I really enjoyed listening to Sara Bareilles narrate her book 'Sounds Like Me'. Told through eight honest essays, this is the story of Sara's life so far. This was my first audiobook and I loved it, I'd definitely recommend it for fans - 5 stars!
Tag: Books Published in 2015
Book Review: Falling into Place by Amy Zhang
"Falling into Place" is a sad story which tackles some difficult subjects, from bullying to drug use to suicide. It's certainly not a happy read and is quite emotional at times. Unfortunately this book wasn't for me, I couldn't connect with the main character and this seriously affected how I felt about the whole thing - 1 star.
Book Review: Neither Here, Nor There: Travels in Europe by Bill Bryson
I was really looking forward to learning about the cities and countries of Europe. I really did enjoy the first few chapters, but when Bryson's humour went a bit too far, I lost interest and by the end I had almost given up. It's 2 stars from me!
Book Review: The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
"The Bone Clocks" was a massive disappointment. Full of characters I didn't care for and plot points that didn't have any relevance to the story whatsoever, I struggled to finish this book and am glad to have returned it to the library. Holly Sykes was a great character but those around her didn't add much to the story and just made it drag on and on and on. I didn't hate it, but I couldn't love it so "The Bone Clocks" gets 2 stars from me.
Book Review: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
I know I'm in the minority here but I really couldn't get into this book. In a post apocalyptic world, a group of travelling musicians and actors wasn't enough to keep my gripped or engaged. Not awful, but with too much going on and not enough attention paid to characters and crucial plot points, "Station Eleven" is getting 2 stars from me.
Book Review: Nod by Adrian Barnes
An excellent concept that couldn't quite deliver what I wanted it to. I felt as though this was a book of two parts and I'd have preferred the first to continue in a more "normal" manner. I'm giving Adrian Barnes' "Nod" 3 stars for its strange unanswered second half and perhaps, as I've heard they exist, I'm going to have a look into alternative sleep related Apocalypses.
Book Review: Private Vegas by James Patterson
"Private Vegas" is just not worth your time. It's confusing, it's disjointed, it's long and it's not even set in the title location! I was not impressed and I'm giving the 9th Private book just 1 star.
Book Review: The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
This one is difficult to review without saying too much but it's full of suspense, anticipation and has an atmosphere I felt immersed in. I loved this psychological thriller and will be scoring "The Paying Guests" 5 stars.
Book Review: Walking The Himalayas by Levison Wood
A quick informative read of a man's adventure through The Himalayas. Honest, interesting and raw, author Levison Wood gives a detailed account of the places he sees and the people he meets which leads me to score "Walking The Himalayas" a good 4 stars.
Book Review: Private India by James Patterson
Difficult to get into with unforgettable characters, sadly this James Paterson book doesn't live up to readers expectations despite its intriguing story line. It's just 2 stars for "Private India".