I've been meaning to write a book post for a while now. I love to read and only really get a chance when I'm on holiday but when I do, I devour about 5 books in a week. The rest of the time I get my reading fix with the papers, magazines and blogs that are nice breaks in the day without taking up too much time. What are your favourites? Here's a list of some of the best reads this year as well as some old classics.



Recently;

- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simpson. I loved loved loved this whilst in Corfu, it's about a guy with Aspergers trying to find a wife. I haven't met anybody who's read this that hasn't liked it. And laugh out loud funny! And I hear it's being made into a film sometime soon, yay!

- The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simpson. A follow up to The Rosie Project, I read this straight after finishing the first. It's good but not quite as brilliant as the original.

- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. Obviously, the book of the summer. I loved it from start to finish.

- In a Dark Dark Wood by Ruth Ware. An exciting thriller. 'Somebody's getting married, somebody's getting murdered'. Spooky but addictive.

- Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn. From the author of Gone Girl, an American thriller with a journalist investigating a new case in her old hometown. Again, super addictive.

- The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson. As well as slightly trashy thrillers, I do love more intellectual books. This was a true story by a journalist investigating a man who lied to get into Broadmoor mental hospital and then couldn't get out as everybody thought he was a psychopath. I found it fascinating but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone.

- Dear Daughter by Elizabeth Little. This was hailed as a mix between Gone Girl and Mean Girls with an LA socialite accused of murdering her mother and then has to go on the run. I liked it at first but hated the characters and the small town characters, it was fairly boring but I felt like I had to finish it. Wouldn't necessarily recommend.

- In the Woods by Tana French. I'm halfway though this first book in the Dublin Murder Squad Series and really loving it. The characters are fab and it's a detective book. Definitely recommend.

- Fresh Hell by Rachel Johnson. Part trash but because it's Rachel Johnson it's well written and very high society. Read this if you've read her first books about life in Notting Hill. Definitely worth reading the first couple of books to get to know the characters before you read this. An easy beach read that I enjoyed.

- The Secret History by Donna Tartt. I LOVED The Goldfinch by Tartt so expected to love this too, I'm about a quarter of the way though and kind of liked it but haven't got completely sucked in. My Mum though read it all really quickly and loved it so I think I will stick with it.

- Us by David Nicholls - I loved his One Day so thought I'd try this book, I've read about 80% of it but it's quite depressing. Not a huge fan.

- The Good Girl by Mary Kubica. An addictive thriller that if you've read Gone Girl and liked it then you'll probably be a fan. I read this back in May when I was in Mauritius.

- Walking The Nile by Levison Wood - Non-fiction, did you like the TV series? I studied Geography for a while so I'm a bit geeky when it comes to travel documentaries. I loved this book and learning more about Africa and hearing Levison's adventures.

- The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt - A few years old now but still one of my favourites. So well written. Definitely recommend.

- Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty - It's been a while since I read this but still remember it well. It's a thriller set in London. I won't say anymore but read it, it's a goodun!

- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I read this so quickly a few years back when I couldn't put it down but I hated the ending! And the film was disappointing.

- Dark Places by Gillian Flynn. Another Flynn book and thriller. Probably my least favourite out of the three but still pretty good.

- Hard Choices by Hillary Clinton. Non- fiction. A fairly heavy book that I actually read on our honeymoon! But I found it really interesting and now love, and admire Hillary Clinton. I had just finished public international law at the time so I think I was extra interested because of that but if you like public affairs and politics it's a very good read.

- Jodi Picoult. I haven't read any of hers for years now but I used to really love them with the ethical dilemmas.

What have I missed? Have you read anything good recently? I'm always looking for recommendations.

P.S top photo of a reading nook by the fire at this time of year. These photos sum up where you'll usually find my kindle being used. Oh those precious lazy days just lazing in the sun and reading alll the books. Heaven!

Oh and also I hated the idea of kindles when they were first launched, you can't beat the smell and feel of a real book. But now I can't imagine holidays without it.


R <3 xx