City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

I am a huge fan of Victoria Schwab (or V.E. Schwab as she's also known by) and I am so on board for anything she writes. This one was no different.

City of Ghosts is a middle grade paranormal novel. It's about a girl named Cass that can pull back the Veil and see the dead. Her parents are ghost hunters doing a tv show about haunted places and she must go along with them. Her best friend is a boy who might just happen to be a ghost himself. during the trip to Scotland, Cass meets a girl who can do what she can and there's a lot more about the Veil that Cass doesn't know.

It's spooky. There's ghosts a plenty. The atmosphere was alluring and I was totally absorbed right from the start. It's the details that Victoria Schwab adds into her stories that make them such wonderful things.

This book totally delivered the adventure that I was looking for, and it gave me all the creepy ghosts I could ask for in a great way. It might only be middle grade, but it wasn't hard to jump in the story and follow Cass (who's only 12) go across the Veil and walk through so seriously creepy (but totally interesting) places in Scotland!

My only complaint was that I wanted more. I always want more when I'm loving something so there's no surprise there really, but since it was a middle grade, it makes sense it was a little bit more simplistic than an adult book.

City of Ghosts is the first book in the series. The second one is already out and it's called Tunnel of Bones. I can't wait to get my hands on it and keep going with the story!

Recommendations: For the lovers of ghost stories, paranormal stories, author Victoria Schwab, and those who love being a little creeped out in their reads!

Looking Back & Looking Forward

Hello dear readers,

Once upon a time I did monthly wrap ups, and I had bigdreams about doing more than just reviews on this little corner of the internet. Things have been sporadic here but I haven't given up on these dreams. I am trying to do like the lovely Leigh Bardugo says and "begin as you mean to go on". Nothing like the new year to reflect back, and make bigger and better plans for the future!

Let's start with my review of 2017. It was one heck of a year, but it came and went faster than I thought possible. 

I set my Goodreads challenge to 60 books last year and I made my goal with still a couple days to spare! A couple years ago when I started doing the yearly challenge, I set myself a goal of 100 books because I was sure I read that much normally and it would be a super easy thing to do. It wasn't and the first year I only made it to 50 books. Last year I set it a little higher at 60 and I made it. 

This year, I am going for 75. 

The goal of 100 is still in my mind but I am allowing myself a little grace and I am aiming for what *should* be reasonably within my reach. Whatever number I reach is still just a number, and I don't think that it really matters whatever number I or anyone else reach as long as we are doing it for the right reasons. I am going into this challenge with a happy heart and a goal simply to read as much as I possibly can because it feeds my soul. 

I did the nanowrimo challenge as well and failed miserably. Writing is still where my heart lives, but for some reason (actually a whole host of reasons that I don't want to admit to) I have a hard time throwing myself fully into my writing. It's what I want to do, but instead I turn to scrolling through Instagram or journalling, dreaming about that life when I am a full time writer. 

A big thing for 2018 is to live my life more intentionally. I have a full time day job that isn't all that and I want to spend my free time doing things that make me happy, like reading, writing, blogging, and paper crafts. Instead I do the things that simply make me feel good in the moment, but actually make me feel terrible about wasting my precious time off after I've done them. (I'm looking at you scrolling, mindless daytime tv, games on my phone, and living on my couch in pj's). It's time for a change. 

I've been trying to think of a word for the year for days now and I couldn't really come up with something I liked beyond "intentional", which is probably the most perfect word of the year for me. I think I am feeling uneasy about it because it means I actually have to do something. It's not just a pretty word that can be applied to situations where I'm sitting on my butt and hiding away. It means I have to think, and I have to do things, and I have to do them with a purpose. 

Baby steps, of course. 

Speaking of being intentional, my plans for this little corner of the internet is to post different kinds of content along with reviews, catch up with my reviews, reach more people, and get involved more in the book loving community in any way I can! 

I enjoy nattering on about books which is the whole reason I started this blog and the bookstagram account (@pamela.reads) a couple years ago, and I want to see them both flourish...intentionally!

Here's to a new year and a new start! Thanks for reading!

Pamela 

A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess

This was a total cover buy. I came across it at the bookstore and I found myself picking it up and reading the synopsis three times before I actually grabbed it. There was something about this book that kept pulling me in. Usually with teen novels I end up purchasing because I read all about them on Instagram and I take the plunge when I can get them for a good deal (and it sounds like something I would read) but this one wasn't really being mentioned when I bought it.

I guess there are some mixed reviews out about this book but I don't think that should deter you from reading it if you find it interesting. As a reviewer of books myself, I know it sounds counter productive to tell you to ignore reviews of a book, but I don't want to sway you any specific way with my reviews. I just want to tell you my thoughts and feelings and let you make your own decision. The decision you make doesn't affect me in any way, either. I just review books because I love talking about them! The point is, I wouldn't take someone's review as a guarantee of what you might feel about a book. It's all relative. 

I liked this book. It wasn't superb or amazing but it was good. By the end I was glued to the page to read more. In fact, I hope there are more in this series coming out because I really want to know what happens next. It may not have blown my socks off but it's keeping me coming back for more. Bit of a mixed bag of emotions from this one. 

I found parts a little slow, like I was hoping for more character development faster than the book was giving it to me. The basics of the story have also been done many, many times before and I did feel like we were being handed bare bones with a new dress on them to dress them up. The dress though, was one hell of a dress.

No complaints about the end and the twists to the story, it was interesting. I actually did like this book. It felt simple at times but it was good.

Recommendation: If this book interests you, then read it. I don't think you'll be
disappointed! 

Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood

This is the first book in the Phryne Fisher mysteries by Kerry Greenwood. 

I've talked about another other one of these great books here and if I can keep getting my hands on them I will keep talking about them!

In case you didn't know, there has been a t.v. show based on this lovely series of novels, and let me tell you, the show is just as amazing as the books! Honestly, I feel like reading the book is like watching an episode of the show. Every time I have to put the book down to get on with life, it feels like I just hit pause on the show. 

This one is great. Perfect introduction into the characters too. I know of all the main ones because of the TV show but the introduction of them in the stories was perfect. If you've seen the show then you'll find a couple differences between the introductions to the characters in the book, but honestly, I love them both.

It's just the perfect 1920's style mysteries set in Australia. It's got the clothes, the company, the mystery, and the experience of the 20's that just make this book and this series great. 

Cocaine Blues follows Phryne as she heads to Australia to investigate the daughter of a family friend. She finds herself immersed in the drug world and in the company of strange characters. She meets some new people who will become her close friends in the books to come. 

This is a short read, but well worth every second. Perfect introduction into the world of Miss Fisher. She is a younger, more stylish, and a more diva fantastic version of Miss Marple. 

Recommendation: If you love mysteries, novels about the 20's, and a really good story, then this is for you! This whole series is for you! Also, the show is great. And it's on Netflix!!

Murder on a Midsummer Night by Kerry Greenwood

I cannot explain how excited I was to find this book at the library. Well, that I was able to find any books in this series at the library.

Let me explain: If you enjoy watching murder mystery type t.v. shows on Netflix (or on actual t.v.) you may have come across a show called Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. The show (and books) follow the activities and cases of a female detective by the name of the Honorable Phryne Fisher living in Australia in the late 1920's.

She may be an aristocrat but that doesn't mean she doesn't have a heart of gold. She's got style, panache, and killer smarts. She dresses like a diva but has been known to wear pants, and even carry a little gun when needed. She's progressive for her time, seeing no need in getting married, and she has a lover or two on the side.

There's a whole side cast of characters that help her out in all her cases, mostly people she's rescued in some way or another. There's Dot her companion, Bert and Cec who do odd jobs and run a taxi, and Detective Jack Robinson who is always there for her when she needs him.

As a lover of the t.v. show I was absolutely delighted to find out that reading one of the books feels exactly like I was watching a show. Every time I had to put the book down, it felt like I was pushing pause on an episode of the show. Can I just say I am totally in love!?

This book was actually book #17 in the series. This book finds Phryne investigating both an apparent suicide of a man on the beach and a missing child. There's lost treasure, strange people, a seance, and a heatwave kicking up its heels. Somehow she manages it all with the flair that I've come to love from the show.

I'm not going to lie, I will be writing about each and every one of these books that I can get my hands on at the library, or in general! They are just fabulous!

Recommendation: If you love murder mysteries with a 1920's Australian/English vibe following a fantastic aristocrat, then do not walk, run to your local library and grab these. You will not be disappointed. Also: watch the show on Netflix. Please. Just do it. You will love it!!

Holmes on the Range by Steve Hockensmith

This book is about two cowboy brothers living out in Montana in 1893. One brother is obsessed with the stories about the great Sherlock Holmes, and even fancies himself a bit of a sleuth. The other brother is the narrator of this fine tale and the two of them find themselves in the perfect position to investigate a murder in the style of their favorite detective. 

It's written in true wild west type of fashion complete with terms and speech patterns right out of the old days. It's heavy on the ranching story lines and lingo that go with it. I loved every second of it. So much so that I couldn't put it down even though the day I read it I had a killer headache. Nothing was going to stop me!

The characters are great, the story was great, I had no complaints with this book at all. I didn't think that linking up the wild west and Sherlock Holmes could be this good! I am happy to report that it totally works and it's totally awesome! 

The mystery itself was hard, I didn't know a darn thing till the very end. I love it when that happens!

This one is the first of 6 I believe, following these two brothers. I came across this one by accident at the library and the title totally pulled me in. I've already taken out the second book from the library and it's going to be my next read. 

Recommendation: This is a western mystery. If that is something you might enjoy, please give this a read. Also, if you like the work of Sherlock Holmes and you would enjoy reading a fictitious case of a cowboy inspired by him, then you must read this!

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Years ago I watched The Da Vinci Code movie and I enjoyed it. I knew it was a book, but back then I was so involved in reading mysteries that it never really occurred to me to read it.

I found it used at a thrift store a little while ago so I grabbed it up and gave it a go. I read it all in about three hours I think, then I spent the rest of my day off watching the movies (The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons). 

I liked the story. It was interesting and it kept my attention. The writing was good, and I didn't find myself skimming over pages either. It's an easy read, not too complicated, not too intense. 

There was quite a few things that happened in the book that I didn't remember. I found out later it was because it wasn't in the movie. I feel like they passed over some parts in the movie that I would have liked included. I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil anything and I'm sure most of you have heard of this movie/book before. 

I know some people hate this book because of the topic, but if the topic appeals to you, then this is worth the read. I think the book is better than the movie. Hands down. There's so much more going on, and the ending is different, but I liked it better that way. 

Recommendation: If you liked the movie, if you're interested in the story, give it a read. The book is better and the writing is good. 

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

This came across my radar online a couple times and since I had heard of the author before I decided to give it a try.

This book is a compilation of letters and replies from the online advice column Dear Sugar from The Rumpus. It's full of advice about life, love, and loss. Some of the letters are new and never before seen and they are placed into sections. 

Cheryl Strayed does not hide one little thing when she responds to these letters. She is real, raw, and downright honest with her words. Some of it was hard to read and I found myself needing to step away for a little while and continue it later. I took my time with this book because so much of it was necessary. 

Her writing style is unmistakable. She hits so close to home with everything she writes. She showed me myself on the page, tore me down, then gave me back all the hope I needed. I couldn't be more grateful that her work is out there and that she herself exists.  

Recommendation: This may not be easy to read all the way through at once, but I think it's necessary. Very necessary. You will feel better for the experience. 

The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie R. King

If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, then I hope you've heard of the books by Laurie R. King where she writes about the famous detective from the point of view of a woman who comes into his life by the name of Mary Russell.

These books are GOLD, people! They are great! I love them so darn much. This one is the first one in the series and it covers their first case and how they met. It's a bit of a slow story progression, but it's still really interesting. Mary Russell is young and figuring out her place in the world when she meets Sherlock and a friendship blooms.

I felt like I was reading about the Sherlock Holmes we all know and love and I can't wait to read them all. I think there's quite a few actually. I really love the idea of a female counterpart and I think it just brings new flavor into the story. There is a big age difference between them, but I still think it works.

The investigations are the same as ever, the cases are as odd and as tough as ever, and the feel is pure Sherlock Holmes.

Recommendation: For the lovers of all things Sherlock Holmes. You will not be disappointed.

Wildwood by Colin Meloy

This book caught my eye on Instagram and I adored the cover. I know this is technically a kids book, but some of the best so often are.

I really liked the idea behind the story. It's about a young girl who's baby brother gets kidnapped by crows and taken into the impassable wilderness outside of town and she must go in to find her brother with the help of a friend from school. 

Yes, like others, I thought of Labyrinth too (girl rescuing her baby brother from a magical creature anyone?) but it also reminded me of The Chronicles of Narnia, both I really enjoyed. 

There are cool talking creatures, interesting characters, and a whole new world to explore in this book. Turns out its the first of a trilogy and I'm excited to read the other two. 

I kind of thought that this book could have been about teenagers and it still would have worked without any issues. There was also a lot more war and battles than I typically see in these kinds of books for children, but I didn't mind it. Only other odd thing was the family dynamic. It seemed a little weird to me, but I guess it had to be because then the story wouldn't have worked itself out in the same way and I can get behind that. I won't say more because I don't want to give any spoilers.

It was good. The pictures were really cool, the story was an easy read, and I liked it. I have already bought the next two and I'm going to read and review those too.

I read some reviews on Goodreads that complained about the beginning and its references to a hipster Portland and such, but the rest of the story is so much more then that. Don't let that kind of silliness distract you from a great story since that stuff is not what the book is really about.

Recommendation: If you enjoyed Narnia and the Labyrinth, give this a try. It's pretty darn good. 

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

I picked this book up used years ago because everyone was talking about it and I figured some day I would give it a try even though it wasn't really my type of read. I am a mystery lover to the core but I've been branching out a lot lately and I am enjoying myself.

I did not quite know what to expect with this book. I didn't watch the movie at all so all I knew was what was written on the back. Right off the bad, I was surprised but delighted at how the book was set up. I love that it was in sections and it was set up in little stories of her memories.

I liked the way she just told us her story and let it all out there. Of course, she is a great writer and I have been picking up some of her other works when I find them (like Big Magic which everyone needs to read. Read my thoughts about it here) and I think she's such an interesting person.

This book was really great. I loved the rawness about it. It left me wanting more and I found it to be really inspiring in unexpected ways. I didn't want to put it down either. There's so much about the lives of others that really moves us and I really do enjoy true stories like this.

She does touch on her beliefs quite a bit but I even enjoyed that part too. Differences between our lives and the lives of others are just as great as the similarities. I have definitely not experienced the same things that she has, but I could still identify with her story.

This is going to be a book that I will be rereading for sure in the future. I would like to see the movie too at some point.

Recommendation: Give this a try. It's good, it'll make you feel things, and .you'll like it.

May Wrap Up!

It has been FOREVER since I've done a monthly wrap up of the books I've read. Why, you ask? Because I almost always forget what day it is. I end up missing the end/beginning of the next month so often that I remember like 5 days into the new month and that's just way too late.

In the month of May this year I read a total of 7 books. Four were from library and three were from my own collection. I decided super last minute to make a post about it at all so my photos were done rather quickly. (I snapped the ones of the library books on my way out this morning as I was going to the library after work today).

The books marked with a * are the ones that will have reviews coming soon! I think this month was a pretty good literary month and I am ready for June!





From the library I read:

Daisies for Innocence by Bailey Cattrell *
The Sandman by Lars Kepler *
Robert B. Parker's Kickback by Ace Atkins
Death of a Chimney Sweep by M.C. Beaton









From my collection I read:

Wildwood by Colin Meloy*
This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper*
The BFG by Roald Dahl *

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

I've owned this book for quite a while and I've always counted it among one of my favorites. It might actually be one of the first books I read about writing.

A funny thing happened when I sat down to write my review of this book. I couldn't remember a thing about it. I drew a huge blank. If you had mentioned the title and shown me the book, I would have told you I loved it and that it was one of my favorites, but the details? I couldn't remember. I had even forgot who wrote it which is amazing to me because Anne Lamott is great.

Anne Lamott is a writer who inspires me. I follow her on twitter, and I see quotes of hers all over the place online. I even copy and write out her words in my journals all the time, making sure I pay attention. Somehow I completely forgot this gem of a book was hers. 

This book is an honest and serious look at writing. Anne Lamott
doesn't sugar coat it, doesn't beat around the bush, just tells you like it is. When it comes to writing, she lays it out in a beautiful way with words that are pure gold. It's anecdotal, full of writing tips and bits of her life. It's beautiful and great in all the ways books like these always are. I loved it.

To me, she's the voice I need inside my head speaking to me day after day, telling me to get my act together and write. No doubt that is the very reason I forgot about this book was because I didn't want to get my act together, it was easier to forget. 

That being said, I need to reread this book again very soon. I should never have ignored or forgot her words in the first place, but my devious lazy mind took over, as it so often does.

Recommendation: Pick this up, all aspiring writers. You are hurting yourself passing this one by.  I really cannot explain why this book is so impressive, you just need to read it for yourself. 

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

Shadow of Night is the second book in the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness. (I've reviewed the first one here in case you missed it!)

The first novel left off on a cliffhanger and this book picked right up in the same place. I wasn't sure what to expect with this one because the way the story has changed since I began reading the first, I was keeping an open mind and totally just going with the flow. I was not disappointed! 

To give you a little background on these novels, they involve witches, vampires, and daemons. There is a fear for their continued survival and its up to a witch and a vampire to figure it all out. There is so much more to these novels, but I don't want to give anything away by explaining more. 

These novels aren't a quick read. They are detailed and more involving then a lot of reads. I don't think these books get enough love, really. They are adult novels, but I don't think that anyone who reads more of the young adult type novels wouldn't enjoy them as well.

There is so many little plot points along the way that I almost feel like they could have evolved into their own stories separate from the book. Definitely keeps your attention and in no way does it feel boring or overly done. 

I am of course going to read the third one, but I think I am going to wait a little longer. Not sure I want to let this story come to an end yet. I will miss the adventure and knowing that it all will come to an end. 

Recommendation: Well worth giving these a try. Totally for the lovers of witches, vampires, and love stories in the pursuit to save the world. 

Robert B. Parker's Wonderland by Ace Atkins

My mother was the one who introduced me to the novels by Robert B. Parker years ago at the library.  I was just getting into reading adult novels, and as he wrote mysteries, I ate them up.

He wrote about 70 novels in his time, passing away in 2011 I believe. He was known (as his website says) as the dean of American crime fiction. Many of his works were best sellers. Three of his series that I've read and enjoyed were the Spenser series, the Sunny Randall series, and the Jesse Stone series. The Spenser and Sunny Randall books follow their respective protagonists who are private detectives, and the Jesse Stone books follow a policeman of the same name. I do believe one or two of his Jesse Stone books were made into made for tv movies (if I remember correctly, but I could be wrong).

Now, there are multiple authors who are taking up his mantle and continuing on his work (with permission from his estate of course) with some of his series. This book is part of his Spenser series, and was written by Ace Atkins.

I am always leery about books written by someone else after an authors death. Especially in this situation, because the writing of Robert B. Parker was so different and unique in my opinion. I was curious to see if someone else could really accomplish what Parker could.

In my opinion, this was well done. If you have never had the pleasure of reading anything by Parker, I recommend you grab one from the library. His books can be read out of order without much of an issue, which is always good. He writes in such a way that less is more. With little words, he can convey big ideas. His detectives are flawed and different, but perfectly the stereotype of the American P.I. They are wonderful reads. Quite easy and quick reads too.

The characters all have their own codes of conduct as it were and his stories follow a certain type of formula. I was happily surprised that Ace Atkins accomplished everything that Parker did. It was well done. I do believe I will pick up more of these at the library when I see them.

Recommendation: I would check out the works of Robert B. Parker. He was a brilliant and prolific writer. Especially if you like reading about private detectives.

The Cuckoos Calling by Robert Galbraith

As most of us know (and in case you didn't), this book was actually written by J.K. Rowling under a pseudonym.

The Cuckoo's Calling is a hard boiled private detective novel. It follows all the typical P.I gumshoe type stories and that is in no way upsetting. It's wonderful, actually. I love private detective novels!

This one stars Cormoran Strike the private eye who's down on his luck. The case? The suicide of a supermodel. I won't tell you any more, I don't want to accidentally spoil it because it's worth the read!

It didn't feel like I was reading a book by the same author who wrote Harry Potter, but it was still written beautifully. It was lighter than a lot of other novels of this type that I've read. It's nice because it lets you connect easier with the characters this way.

Cormoran Strike might actually be one of my new favorite book characters. This book was written to draw you in, to feel for the characters, and get you invested in what happens to them. I really enjoyed this book and I am going to be getting Silkworm as well very soon, because I just have to read that one too! I really hope she writes a couple more too because Cormoran is a character I don't want to say goodbye to yet.

If you think you want to read this simply because of the author, then perhaps you should google it a little and read more about it. This book is very much a private detective novel. It is nothing like Harry Potter. Sorry.

Recommendation: Must read for the mystery lover. J.K. Rowling's writing is spectacular of course and you'd be silly to pass this one by!

Aunt Dimity's Death by Nancy Atherton

This novel is the perfect story. It's got romance, fairy tale, destiny, ghosts, mystery, and so much more goodness. It's funny, serious, heart warming, and full of love. Quite like any other story I've read before.

The book is about a girl who finds out that the character in the stories her mother used to tell her is not only real but has passed away. This woman has also left the girl things in her will, and has requested that the girl carry out a task for her. There is so much more to this book, but I do not want to spoil it.

The mystery in this story is more of a simple finding out of facts. Its not gruesome at all. These mysteries are about love, of life, a mysterious photo, ghosts, a strange blue notebook, and a stuffed bunny named Reginald.

This book really is a perfect fairy tale for current time. It has all the elements that make dreams come true, with just a little hint of mystery.

I came across the Aunt Dimity series years ago in the library. I've read a few of the following novels, this one being the first in the series. I'm sure I've read this one too, but honestly it felt like a new story when I read it. In my opinion, this story could be a stand alone because its just a wonderful story. I can say though that many of the following books are also pretty darn awesome.

Recommendation: Perfect book for a lover of a good story, for a lover of fairy tales, for a lover of the purest forms of mystery. No matter how you slice it, its great. A definite must read.

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

I came across this book in the reference section under writing. Immediately it called out to me. I snapped it up and I am so darn glad I did.

This book is an inspiration to new writers and old writers alike to write. She talks about the how-to's the why and the just do's to get any writers hand moving across that paper (or key board). She writes like she's sitting in a coffee shop across from you tell you stories, but at the same time lifting you up and inspiring you again and again.

I loved this book immensely. It was a great introduction into the writing of this author. She is such a huge inspiration and her words are just so amazing. This book was non stop wisdom. Every page is a new blast of inspiration and advice.

Every writer needs to have this book on their shelves to refer to at any time. There's no question why this book is a best seller.

Her methods are simple but effective. She does go into a little bit of detail with regards to her Zen practices and how they have helped her, along with the lessons they have taught her. I found it really interesting which is why I've also read another one of her books The True Secret of Writing which covers more of that including the writing workshops she's held and the methods she teaches them. Don't worry, the review on that book is coming soon!

I can dive into this book on any page at any time and feel revived and inspired. I am cherishing my copy, that's for sure.

Recommendation: Attention all writers, aspiring writers, and those thinking of writing: You need this book. It's a must. A serious must. Don't question it, just read it!!

Brida by Paulo Coelho

This is the second Paulo Coelho book that I've read.

I chose this read because it's about a girl who is searching for magic. She wants to be a witch and she goes searching for answers. Along the way she meets different people who teach her different ways of finding what she was searching for. 

I've always been interested in magic and stories about it get my attention. This story does touch on magic and such but its not the paranormal read you might think. It talks about spirituality and the search for it. 

As usual, this book is full of metaphors and underlying themes that tell us so much more than just a story. This book involves the search for soulmates, for connection, and for belonging. It's so much more than a story about a girl who is searching for magic. It involves spirituality and so much more. 

I really enjoyed this nook. The ending was a bit weird for me. It didn't really sync up in the way that I had hoped it would, but it didn't take too much away from the story for me. I still think its worth the read. 

I have hopes to get my hands on every one of his books. There's just so much wisdom in each one that they are definitely worth reading. 

Recommendation: I recommend this one, especially for those interested in magic, in soulmates, and in finding yourself. His words are well worth the experience. 

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Written by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

This book came into my life on a whim one day when I was looking for something different. The title sold me before I even read the synopsis. How could you not? Its just too fantastic!

This book is written in letter form between the inhabitants of the island of Guernsey and a writer during the German occupation in the 40's. It's a totally magnetic story. It drew me in immediately and I found myself becoming utterly absorbed in the characters. I laughed with them, I sighed with them, I really found myself getting wrapped up in everything they did.

There are some of you out there who might feel that it being written in letter form could be annoying but honestly, I really didn't think so. I think it was just plain magic. I loved how different it was from my usual reads and I found the whole experience quite refreshing.

My usual modus operandi was always to avoid any novels surrounding any war that didn't happen in medieval times. I just don't enjoy them. But, this one wasn't exactly like that. It was not what I expected but I was very happy with it.

I count this book among one of my absolute favourites. I honestly think this one slinks by unnoticed even with the amazingly interesting title.

Recommendation: If you get your hands on this one, give it a read. It's going to be unlike anything else you've read and I can almost guarantee you will love it!