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where our team of writers love to talk all things books, sharing reviews, features, lists, interviews and more.

Getting lost in a book is escapism at it's finest and it's what everyone who contributes here thrives on.

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Grace's Guide | Grace Helbig | Reviewed by Erin

Monday 24 November 2014

Grace's Guide | Grace Helbig | Reviewed by Erin

*Review copy c/o Netgalley, image via goodreads.com
grace's guide

"Face it—being a young adult in the digital era is one of the hardest things to be. Well, maybe there are harder things in life…but being an adult is difficult! So Grace Helbig has written a guide that’s perfect for anyone who is faced with the daunting task of becoming an adult." - Source

With sections covering everything you need to know to ‘pretend’ to be a grown up, from advice for jobs and interviews to relationships, cooking and even home décor, Grace’s Guide is a great coffee table book that fans of her YouTube channel ‘It’s Grace’ will adore.

Grace uses her personal experiences to shape the book with many anecdotes, childhood photographs as well as ‘Mom’s words of wisdom’ along the way. The book even includes a short foreword penned by Grace’s brother Tim. Alongside these are lists of tips and advice, handily made into some very unique acronyms to help readers remember them. There’s also an interactive element with fun worksheets to fill out if you wish!

For the most part the tone of the book is conversational and light-hearted, similar to that of Grace’s videos, with her personality shining through into the way she writes. The design is also fun with colourful photographs illustrating the topics of each section and a simple, easy to read layout.

With it’s sense of humour and honesty Grace’s Guide would make a great Christmas gift for any fan of this popular YouTube comedian.

This post was written by regular reviewer Erin, get to know her here
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Group Collaboration | Missing The Hype!

Saturday 22 November 2014

Group Collaboration | Missing The Hype!

We all know those books. The ones that every single person you encounter is banging on at you to read and tell you they're incredible, but when you do well...you just don't get it.

For this month's post our blogger's sound off about hyped up books!

Nov group post Sophia Nov group post Jemma Nov group post Erin & Catherine Nov group post Emma Nov group post Anjali & Ria

Don't forget to leave a comment and let us know which your thoughts on overhyped books!

Thanks to this month's contributors: Jemma, Anjali, Sophia, Emma, Cat, Erin, and Ria

All book cover images via goodreads.com
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Next month we're wrapping up the year and want to know your Top 5 Reads for 2014! To get involved send an email to bloggersbookshelf@gmail.com
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Friday 21 November 2014

Requiem | Lauren Oliver | Reviewed by Anjali



As I was double checking our Review List here on BB to make sure no one had reviewed this before, I saw that Ria had reviewed the two previous books in this series, Delirium, and Pandemonium. I feel like I'm intruding a little bit, but Ria, you can always jump in and tell us what you thought about Requiem, too! You can read Ria's reviews here: Delirium || Pandemonium

Requiem, by Lauren Oliver, is the third and final instalment of the Delirium trilogy. Don't worry, there won't be any spoilers in this review, though if I think something might be potentially spoiler-ish, I will warn you. Requiem follows on from the events in Pandemonium. Lena is still fighting for survival in the Wilds, joining with other groups of rebellious 'Invalids', avoiding Regulators from the cities, and generally trying to keep her feelings for certain boys in check. Along side Raven, Tack, and the other 'invalids', Lena is still searching for freedom, a way to fight back, to take control of their own lives again. Meanwhile, inside the city of Portland, Lena's ex-best friend, Hana, is engaged to be married to the soon-to-be-mayor. While she has been cured of the Deliria, Hana knows that something is not right with her fiancée. She begins to investigate the mysterious disappearance of his previous wife, Cassandra, and what she finds is more horrifying than she could imagine.

The second book in this series, Pandemonium, was written in alternating chapters between 'then' and 'now', though it was all from Lena's perspective. I found this quite jarring at times and a tad annoying to read. Requiem is also told in alternating chapters, however it's done from both Lena's perspective - as she struggles and fights in the Wild - and Hana's perspective - as she prepares for her wedding day inside the city. I really really liked this about Requiem. Throughout the first two stories, one of the main things I was always thinking was 'I want to read more about Hana'. It really nice to be able to hear her voice and to see how her story and Lena's lined up a long side each other.

Erin mentioned in her Good Reads review of this book that the story felt more like a middle book in a series, rather than the last. And I couldn't agree more. I actually found it a little bit hard to get into this book, but I think the chapters on Hana made me keep going. I found it got exciting towards the end, but at the same time it felt like it was all suddenly happening, and things were getting done, and there was progress... and then...it was the end. And the end! Ugh. I won't say much in case I spoil something, but I didn't really like the end much. I was left with way too many questions, and thought it needed at least another chapter.

Having said that, I did like this series, and I really like Oliver's writing style. It's really well done and suits the story and the characters brilliantly. I would like to read the 'point 5' stories from this series too. There's one on Anabell (Delirium 0.5), Hana (Delirium 1.5), Raven (Delirium 2.5), and Alex (Delirium 3.5). If you haven't read this series, but enjoy the dystopian/the-government-is-out-to-get-you type books, give this series a go.


This review was written by regular reviewer Anjali, get to know her here
Image from Good Reads.  

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Guest Review | Clariel | Garth Nix

Tuesday 18 November 2014

Guest Review | Clariel | Garth Nix

Clariel: The Lost Abhorsen
Image via goodreads.com

My rating: 4/5
'Clariel' is the fourth book in the 'Old Kingdom' series by Garth Nix. For a long time, it was just a trilogy, with the third book being published in 2003. I am so glad that Garth Nix decided to bring back this fantastic world of magic and bloodlines.

This novel is set in the Old Kingdom, home of the Abhorsen, protector of the living from the dead, the King, and the Clayr or seers. The bloodlines of all three are important to keep the kingdom whole. The Charter - the magical force from which Charter Mages can pluck their spells - depends on these three bloodlines and the great Charter Stones, to keep the corruptive creatures of Free Magic away from the people. The city of Belisaere, where our story mostly takes place, is an important hub containing the royal palace and Charter Stones, as well as a bustling harbour.

We follow Clariel, daughter of the High Goldsmith Jaciel and her consort Harven, a lesser goldsmith who deals with the administration of Jaciel's business in the forge. The family relocates to Belisaere from the town of Estwael, next to the Great Forest. Clariel is stricken to be torn from her familiar surroundings, as the forest was her greatest comfort. She has never felt love or compassion from her mother or father particularly, Jaciel being too strong and Harven too weak to engage with. She would often go to see her aunt Lemmin who lived near the forest, and steal off to stalk the woods with the Borderers - the guardians of the forest. She learned a lot about hunting and self-sufficiency that her parents have no idea about.

Being thrust into the pompous, high-society in Belisaere is a nightmare for Clariel, who only wants to escape and make her life in the Great Forest. She is determined that she does not need a lady's maid or a guard, does not need to go to a finishing school or be treated like royalty just because of her mother's expert skills in Goldsmithing. She even has to go and visit the king and present a 'kin gift', as he and Clariel are distant cousins, which is a baffling task. Even Charter Magic is frowned upon in Belisaere, as a menial task meant for servants, and the important people must cover up their Charter mark (a forehead birthmark connecting them to the Charter, if they have magic blood) with a special face paint.

Clariel meets a Charter mage, Kargrin, who vows to teach her the basics of Charter magic, which she neglected to learn. He also agrees to help her to escape the city and return to the forest with money and a disguise to aid her on her journey. However, Clariel's plan is thwarted by Kilp, governor of the city, and his smug son Aronzo. Kilp's desire for power grows unrestricted now that the King has taken a back seat in the running of the city. Clariel's world is thrown into complete disarray by an unspeakable tragedy, and she has no idea who to turn to. Everyone wants her to do "what's best for her", and all Clariel wants to do is run away and live in the forest.

I found this book gripping in a gentle way. It was probably not until the second half of the book that I became involved in finding out what would happen. I guess the first half is important for establishing the city and what is going on behind the scenes. The plot took such an unexpected twist for me, and while I couldn't always agree with what was going on, it was an excellent adventure and I knew why it had to happen that way.

I do regret the fact that I cannot remember the other books in the series - 'Sabriel', 'Lirael' and 'Abhorsen'. I would definitely recommend reading those in the proper order before attempting to read 'Clariel', to give some background knowledge of the world it is based in. I must admit that it may have been easier if I could remember the events of the previous three books. I should have dug them out and read them before starting Clariel, possibly, but it didn't occur to me at the time.

This review was written by guest blogger Jemma
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Thursday 13 November 2014

Being A Book Blogger | Interview With Christina from Passion Obsession

Welcome to our latest Being A Book Blogger post, today featuring the lovely Christina, the girl behind book & lifestyle blog Passion Obsession. Here's what she had to say about NaNoWriMo, must-reads and exciting 2015 releases...

Christina Bookshelf

BB: For any of our readers who aren’t already subscribed to Passion Obsession could you tell us a little bit about yourself & the blog?

I’m Christina, a lover of scented candles, baked Camembert and (obviously) books. I’m a huge TV fanatic – loving everything from Vampire Diaries to Criminal Minds. I love the idea of having projects to work on, so I started Passion Obsession in 2011 with the hope of sharing my thoughts on everything I love. This quickly became mostly book-related and will hopefully develop into a YouTube channel in the near future!

BB: Where does your love of literature come from and what made you want to share reviews online?

My love of literature stemmed from a very creative childhood surrounded by bibliophiles, in particular my brother, James, who would read anything and everything. As a child, I read an average amount which then seemed to taper out as I hit my teenage years and developed a love for the Internet and sites like Habbo Hotel instead (oh how I loved Habbo.) It’s only been the last couple of years that I’ve become obsessed with reading & literature again and I can see it being a passion that continues for the rest of my life.

BB: We're always looking for new books to read, could you give us 5 books you'd recommend to everyone?

This is a tough one! I have plenty of books that I love but narrowing them down to five I would recommend to anyone is difficult!
My first would be The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. It is a wonderful coming-of-age story that can be read at any age.
Secondly, Random by Tom Leveen is another one I believe everyone should read. This book made me think about depression and it provoked a lot of emotion in me. Not enough people know about this book and it’s a shame.
Another one that resonated with me for months after reading was Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. It makes you think about how a little thing could negatively affect somebodies life and if enough of these little things collect, it could result in a huge catastrophic thing.
Black Box by Cassia Leo is another lesser-known book that I feel everybody should read. A lovely little romance that left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Finally (and kind of a cheat), I recommend everybody read Wonder by R J Palacio. I’m only a third of the way through this book but already I can tell it’s going to be one of my favourites that I think everyone should read.


Passion Obsession | September Book Haul

BB: We're now approaching the end of 2014, are there any 2015 releases you're really looking forward to? 

2014 has been a great year for new releases, but 2015 looks even better. Some of my most anticipated releases are: Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver. It sounds incredible and she is an auto-buy for me, I love her style! Another great one is Sarah J Maas’s new release A Court of Thorns and Roses, which comes out in March and I couldn’t be more excited to start her new series!

BB: You recently blogged about taking part in NaNoWriMo this year. How did you decide what genre/type of story you wanted to create?

Yes! I’m doing NaNoWriMo this year and I’m so excited. If I’m being totally honest, my genre isn’t totally set in stone. I’m doing the technique of just writing straight from my head with very little planning – something I’m not sure will work but seems to have worked for me in the past so I’m going with it! My idea just stemmed from some of my past experiences and things I would have liked to have happened – sort of like my dream scenario mixed with aspects of my actual life, but with a supernatural/paranormal twist.

BB: If you could pick two fictional characters from different books/series to come together in a new book who would you want to see team up & what sort of story would it be?

Oh this is a great question! I’m going to stick with a contemporary theme and say Anna from Anna and the French Kiss and Cath from Fangirl. I think they’d be great friends! Anna loves movies and Cath loves fanfic – it could be a great combination!

BB: Who is your 'book crush'?

I’m not really sure I have a single book crush. I love Four but that seems like a clichéd answer. Levi from FanGirl is also adorable. Oh, actually Dean from Ignite by Lily Paradis is a big crush of mine. He’s so hot.

BB: Finally, which other book blogs would you recommend our readers go subscribe to? (after yours of course!)

I have so many book blogs I follow and would recommend! Bloggers Bookshelf, of course. A Perfection Called Books, Bound by Words and Delicious Reads are also great!

Where To Find Christina Online:
Blog - Passion Obsession
Twitter - @Christinax92x
Instagram - @Christinax92
Goodreads - Christinax92

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I'd like to say a huge thank you from all of us here at BB to Christina for taking part in this interview.
If you are a booktuber or book blogger and would like to be featured in a similar post we'd love to hear from you - just email us at bloggersbookshelf@gmail.com for information!

Interview & post by Erin | Images c/o Christina
1 comment
The Body Electric | Beth Revis | Reviewed by Ria

Wednesday 12 November 2014

The Body Electric | Beth Revis | Reviewed by Ria

the-body-electric-beth-revis
*Review copy c/o Netgalley, Image via Goodreads 

In a utopian society, where an uneasy peace seems to have been achieved thanks to a unified global government, Ella Shepherd is just another citizen of the capital of this peaceful society, New Venice.

With her mother destined to live - and eventually die - of an incurable disease, Ella decides to give her a lasting gift using her mother’s own invention - the Reverie. The Reverie allows users to enter into their dreams and relive their fondest memories and Ella’s going to help guide her mother into one.

Through this little experiment, Ella finds out she has a talent for entering people’s minds and dreams, and is soon enlisted by the Government to help them spy on a rebel group who seem keen to stir up the status quo. But Ella find herself in trouble. The leader of the group, Jack, claims they were once in love and that she’s fighting for the wrong side.

Either Jack is lying. Or someone’s altered Ella’s memories.

Caught in between secretive Governments, and the tales Jack is spinning about her ‘former life’, Ella becomes the unfortunate key which could help or hinder peace.

What’s my verdict?
This was my first foray into Beth Revis’ work and I have to say, I’m really impressed. The Body Electric is a novel set within the confines of utopian genre with the twist switching the focus on the the use of android and cyber-cell technology to enhance human life. It’s a refreshing take on the genre and reminds me a lot of Total Recall - according to Revis’ the Reveries in the story are directly influenced by the Rekall in the movies.

One thing I really loved was Ella and Jack’s relationship dynamics and their story arch. Their storyline always felt well balanced as Ella worked around the fact that she couldn’t remember who Jack was, yet there was none of the tragic love affair that other dystopian novels like Delirium or Under The Never Sky often focus so heavily on. If anything the blurb is misleading as the Ella/Jack storyline probably takes up on about 25% of the novel compared to the drama and action packed scenes of trying to the solve the mystery of Ella’s missing memories. It’s also a plot I feel like I can’t reveal too much - it’s really satisfying predicting the ending of the novel!

The world Revis has created is also fantastically rich, without it feeling unreachable. Placing the Mediterranean and Venice and at the heart of the story is works really well and only emphasises the conflict between new ideas and old values - something which Revis has cleverly linked with the first historical Renaissance. It’s also really great to read about a utopian society set outside of the stereotypical western USA setting.

For me, The Body Electric was a fresh new dystopian with a great twist to it and if you're already a fan of Revis' work then you'll definitely love it!

Soundtrack
Me The Machine: Imogen Heap; This Love: Taylor Swift; Echoes: Klaxons; All I Want: Kodaline; New Divide: Linkin Park; Song Of Forgetting: Next To Normal OBC; Take Back The City: Snow Patrol;

For lovers of...Divergent, Total Recall, and iRobot

This post was written by regular reviewer Ria, get to know her here.

*image (c) Ria Cagampang
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Monday 10 November 2014

Air Plants: The Curious World Of Tillandsias | Zenaida Sengo | Reviewed by Erin

*Review copy c/o Netgalley

Whilst not my usual type of review book this one caught my eye having recently been expanding my collection of succulents and cacti. Air Plants is all about both caring for and beautifully displaying these amazing plants.

The book starts out with background information on the plants followed by care tips and instructions, then moves onto display and how they can be used in home décor and other projects.

Although all of the care information is very useful to have my favourite part of the book as a crafter just has to be the amazing display ideas including DIY wreaths, gift wrap and even ways to wear air plants as jewellery and hairpieces. There are also unique terrariums upcycled from old laboratory flasks and a simple yet striking display of plants along a staircase amongst others. Some of the display ideas come complete with detailed step-by-step tutorials allowing readers to recreate them at home.

Within the inspirational pages of Air Plants are some amazing ideas paired with beautiful photographs and lots of handy care information – a perfect coffee table book for lovers of these unique plants!

This post was written by regular reviewer Erin, get to know her here


 

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Friday 7 November 2014

Tiger Lily | Jodi Lynn Anderson | Reviewed by Anjali


I have to admit that I had never heard of this book, or the author actually, before I found it in a bargain bin earlier in the year. The description grabbed me, and sounded like a cool spin on the Peter Pan story we all know and love, but it was really the cover that made it stand out from all the others. I know, I know. Don’t judge a book by its cover. But just look at it! It’s beautiful!

Tiger Lily is the story behind the story. We read and watch the story of Peter Pan and Wendy, and the Lost Boys as they adventure from England to Neverland, fly over clouds, avoid pirates and meet Tiger Lily and her tribe. And that’s all very well and good, and we all love it, but what about Tiger Lily? What’s her story? Jodi Lynn Anderson has created a wonderful story to fill in that gap.

Tiger Lily is actually told in first person by Tinker Bell, who watches Tiger Lily and her life. Tink watches Tiger Lily as she lives in her village with her adoptive father, Tik Tok, and her friend Pine Sap. She watches as Tiger Lily helps an Englishman who gets stranded, wounded and ill on Neverland. She watches Tiger Lily be forced to marry a repulsive boy in the tribe. She watches the pirates, and the mermaids, and the Lost Boys. But she also watches her as she meets Peter Pan. She watches the girl with the feather in her hair fall in love with the wild boy from Neverland.

Because it was written from Tinker Bell’s perspective, it was a really interesting read. Parts were written in first person, and then there were parts where you almost forgot that it was Tinker Bell telling you the story, because it was in third person as she told of Tiger Lily and her adventures. Not only was this book a great addition to the story of Peter Pan, it was a story of forbidden love, of family dynamics, of cultural differences, of peer pressure, of bullying, of being yourself,  of heart breaks and sorrow,  and even deeper issues like betrayal, and death.

If you’re a fan of Peter Pan and his story, grab a copy of Tiger Lily and read her side of it. Anderson has really captured Neverland in its fullness, and put a spin on the original tale. While there were the original elements throughout it – Captain Hook, the clock-eating crocodile, Wendy showing up – there were many more bits and pieces thrown in and it was really cool to see more of Neverland and it's people, rather than just Peter and Wendy’s story. Although it shows 3 stars up there, it's more of a 3.5.


This review was written by regular reviewer Anjali, get to know her here
Image from Good Reads.  


1 comment
Guest Post | Five Must Read Romances

Thursday 6 November 2014

Guest Post | Five Must Read Romances

As an avid reader I do have a slight problem when it comes to choosing books sometimes and that is that I love LOVE. Now, hear me out, I know you're thinking that the romance novel/erotic saga genres couldn't be more popular at this moment and you're right. But here's my issue, I love love but really dislike 'chick lit'. That's not to say I despise every book in this genre (You Had Me At Hello by Mhairi McFarlane and the obvious Bridget 'Queen' Jones are just a few exceptions) but the genre on the whole does nothing really for me. However, I read pretty much everything else: classics, YA, fantasy, you name it, I've read at least one book in that group and luckily love is such an universal experience that it pretty much crops up everywhere. So if like me, you love a good romance but want something else from your read, perhaps a younger feel or a historical context then I've put together a list of five of my favourite romances from many different types of books. The sole thing they have in common is that the relationships in these novels have been gripping and exciting but have also appeared in novels that offer a little something more to get your teeth into.

romances


1) Elizabeth Bennet & Fitzwilliam Darcy
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

Yeah, I know, the cliche choice. I really tried not to include them, but I just feel that there aren't many love stories more perfect than this so I don't care, Darcy and Elizabeth are here! Pride and Prejudice is so quintessentially British, the beautiful setting, the old fashioned society rules (can you imagine not being able to go to parties until your sisters got married?!) and the quick wit by the fabulous Jane Austen all make this the perfect read. However, it is the central relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy that make this novel something else, utterly romantic and a joy to me to read every time. Lizzie is the kind of woman we all want to be, and in her time she was very unique. Headstrong, intelligent and quick witted, it would take a special kind of man to match her fire, challenge her and make her a better person. Enter Darcy. This relationship is special to me because of what we can learn from it. Being a Taurus through and through I can make the mistake of judging people and I have learnt that the beauty of life and love is that people can surprise you and that first impressions are not always just or fair. The wonderful way we see these walls between the two crumble is perfect and I think this is one of the most developed relationships I have ever read. They understand each other, they grow for each other, and excite each other, and all this in front of the beautiful British backdrop, sweeping dresses and brooding men galore? There's a reason these two feature of every list of great literary romances. This is what love should be - an understanding and love of who a person really is, and not just a misjudgement of who you think they are.

2) Callum & Sephy
Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

“I pulled him closer to me, wrapping my arms around him, kissing him just as desperately as he was kissing me. Like if we could just love long enough and hard enough and deep enough, then the world outside would never, could never hurt us.”

When I was about 15 (so like 8 years ago?!) every girl and their dog was reading (and crying and crying) over the 'totally perfect love' that was Callum and Sephy from Noughts and Crosses. This was my first foray into the YA genre before it was really a thing. For those of you who haven't read this book (which you should go and do now, although read this post pretty please, and then go!) basically it's a Romeo and Juliet-esque story between a black girl and a white boy, only there's a catch. In the book, black people are the dominant race (Crosses) whereas the white people are nothing, the 'noughts'. Callum and Sephy have known each other practically since birth due to his mum working for her family. They grow up together and watching their friendship develop and seeing the pair have to deal with their young feelings is truly romantic and exciting. I feel like these two define build up. However, as the characters grow so does the racial hatred around them, its influence on their lives and thus their relationship. Their fight to keep their pure, innocent, first love alive in such a cynical and dangerous world is truly inspiring and thrilling to read. It completely reaffirmed to me that love knows no colour, no race and that true love is so rare it should be cherished and celebrated wherever we find it. I cry every time I read this but don't let that put you off, it is beautiful and this book showed me what kind of man I wanted in my life and I'm so glad I waited for my Callum (insert some rolling eyes/faking vomit GIF as appropriate!)

3) Rhett & Scarlett
Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell

“Well, my dear, take heart. Some day, I will kiss you and you will like it. But not now, so I beg you not to be too impatient.”

Another extremely famous pairing and yet for me, quite a controversial one. When I include this in my 'great' literary romances I can't help but be reminded by Ollivander's quote (yes, HP references are always relevant) about Voldemort doing 'terrible but great things'. You see, when I first read GWTW, not only did it completely take over my life right in the middle of the final year uni exams (not the best timing) but it really made me sit down and think. This couple, the famous kiss, the whole novel has been presented to us as true love and yet...Scarlett, whilst being extremely inspirational in her strength and her survival in a truly difficult time is actually, kind of a selfish person. She makes Blair Waldorf look like Mother Theresa. And Rhett, well, let's just say it all gets a bit twisted in a way that makes Chuck and Blair look as sweet and innocent as a Disney couple. Now I do not condone these kinds of unhealthy, manipulative relationships whatsoever. However, purely taking this relationship as part of a PIECE OF FICTION, ie not a benchmark to compare healthy, real relationships to, this story is a rollercoaster like no other. The two characters clearly cannot resist each other and the context of their courtship makes this relationship is truly engrossing to read and to witness develop. An unputdownable book that includes a romance that will certainly give you many (different) FEELS and is widely seen as one of the best pieces of historical fiction ever written. For that last reason alone you should read this book!

4) Rosie & Don
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

“I haven’t changed my mind. That’s the point! I want to spend my life with you even though it’s totally irrational. And you have short earlobes. Socially and genetically there’s no reason for me to be attracted to you. The only logical conclusion is that I must be in love with you.”

Now into the modern era. I've tried to include lots of different types of genres with lots of different types of relationships and I feel no book or couple have come close to being this unique in a while. 'The Rosie Project' has been displayed in bookshops everywhere for months so I'm sure you're aware at least that it is book with a lobster on the front cover for some unknown reason (all becomes clear I promise). The story follows Don, a geneticist with Asperger's syndrome (although he isn't too aware of this himself) as he tries to find the perfect wife. He approaches the task as clinically as he does everything in his life, with questionnaires, non-negotiables and a extremely specific and inflexible idea of his perfect woman. Now I know we all imagine the perfect spouse but I would argue that this is definitely on another level! Through certain twists of fate Rosie and Don meet and basically she turns his rigid, structured, routined life completely upside down with lots of fun (and hilarious) turns along the way! This book is truly touching, funny and quirky and so many other wonderful adjectives. Their relationship is the true example of how there really is someone for everyone and how it that someone might be nothing like you imagined. If you haven't read this book, seriously do, please. It's perfectly romantic without being cliche chick lit, I deny even the coldest of hearts not to be moved by their story. Not only this, the sequel 'The Rosie Effect' has just been released!

5) Peeta & Katniss 
The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins (BOOK SPOILER ALERT ahead)

"You love me, real or not real?"

"Real."

Now, this is YA romance (and love triangles!) in the more fantastical genre done absolutely right! Stephenie Meyer please take note. For me it was always Peeta and Katniss so the fact that this Peeta-Katniss-Gale story is seen as a love triangle actually surprised me a little, think the movies have something to answer for there, even though I think they are fantastic. For me the story was always about Katniss allowing herself to open up to her feelings and realise that Peeta was exactly the person she needed. This is not a woman torn between two men for lust reasons, she chooses Peeta because he complements her in every way, the water to her fire, the communication to her silence. I loved how the relationship developed and yet was not a focal feature of the novel (to me anyway, others might feel differently!) The lengths they go to for each other and the sacrifices they make for each other is a perfect example of actions speaking louder than words. As a reader seeing Katniss show her love in so many ways before really understanding it or defining it herself is moving, real and makes for a very special read. I think this relationship hinges on the strength of Katniss as a character. She is not a silly girl following her fancies and stringing people along, she is tough and it is the realisation that she can allow herself to have love and that she deserves it that makes their relationship such a wonderful read.

So, do any of you have any favourite literary couples? Who else should I have included? Any recommendations for a good, romantic read? I'd love to hear them all!

This post was written by guest blogger Sophia - @sophiacristina
3 comments
Blogger's Bookshelf In Numbers | Celebrating 2 Years Of Blogging!

Sunday 2 November 2014

Blogger's Bookshelf In Numbers | Celebrating 2 Years Of Blogging!


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PS Don't forget to enter our 2nd Birthday Giveaway
You only have one week left to enter!!
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Blogger's Bookshelf Review Round Up #21

Saturday 1 November 2014

Blogger's Bookshelf Review Round Up #21

Review Round Up #21 Another quick-fire review round up! Check out all the posts you've missed below...
If you're still craving your Halloween themed blog fix, Erin listed off her 'top 10 reads for Halloween'.

Our blogger's also shared which nightmarish world they would hate to be dropped into in our 'Scariest Fictional Worlds' group collaboration!

Plus, Blogger's Bookshelf turned 2 years old last Sunday! And to celebrate we're holding a little birthday giveaway with a bundle of literary themed prizes you could be in with a chance to snap up :) get your entries in quick though, you've only got a week left to enter!!

Also don't forget to get your entries into November's group post. Next month we're getting critical and sharing our thoughts on Overhyped Books! Air your grievances and vent about which book - unpopular opinion - you're just not that into.

Drop us an email, tweet us or post to our GoodReads page by November 19th th to have your answer included in the post!

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