Book Reviews

This Week In Books (Nov 16th 2016)

Meggy | Chocolate'n'Waffles

thisweekinbooks

This Week In Books is a weekly update on what you’ve been reading hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found . A similar meme is hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words.

∧ Then ∧ Hello Me, It’s You, Hannah Todd

hello-me-its-you

“Keep smiling and being you. Don’t let the world change you”

Hello Me, it’s You is a collection of letters by young adults aged 17-24 about their experiences with mental health issues. The letters are written to their 16-year-old selves, giving beautifully honest advice, insight and encouragement for all that lays ahead of them.

This book was produced by the Hello Me, it’s You charity, set up by the editor, Hannah. Hannah was diagnosed with depression and anxiety whilst at university and found comfort in talking to friends about their experiences, realising she was not alone in her situation. This inspired the idea for the charity and book. Through the creation of materials such as this, the charity aims to provide reassurance for young adults (and their families) who are experiencing mental health issues and give a voice to young adults on such an important topic. The result of that will hopefully be a reduction in the negative stigma surrounding mental health and an increase in awareness of young people’s experiences. All profits go the Hello Me, it’s You charity, for the production of future supportive books.

Trigger warning: Due to it’s nature, the content of this book may be triggering. Contains personal experiences of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, trichotillomania and other mental health issues, as well as issues such as assault.

“…both beautiful and necessary” Sarah Franklin

A bubble of emotions and a message of hope.

≈ Now ≈ Three Dark Crowns, Kendare Blake

three dark crowns.jpg

Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

If only it was that simple. Katharine is unable to tolerate the weakest poison, and Arsinoe, no matter how hard she tries, can’t make even a weed grow. The two queens have been shamefully faking their powers, taking care to keep each other, the island, and their powerful sister Mirabella none the wiser. But with alliances being formed, betrayals taking shape, and ruthless revenge haunting the queens’ every move, one thing is certain: the last queen standing might not be the strongest…but she may be the darkest.

It’s time for the Hype or Like group’s book of the month! I’m 168 pages in and even though the setting and characters are nice, I’d like to see some action!

∨ Next ∨ In Her Wake, Amanda Jennings

in-her-wake


A perfect life … until she discovered it wasn’t her own.

A tragic family event reveals devastating news that rips apart Bella’s comfortable existence. Embarking on a personal journey to uncover the truth, she faces a series of traumatic discoveries that take her to the ruggedly beautiful Cornish coast, where hidden truths, past betrayals and a 25-year-old mystery threaten not just her identity, but also her life.

Chilling, complex and profoundly moving, In Her Wake is a gripping psychological thriller that questions the nature of family – and reminds us that sometimes the most shocking crimes are committed closest to home.

Great cover, great publisher, great blurb. I hope In Her Wake lives up to my expectations!

Have you read any of these books? What is on your list this week?
Do share in the comments:)
Happy reading!

Published by Meggy | Chocolate'n'Waffles

56 thoughts on “This Week In Books (Nov 16th 2016)”

  1. I love the diversity of your book. Three different genres in one week:-) In Her Wake does sound quite promising so I hope that it will be a great read for you. Happy reading and have a wonderful Wednesday 🙂

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    1. I’m getting better at mixing genres, it helps to enjoy every story so much more 🙂 I have heard some great things about In Her Wake and I was so happy to get it! Have a great Wednesday and lots of great reads!

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        1. I’m not surprised anymore xD You never like the Hype or Like books of the month! I’ll try to have my review ready on time. Have fun with Crooked Kingdom!

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  5. In her Wake definitely sounds like something I look forward to reading your review on… I think the premise of the ‘most shocking crimes being committed closest to home’ is something that would emotionally pack some serious punch! Happy reading!

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    1. Hello Me, It’s You was a fast read, but so powerful. I liked the diversity of issues dealt with and the brilliant quotes. Haha, still no action in Three Dark crowns! I like the characters enough to not just DNF the book but I wish things would finally start moving!

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  14. These seem like three great picks for this week Donna. I have Three Dark Crowns on my to-read list and I’m hoping to get started in it before the end of the year at least. I’ve seen some mixed reviews for this book though so I will be going in with low expectations (most of them say the same thing you have, needs more action) but I do hope you enjoy it. I’ll be looking forwards to seeing your Hype or Like review for that one! 😀

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    1. Keeping your expectations low for Three Dark Crowns is definitely the best way to go! It’s a shame because the premise is great and the characters quite interesting, but the author is slowly losing me with days passing by and nothing much happening. I’m still hoping, though! 🙂

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      1. They almost seem to get lower and lower with each mixed review I see for it. Plenty of people have said that about the plot though, nothing much seems to happen, but everyone seems to have high praise for the end so I guess that’s where you need to get to.

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  15. 168 pages and no action… Girl, you are giving me no hope for Three Dark Crowns. I read less than a chapter and got sick of all the introductions for characters. It was very info dumpy from the start. Mega turnoff for old Jilly. 🙂 Let me know how you end up liking it. I’m not so sure I’ll have time to read it this month with my Crooked Kingdom buddy read starting tomorrow.

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  16. 168 pages into Three Dark Crowns and no action yet?! Hah, so the reviews I read about the book being slow paced and not action-packed and intense were true! Do you feel the way the book was advertised was a bit misleading? I mean, that blurb is awesome, I figured the book would be filled with backstabbing and lots of drama!

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    1. They were true, unfortunately! It’s too bad, I think I would have enjoyed the story a lot with bits of action. But there are still pages left so I’m not losing hope. The blurb definitely had a huge effect on me and I was expecting a lot. It does feel like it was misleading now. I wanted the same things! Blood and fights and drama, but so far I’ve just been following characters living their boring lives.

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  17. I enjoyed Three Dark Crowns. I went back and forth with it, especially in the middle section, but thought it ended really well.
    Looking forward to hearing your thoughts once you finish it!

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  20. Pingback: November Wrap-up | Chocolatenwaffles' Blog

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