August Wrap Up…

Welcome to my August Wrap Up. I had a great reading month, finishing 10 books (3 books off my TBR). I also received 3 ARC’s this month as well as many books for my birthday, and I continued my new goal of reading 1 Shakespeare play, as well as The Voyage Of The Beagle by Charles Darwin.

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 August Wrap Up..

The Quest Diaries Of Max Crack by Jules Faber: This book was awesome. The story was great, the characters were cool and the layout and illustrations were fantastic. I can only image how much young readers are going to enjoy this book, and given how much I loved it, i’m guessing it will be a lot.

Dopeworld by Niko Vorobyov: I really enjoyed this book. It was fascinating to see the role drugs have played in societies around the world and how governments and populations have reacted to drug use. This book is a must read for everyone.

Nobody’s Victim by Carrie Goldberg: This book was amazing. It was hooked from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. I feel empowered after reading this book. I honestly believe everyone should have to read this book. I genuinely don’t have enough words to describe how great this book is. An absolute must read.

The World’s Worst Teachers by David Walliams: I loved this book. I am a hug fan of David Walliams books, so I was very excited to get my hands of this book. I started and finished this book with a smile on my face and I had some genuine laugh out loud moments. A must have for all young readers and their families.

Matters Of The Heart by Fiona Palmer: I adored this book. I am a huge fan of Fiona Palmer and this book was right up my alley. I loved the story, the setting, the writing and the characters. I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. I will be re reading it many times in the future.

Storm Boy by Colin Thiele: I adore this book. I haven’t read this book since primary school, but it has always had a place in my heart. Reading it again as an adult was a completely different yet still magical experience. I will be reading this book again many times in the future.

Tashi by Anna and Barbara Fienberg: This book was magical. With two brilliant stories and amazing illustrations by Kim Gamble, it is easy to see why this book is a favourite with young readers and their families. Such a beautiful little book.

The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris: This book was great.The story was fun, The characters were amazing, and best of all it had secret codes to decipher. This is the perfect book for middle grade readers. I am so glad that this is just the first book in a series. I am so excited to start on book 2.

The Magic Misftis 2: The Second Story by Neil Patrick Harris: I really enjoyed this book. I was so excited to read it after finishing the first book, and thankfully it didn’t disappoint. I am really loving this series and I cant wait to get my hands on book 3.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: I really enjoyed this book. The concept was amazing, and the story was really interesting. I loved seeing the way in which different people remember the same events. I found myself completely engrossed in the story, so it was a fairly quick read. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.

Shakespeare: I read 1 Shakespeare play in August. I read the following Shakespeare Play This Month:

All’s Well That Ends Well

The Voyage Of The Beagle by Charles Darwin: I read the following chapters of The Voyage Of The Beagle this month:

Chapter 6: Bahia Blanca To Buenos Ayres

Chapter 7: Buenos Ayres To St. Fe

Chapter 8: Banda Oriental And Patagonia

That’s it for my August 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 September Wrap Up…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem

Tashi by Anna and Barbara Fienberg

‘In the first book of the much-adored Tashi series, children are introduced to Jack’s extraordinary imaginary friend Tashi, a gnome-like character from a place far away. Brave Tashi tells adventurous tales of being sold to a warlord and escaping on a swan. This little hero has to be clever to outsmart giants, ghosts, demons, and witches that stand in his way. Young readers will be captivated by Tashi’s tall tales of courage and daring. ‘

This book was magical.

I had honestly never heard of this series, and after reading it I am very disappointing with myself. I feel like I have been living under a rock whilst something magical happened around me.

The moment I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. I was so engrossed and excited, I didn’t want it to end. The plus side is that this is just the first book in a wonderful series so there are many more magical stories to enjoy.

This wonderful book contains to amazing stories for young readers to enjoy. The terrific stories are perfectly complimented by Kim Gamble’s fantastic illustrations, adding an extra layer to this fabulous book.

Anna and Barbara Fienberg have created a truly magical story, and now that I have it in my life, it is easy to see why it is a favourite with young readers.

I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. If you have a young reader in your life, I think it is time you introduce them to Tashi.

Tashi by Anna and Barbara Fienberg is a must have for all young readers and their families.

Spooky Scary Book Tag!

Welcome one and all to another Wacky Wednesday post. Today I am partaking in Spooky Scary Book Tag. I hope you all enjoy this quick little tag.

So without further ado, lets jump straight in:

1. What goes bump in the night? Name a book that has legitimately scared you while reading it.

It by Stephen King

2. Jack O’ Lanterns and Classic Costumes: A book you always reach for during Halloween time.

Anything by Stephen King

3. Black Cats and Magic Mirrors: A book you love that is laced with superstition and/or magic.

Harry Potter

4. Witch’s Brew: Favorite witch character in any book/series.

Luna Lovegood – Harry Potter

5. Ghouls and Ghosts: A book that still haunts you to this day (good or bad).

Where Is Daniel? by Bruce and Denise Morecomb

6. Haunted Graveyard: You’re all alone in a haunted graveyard, you get ONE book to give you comfort, which is it?

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

7. The Undead: Favorite supernatural creatures to read about (i.e. vampires, zombies, werewolves, etc).

Vampires

8. In the dead of night: Pick a book with a black cover.

Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy

---

Well that’s it for me. I hope you guys enjoyed this tag. As usual, hit me up with your answers in the comment section.

Until next time…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem

 

The Quest Diaries Of Max Crack by Jules Faber

‘Hi everyone! I’m Max Crack and this awesome book is all about me and my quests and my best friend Frankie!

Buried treasure, new school, doodles, peanut butter and honey toast, best friends, horrible blobs, mysteries, Meddlyslop, spelling bees (hard words, harder words), more doodles, comics, World War Undies … this book has it ALL.‘

This book was awesome.

I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I was hooked from the first page and I didn’t want it to end.

I loved the way this amazing story was told. It was fun, wacky and ultimately very sweet. The way in which opportunity for growth and learning was woven into the story was absolutely beautiful

The characters in this book was so fun to follow. Their quests and friendship was the heart of this story. Watching them grow and learn about each other and themselves made for a truly great reading experience.

Now lets talk about the best aspect of this book; the layout.

This awesome book was so creatively designed, and completely entertaining. From the illustrations, the lists and the speech and thought bubbles, I can honestly say I have never read a book like this before.

I will admit it took me a few pages to get into the flow of the story as it was being told in so many different formats, but once  got my head around it I was completely engrossed.

Jules Faber has done a fantastic job with this book. It truly is one of the best Middle Grade books I have ever read.

Given how much I loved it, I can only image how much joy young readers are going to get from this book. I can easily see this book become a fast favourite in many homes.

The Quest Diaries Of Max Crack by Jules Faber is an absolute must have from all young readers.

Uni Ready!

I cant believe how fast the last few weeks have gone.

I officially start University tomorrow and I think i’m ready.

I have all of my required reading materials:

Heart Of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I have done all of my introductory reading and registration stuff.

I have purchased and organised all of my new stationary.

I have all of my ID stuff ready to go as well.

These last few weeks may have flown by but I am felling pretty organised. I made a checklist when I first enrolled in preparation of my first day and I have ticked of everything on the list, so I am pretty happy about that.

I even made time in the lead up to my first day to have a glance at my required reading, so that I was familiar with the writing style and the prose being used.

I honestly cant think of anything else that i need to do, so I am just going to put it out of my mind and hopefully everything will be fine tomorrow.

Even though I am a little anxious, I am actually really excited about tomorrow. I just want to get stuck and and see how things progress.

Stressing about it isn’t going to change anything, and waiting for tomorrow isn’t going to make it come around any faster so I am going to go and try and distract myself by binge watching TV.

Bring on University. I am as ready as I will ever be.

~>GEM<~

 

 

Matters Of The Heart by Fiona Palmer

‘Western Australia, 2019: The Bennets are a farming family struggling to make ends meet. Lizzy, passionate about working the land, is determined to save the farm. Spirited and independent, she has little patience for her mother’s focus on finding a suitable man for each of her five daughters.

When the dashing Charles Bingley, looking to expand his farm holdings, buys the neighbouring property of Netherfield Park, Mrs Bennet and the entire district of Coodardy are atwitter with gossip and speculation. Will he attend the local dance and is he single? These questions are soon answered when he and Lizzy’s sister Jane form an instant connection on the night. But it is Charlie’s best friend, farming magnate Will Darcy, who leaves a lasting impression when he slights Lizzy, setting her against him.

Can Lizzy and Will put judgements and pride aside to each see the other for who they really are? Or in an age where appearance and social media rule, will prejudice prevail?’

I adored this book.

I am a huge fan of Fiona Palmer so I had high hopes for this book. Not only did it live up to my expectations, it well and truly passed them. This book drew me in from the first chapter and I was hooked until the last page.

Fiona Palmer’s writing has a wonderful cinematic quality to it, that makes ever scene captivating and every character relatable and human. Her ability to create such amazing characters makes for a truly wonderful reading experience.

I loved that this book was a modern Pride and Prejudice retelling. It meant that I was able to get into the story straight away. Even though this was a retelling, having it set in modern day, outback Australia gave it a fresh and unique feel.

I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. I cant wait to see what Fiona Palmer does next.

Matters Of The Heart by Fiona Palmer is a must read for all bookworms.

Nope! Book Tag…

Welcome one and all to another Wacky Wednesday post. Today I am partaking in the Nope! Book Tag. I hope you all enjoy this quick little tag.

So without further ado, lets jump straight in:

NOPE. Ending: A book ending that made you go NOPE either in denial, rage, or simply because the ending was crappy.

Cape May by Chip Cheek

NOPE. Protagonist: A main character you dislike and drives you crazy.

Bella Swan – Twilight

NOPE. Series: A series that turned out to be one huge pile of NOPE. after you’ve invested all of that time and energy on it, or a series you gave up on because it wasn’t worth it anymore.

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

NOPE. Popular pairing: A “ship” you don’t support

Edward and Bella or Edward and Jacob – Twilight

NOPE. Plot twist: A plot twist you didn’t see coming or didn’t like.

Blood River – Tony Cavanaugh. I won’t say anymore.

NOPE. Protagonist action/decision: A character decision that made you shake your head NOPE.

Isabelle – The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

NOPE. Genre: A genre you will never read.

High Fantasy

NOPE. Trope: A trope that makes you go NOPE.

Love Triangles

NOPE. Recommendation: A book recommendation that is constantly hyped and pushed at you that you simply refuse to read.

A Court Of Thorns And Roses – Leigh Bardugo

NOPE. Cliche/pet peeve: A cliche or writing pet peeve that always makes you roll your eyes.

Make Over

NOPE. Love interest: The love interest that’s not worthy of being one. A character you don’t think should have been a viable love interest.

Bella Swan – Twilight

NOPE. Book: A book that shouldn’t have existed that made you say NOPE.

The Other F-Word by Natasha Friend

NOPE. Villain: A scary villain/antagonist you would hate to cross and would make you run in the opposite direction.

Pennywise – IT by Stephen King or Voldemort – Harry Potter by J.K Rowling

NOPE. Death: A character death that still haunts you.

Any death in the Harry Potter series. Remus, Sirius and Dobby especially.

NOPE. Author: An author you had a bad experience reading for and have decided to quit.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

 

---

Well that’s it for me. I hope you guys enjoyed this tag. As usual, hit me up with your answers in the comment section.

Until next time…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem

Storm Boy by Colin Thiele

‘Storm Boy likes to wander alone along the fierce deserted coast among the dunes that face out into the Southern Ocean. After a pelican mother is shot, Storm Boy rescues the three chicks, and nurses them back to health. He names them Mr Proud, Mr Ponder and Mr Percival. After he releases them, his favourite, Mr Percival, returns. The story then concentrates on the conflict between his lifestyle and the externally imposed requirement for him to attend a school, and the fate of the pelican.’

I adore this book.

I haven’t read this book since primary school, so I was excited to see if it lived up to the memories I have of it. I am happy to say it not only lived up to my expectations it well and truly surpassed them.

Reading this book as an adult was a joyous experience. I laughed, I cried, and I ending the book with a feeling of contentment. It is easy to see way this book is so well loved more than fifty years after it was first released.

The edition of this book that I read had absolutely breathtaking illustrations by Robert Ingpen. I wasn’t expecting illustrations so I was genuinely surprised and excited when I came across them. The illustrations in this edition perfectly captured the heart and soul of the story.

I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. I will admit, as it had been so long since I read it last, I had forgotten the ending. Not expecting what was coming made for a very emotional final few chapters for me.

As this isn’t a very long book, I would suggest you read it first before sharing it with the young readers in your life.

Storm Boy by Colin Thiele is a must read for everyone.

Best Laid Plans!

I was lucky enough to have another weekend home alone and I had bid plans for how I was going to use me time.

I was going to do my regular blog stuff, plan and write new blog posts, use the peace and quiet to get some much needed reading done, and i was going to catch up on some of the TV and movies I have piling up on my IQ3.

Instead i did virtually nothing. Well nothing of importance.

I slept through until the afternoon on both of my free days. I did my regular blog stuff, and then instead of doing one of the many things I had hoped to do, I binged watch TV Shows that I have already seen.

What is wrong with me?

I honestly don’t know what happened to change my plans. One minute I was planning the day, the next five hours had passed.

I am usually pretty good at sticking to my work plans, yet for some reason when I have a free weekend that all goes out the window.

I wonder if this happens to anyone else?

Are there days when you just do nothing?

I am hoping that I can catch up on the things I had planned sometime this week. The last thing I need is to fall behind on work. Nothing stresses me out more then rushing to get things done before a deadline.

I guess the best thing for me and my productivity is not to be left home alone. As much as a nice quiet peaceful house sounds like a good idea, it always seems to backfire on me.

Apparently a loud, chaotic house = A productive weekend.

Who would have thought!

~>GEM<~

The World’s Worst Teachers by David Walliams

‘Think your teachers are bad? Wait till you meet this lot. These ten tales of the world’s most splendidly sinister teachers will have you running for the school gates. Dr Dread teaches science and is half man, half monster… Watch out for the ghastly Miss Seethe. She is ALWAYS furious – and she’s on a detention rampage. And as for Mr Phobe, he’s a teacher with a real difference. He is bone-shakingly terrified of… children!’

I loved this book.

I am huge fan of David Walliams’ books, I was so exited to get my hand on this book. I had high hopes for this book and as expected; it didn’t disappoint.

I started and finished this book with a smile on my face, and I had more then a few genuine laugh out loud moments.

This collection was absolutely perfect. It was such a joy to flip the coin and read about The World’s Worst Teachers instead of the World’s Worst Children, and in my opinion the Teachers are so much worse than the Children.

These amazing stories were illustrated by the fabulous Tony Ross, adding an extra dimension to David Walliams’ fantastic stories.

This awesome pairing of David Walliams and Tony Ross is a match made in literary Heaven.

It isn’t hard to see why David Walliams’ books so popular, and I can easily see this one becoming a fast favourite of many young readers.

The World’s Worst Teachers by David Walliams is a must have for all young readers and their families.