What I've Read This Summer

I'm a big reader but I very rarely share that love with you all. I decided to remedy that and thought I might share some of the books I read over the Summer and what I thought of them with you. I love reading reviews of novels and knowing what other people are reading for inspiration for my own to read list. I hope this post gives you some ideas for things you might want to read in the future.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion I don't usually read a lot of contemporary romance but I really enjoyed this funny, feel good novel about the socially awkward but somewhat charming Professor Don Tillman and his unconventional courtship with the wild Rosie Jarman. I picked this up to get me through a long bus journey and I was really surprised how much I enjoyed. If you are looking for a light, romantic read I would definitely recommend this.
Rizzoli & Isles series by Tess Gerritsen I've got a soft spot for American crime novels and TV shows and Tess Gerritsen hit the nail on the head with her series about Detective Jane Rizzoli and Medical Examiner Maura Isles. I'm almost embarrassed to admit how many of them I devoured in only a few weeks. Compulsive, enjoyable and with 2 female protagonists to boot I've really enjoyed both the books and the tv series.
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling) I can't believe how long it took me to pick up the first in this Private Detective series by one of the authors who taught me to love the written word. I guess I was worried I would be disappointed but I powered through this in only a few days. The story was excellent, the characters engaging and I loved seeing Rowling's writing style adapted for an adult audience. I've been desperately looking in charity shops for the second one (my preferred method of purchasing books).
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey A beautiful but haunting novel centering around Jack and Mabel, a childless couple in the 1920's who have recently moved to build a new life in Alaska. The novel starts with a painful look into a relationship that is crumbling, but a moment of frivolity playing in the snow leads to an unexpected visitor - a young girl who appears to live in the thick forest. The intermingling of beautiful scenery with the hardness of life and a little bit of magic made this novel incredibly enjoyable.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood I don't know if I should include this one, as it was actually a re-read but seeing as I would recommend this book to everyone (especially fans of The Hunger Games and other dystopian novels). Margaret Atwood is another of my favourite authors and this tale of a woman living in an ultra-Religious society where women are no longer allowed to read and her only currency is her potential to have children. The writing style of this can take a little while to get used to but I definitely think it is worth the effort.
The Name Of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss The first in a series that tells the story of Kvothe, a gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard the world has ever seen. Rothfuss has created an intricate fantasy world seen through Kvothe's eyes starting with the loss of his family at a young age and following him as he tries to join the greatest wizarding school in the world. This 'coming of age' first book of the series was absolutely wonderful and I'm looking forward to visiting this universe again when I'm in the fantasy mood.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
This story is told from the point of view of 31 year old Kathy remembering her childhood at the idyllic school of Hailsham. It focuses on the relationships we develops with two other students and the slow discovery of a dark secret behind the school's facade. I'd seen trailers for the film based on this book but had never seen it so this was a wonderful and surprisingly read, I'd recommend if you want to try out some science fiction but are a bit intimidated by the classics of the genre.

Paper Towns by John Green
John Green novels have been really in the public eye this year with the release of the movie The Fault In Our Stars but I thought I would try something less depressing to jump into one of my favourite YouTubers books. Quentin has admired his neighbour Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar for years so when we asks for his help on an adventure one night he is more than happy to oblige. When Margo doesn't appear at school the following day Quentin follows a series of clues to find out where she has gone. A lovely easy and cute read, perfect for Summer, even if Margo is a little bit too pixie dream girl for my liking.

Add me on GoodReads to keep up with what I'm reading and let me know in the comments what you have been reading lately.