelia Ahern’s novels and ‘Flawed’ is her YA debut. If you haven’t gathered by now, I love dystopian fiction and so ‘Flawed’ and it’s sequel ‘Perfect’ are perfect examples of great YA dystopian fiction. - ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’ by Nicola Yoon
I was introduced to Nicola Yoon after reading her book ‘Everything, Everything’ which i thoroughly enjoyed, however, there was something about ‘The Sun Is Also A Star’ which felt so special. It follows two characters, Natasha, a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate or destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. And Daniel, a boy who’s always been the good son, good student, always having to live up to his parent’s exceptions. But the universe brings them together for a day.
One thing that always gets me about the book is the ending, I think the ending is one of my favourite endings in a story and would recommend the book just for that! And my favourite scene is the karaoke scene which means nothing to you now but if you do read the book then you’ll see!
The story has also been adapted into a film staring Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton, so if you end up enjoying the book there’s a film there for you too! - ‘The Truth About Keeping Secrets’ by Savannah Brown
‘Sydney’s dad is the only psychiatrist for miles around their small Ohio town. He is also unexpectedly dead. Is Sydney crazy, or is it kind of weird her dad, a guy whose entire job revolved around other people’s secrets, crashed alone with no explanation? And why is June Copeland homecoming queen and the town’s golden child at his funeral? As the two girls grow closer in the wake of the accident, it’s clear that not everyone is happy about their new friendship. But what is picture perfect June still hiding? And does Sydney even want to know?’ (description from Goodreads)
I love a crime novel and this one is perfectly written, and also focuses on turbulence of the grieving process. I would suggest this instantly to anyone who say’s they love crime/mystery novels. (Also the cover is stunning). - ‘The Inexplicable Logic of my Life’ by Benjamin Alire Saenz
‘A warmly humane look at universal questions of belonging infused with humour. Sal used to know his place with his adoptive gay father, their loving Mexican American family, and his best friend, Samantha. But it’s senior year, and suddenly Sal is throwing punches, questioning everything, and realising he no longer knows himself. If Sal’s not who he though he was, who is he?’ (description from Goodreads)
I was first introduced to Benjamin Alire Saenz through his book ‘Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets of the Universe’ where I instantly fell in love with his writing, as I wrote in a Goodreads review in 2018 ‘Benjamin has such a wonderful way with words’ which I feel describes his books perfectly. If you want something touching and heartfelt, this ones for you. - ‘They Both Die at the End’ by Adam Silvera
I will never stop recommending this book, ever.
‘On September 5th, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: they’re going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but for different reasons, they’re both looking for a new friend on their End Day. The good news: there’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure – to live a lifetime in a single day.’ (description from Goodreads)
Although the title of the book tells you the ending it will never not be heart wrenching, I honestly think the title makes it even harder since you know it’s coming. So if you want a nice sad story then here it is. - ‘Moonrise’ by Sarah Crossman
Might as well finish the list with another sad book, but also one I think of often.
‘”They think I hurt someone.But I didn’t. You hear? Coz people are gonna be telling you all kinds of lies. I need you to know the truth.”
Joe hasn’t seen his brother for ten years, and now it’s for the most brutal of reasons. Ed is on death row. But now Ed’s execution date has been set, and this might be the last summer they have together’ (description from Goodreads)
I think Moonrise is very relevant and a very important book, Sarah Crossman writes her books in a unique way which holds so much emotion, and although it may not be a fun book to read, it is an important one.
Here are my 12 books for 12 months (which as I thought was incredibly hard) there are still so many books I love and recommend which is a good reason i’m starting a book blog then! If you have read any of these please share your opinions with me! I love discussing books. And if you chose to read one, let me know what you think!
– Rosie
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