Welcome to my December Wrap Up. I had a great reading month, finishing 12 books (4 books off my TBR). I also received 4 ARC’s this month, and I continued my new goal of reading 1 Shakespeare play and 10 Shakespeare Sonnets, as well as 5 Brother’s Grimm fairy-tales, and 3 ‘books’ from Les Miserable by Victor Hugo.
I have reviews up or coming up for these books so as usual this is just going to be a brief run down on each book I read.
Without further ado, let’s get into my December Wrap Up…
Bat vs Poss by Alexa Moses: This book was beautiful. I loved getting to see all the Australian animals in this story. I also loved the message or sharing and community that this story teaches. The illustrations in this book perfectly compliment the story. This book is perfect for all young readers and their families.
Dear Santa by Samuel Johnson: This book was awesome. I laughed, I cried and I laughed some more. I loved the whole idea of this book and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Let me tell you it didn’t disappoint. These wonderful letters were perfectly written and made for a truly wonderful reading experience. This book is a must have for every Australian.
The Tales Of Beedle The Bard: Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling: This book was everything I had hoped it would be. These amazing stories were perfectly complimented by Chris Riddell’s illustrations. I didn’t think this book could get any better but the addition of the illustrations really added an extra layer to an already awesome book.
A Map Of Days by Ransom Riggs: I loved this series, so I was equal parts excited and nervous about reading this book. Turns out I didn’t need to be, it was fabulous. I loved getting to catch up with the peculiar’s and seeing them journey through America was awesome. Setting this book in America made for a fresh new adventure for the reader. I am so glad I read this book. If you havent read this book. Do it now.
A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle: I have mixed feeling about this book. I didn’t enjoy it, just not as much as I thought I would. I didn’t love the characters and it was very fast paced so I found it difficult to connect with the story. The writing was beautiful, so I really enjoyed that. Like I said mixed feelings. I am planning on reading it to see if my opinion changes.
The Tattooist Of Auschwitz by Heather Morris: This book was utterly amazing. It was an emotional roller coaster of a read but so worth the journey. This is easily one of the best books I have every read and I truly believe everyone should read this book at least once in their lives. A must read for everyone.
The O’Sullivan Twins At St Clare’s by Enid Blyton: This is the second book in the St Clare’s series and I loved it. I actually enjoyed this book more than the first one. I liked the characters more and that made it easier to stay interested in the story. Enid Blyton’s books are a classic for a reason and this book really proves why.
The Naughtiest Girl In The School by Enid Blyton: I loved this book. I have been making my way through Enid Blyton’s classic and as I had never read this book I kept putting it off. Now I wish I hadn’t. It was wonderful. Great characters, funny story and beautiful writing. I cant wait to read more books from this series.
Brer Rabbit Short Stories by Enid Blyton: The last of my Enid Blyton books and unfortunately I didn’t love it. I was into it at the beginning but then it just got boring. The stories were all the same and it just didn’t have to magic of the other Enid Blyton stories I have read this year.
Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall: This book was absolutely beautiful. Sophie Blackall did a fantastic job with this book. The story was wonderful and easy to read and the illustrations were utterly perfect. I don’t have a bad word to say about this book. This book is a must have for all young readers.
Calm The F**k Down by Sarah Knight: I really enjoyed this book. As somebody who suffers from anxiety I could really relate to the situations in this book. I found the who layout of this book and the tips and exercises to be really accurate and I cant wait to put them into practice.
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo: I can believe I finally did it. After what feels like forever I have actually finished Les Miserables. Let me tell you it was so worth the many many reading hours. This book is truly a masterpiece. Everything about this book was perfect and I can understand why it is named as a book to read at least once in your life. Utter perfection.
Shakespeare: I read 1 Shakespeare play and 31 Sonnets in December. I actually finished reading Shakespeare’s Sonnets this month. I read the following Shakespeare Works This Month:
The Third Part Of King Henry The Sixth
Sonnets 135-154
Les Miserable: For those who don’t know this novel, it is broken up into character sections with each character section containing ‘books’. Within each of these books are chapters. These ‘books’ come in various sizes, it is just the luck of the draw really. I was lucky enough to finish Les Miserable this month. I have read the following ‘books’:
Jean Valjean
– Book 5: Grandson and Grandfather
– Book 6: The Sleepless Night
– Book 7: The Bitter Cup
– Book 8: The Fading Light
– Book 9: Supreme Shadow, Supreme Dawn
Brother’s Grimm: I am happy to say that I not only completed my goals of reading 5 Brother Grimm Fairy Tales in December, I well and truly surpassed it. I read the following Tales this month:
Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Shoes That Were Danced To Pieces
The Boots of Buffalo-Leather
The Six Servants
The Lord’s Animals and the Devil’s
How Six Men Got on in the World
The Two Travelers
The Ungrateful Son
The Three Languages
The Poor Man and The Rich Man
The Stolen Farthings
The Shroud
The Valiant Little Tailor
That’s it for my December Wrap Up. I hope you all had a great reading month. Let me know what you guys read this month in the comments section.
Until my January Wrap Up…
Happy Reading…
❤ Gem
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