My Reviews for the 20 Books of Summer Reading Event - Part 2
My mini reviews for the extra books I read for this amazing reading event run by Cathy from 746 Books!
Here is Part 2 of my “mini reviews” for all of the extra books I read for this Summer’s 20 Books of Summer Reading Event. I still can’t believe the amount I was able to read!
I loved taking part as it really inspired me to read more and read some of my new books which have been sitting on my shelves for the last year lol! I also liked creating a list of the books I wanted to read… I think I will still continue to do this every three months as it keeps me on track and reminds me what books I have to read.
I have linked all of the books I read to Goodreads so you can read more about what they are like, what happens, etc…😊
How about you? Would you find it helpful to create a list of books you would like to read every quarter? Leave a comment below! 📚
Here is Part 1 for the 20 Books of Summer Reading Event, Books & Reviews, just in case you missed it last time!
Book 11: As Old as Time by Liz Braswell
28th to 30th July 2024 - not for me
As Old as Time is a “twisted tale” book about the story of Beauty and the Beast (it is more similar to the Disney films than the original tale) and what if their tale was twisted? It was such a shame that I didn’t enjoy this book, as I am a BIG Disney lover and I loved the idea about “twisting the tales”, but it was just too dark for me and a bit creepy. I couldn’t warm to Belle’s character in the book and the storyline didn’t share many “Happily Ever After” moments, so I stopped halfway through. 😕
Book 12: The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell
31st of July - 2nd of August - an exciting read
The Wolf Wilder has been a childhood favourite of mine since my Grandparent’s gifted it to me one Christmas when I was little. I have always loved wolves and for a time, I wore a set of cut out cardboard wolf ears and a fluffy tail wherever I went! 😂Some parts of the story are a little dark and the words used are sometimes harsh, but it is full of all things wolves, the power of determination, and sticking up for what you believe in! I really enjoy Katherine’s way of writing, full of adventure and excitement. 🐺
Book 13: The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
2nd to 6th August 2024 - an enjoyable read
The Dictionary of Lost Words was my first Historical Fiction book for this reading event and I enjoyed learning about how the first Oxford English Dictionary was made and how they collected words on slips, sorted them and picked which words should be added into the dictionary. I loved the beginning of this book, learning about the main character Esme as a small child and her life growing up in the “Scriptorium” where her Father works, but I found the story slowed a bit towards the middle of the book and then sped up rather rapidly towards the end. A bit of rough language in the book, which I did not enjoy, and some minor references to wartime injuries towards the end, but other then that I would say it was an enjoyable read!
Book 14: In Love and War by Liz Trenow
7th to 11th August 2024 - an enjoyable read
In Love and War was an enjoyable read and I enjoyed learning more about the consequences after the First World War, how it felt from the different sides where the three characters were from (England, Germany & America) and what the war felt like for each of them. They each lost someone to the Great War and this story shows how their losses can bring them all together despite their differences. Slight description to war time horrors and injuries, but other than that an enjoyable read.
Book 15: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
13th to 17th August 2024 - an interesting read
I found out about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society as I watched the movie first and I was very excited to find out that the movie was based on a 2008 novel! When I started to read the book I was at first a little confused as the book was all made up with “just letters” from different characters and I wasn’t sure how I felt about it… It is one of those books where you read it and think about it for awhile, maybe read it again and then you fall in love with it. The longer I think about it the more I like it! I enjoyed reading the witty letters and getting to know the characters through their correspondence. There are a few paragraphs throughout the book that give descriptions of what it was like in concentration camps, how the people were treated, which I found sad, but it is the truth of what happened.
I am writing up a full Book & Movie Review for this book to share with you all in October time! 😊
Book 16: The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden
18th to 20th August 2024 - not for me
The Secrets of Hartwood Hall is a book I was really excited to read as I have heard many reviews saying that it has the same feeling as Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and as this is one of my favourite books, I thought I would give it a go! I just sadly didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped and I couldn’t warm to the main character, Margaret, who narrates the book. Though I enjoyed the slight “eeriness and creepiness” to the book at first, I did find it started to get a bit too dark for me. I also found some parts of the love scenes between two of the characters unnecessary and modernised. In addition, Margaret couldn’t make up her mind about what to do and she kept going back and forth to her lover, which I found frustrating! I could see how some people would enjoy this, but I decided to stop halfway.
Book 17: The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
21st to 24th August 2024 - an exciting read
The Explorer is an old childhood favourite of mine by the author who also wrote “The Wolf Wilder”, which I read earlier in the challenge. I picked up this copy at my local library after seeing it on display. I love this book as it is so full of adventure and excitement. I enjoyed reading how the four children survived in the Amazon rainforest and what they needed to do to get home. Plus one adopts a baby sloth… what is not to love!? Would highly recommend! 😊
Book 18: Before the Crown by Flora Harding
24th - 27th August 2024 - an enjoyable read
Before the Crown is an enjoyable and easy read, perfect for those who have an interest in history and the Royal Family. I enjoyed learning more about the love story of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, how they met, what the Royal Family thought and how their lives changed. I liked how Flora Harding kept the funny side to Phillip’s character and the love story is charming and interesting. It is based on real facts, which are woven into the fictional story. I really enjoyed reading this and speeded through it as I wanted to find out what happens in the end! Perfect for those who love watching The Crown.
That was the last book of my 18 Books of Summer Reading Challenge! I am so happy about how many books I have been able to read over three months and I am already looking forward to next year. 😊
Thank you for creating this Summer Reading Challenge!
I have created a Poll down below so I can see what all of my readers feedback is for my book review’s as I am thinking of doing a Quarterly Book Review (like the one above) for all of my readers! I would love to hear your thoughts. ♡
Thank you for your feedback! 🥰
Well done again on reading so much for 20 Books of Summer 2024! You have reminded me, I really need to try Katherine Rundell.
Blessings, Jessica 💌
Ohhhh, thank you for reminding me about The Dictionary of Lost Words! I picked that up last year and still haven't read it. It's going to hop to the top of my TBR now. :)