2019 In Review…

2019 was the fourth year of gemsbooknook… I set myself some goals for the year and I am so excited to say that I have reached them all. I hoped to write 70 book reviews, get 250 followers and 6000 viewers. I have achieved these goals and more. I also reached my Goodreads goal of 100 books. So I am very happy with how 2019 turned out.

I have kept up with my Facebook page, Twitter account and Instagram account to accompany my blog. I also started a Pinterest account. I have been kept pretty busy with all of these accounts, but I have loved every second. I even participated in my fourth Bookmas, now that was awesome, hard work, but awesome.

I have been reading a Shakespeare play every month. I completely Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, so I have been reading The Voyage Of The Beagle and The Origin Of The Species by Charles Darwin in is place.

I have kept up with my Sunday Sessions post; I have really loved writing them. It is a bit of a wacky idea where I just write what ever I want. From rants, to poetry or whatever else takes my fancy. I am hoping to keep it up in 2020.

If you follow me on Instagram you will have noticed that I have been posting almost everyday. I have Instagram post to accompany my blog posts but I have also been posting Instagram shots on weekdays where I don’t have a post going up. They are usually accompanied by a quote by and author and I have loved doing it.

Not only have you all helped me to achieve my blog goals of 2019 but your likes and comments have kept me motivated to do my best with every post or review.

I love being a member of Hachette Books Bloggers database, and I have also continued my work as a contributor on My Trending Stories website.

gemsbooknook wouldn’t be what it is without all of you. Thank you so much for your support in 2019, it really has meant the world to me. I look forward to bringing you more content in 2020.

Happy New Year.

❤ Gem

December Wrap Up..

Welcome to my December Wrap Up. I didn’t have a great reading month, finishing 5 books (2 books off my TBR). I also received 1 ARC this month, 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 December Wrap Up..

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King: This book was fantastic. I was a little nervous going into it as I love the shinning so much, but I needn’t have worried. It was the perfect sequel and an all round wonderful read. Stephen King really is the master story teller, and this book is proof of that. If you haven’t read this book, do it now.

The Golden Rules of Blogging by Robin Houghton: This book was great. A nice quick read with easy tips and strategies to help bloggers. I found lots of useful information from this book that I am hoping to incorporate into my blog. This book is a must read for all bloggers regardless on their niche or experience.

The Beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams: I truly believe that David Walliams can do no wrong. The combination of David Walliams and Tony Ross has once again created magic. This book was great from start to finish. An absolute must have for all middle grade readers.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Illustrated Edition by J.K Rowling and Jim Kay: I was so excited to get my hands on this book. I love Harry Potter and I adore the illustrated editions, So I completely devoured this book. The illustrations were absolutely beautiful, and I honestly couldn’t put this book down.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell: I picked this book up after reading another Rainbow Rowell novel, but I kept putting the reading of it off. I am glad that I finally read it though. It was a sweet and surprising quick read. I didn’t love the way in which the story jumped narrators, I found it a bit choppy at times. But other than that I enjoyed it.

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

Pericles

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

Chapter 18: Tahiti and New Zealand

Chapter 19: Australia

Chapter 20: Keeling Island: – Coral Formations

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

Goodbye 2019!

This year went so fast. I feel like I was just celebrating my August Birthday, and now I am saying goodbye to the year.

I am actually a little sad to be saying goodbye to 2019. It has been a pretty good year for me.

On the blog front; I reached all of my goals, came up with some new ideas and met some new people.

On the reading front; I reached my reading goals, I read some amazing books, and some not so amazing books, I also got the chance to connect with some wonderful people in the publishing world.

On the education front; I finished my TAFE course and started and finished my first ever University course.

Then of course there is the personal front and that has also been pretty good. Nothing much has changed which is a good thing. I have had no major health issues this year either which makes me very happy.

It has been a while since I have had a year that has been good across the board. Hopefully 2020 is a good as 2019 has been.

On that note; Goodbye 2019, it has been fun.

~>GEM<~

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

‘On highways across America, a tribe of people called The True Knot travel in search of sustenance. They look harmless – mostly old, lots of polyester, and married to their RVs. But as Dan Torrance knows, and spunky 12-year-old Abra Stone learns, The True Knot are quasi-immortal, living off the “steam” that children with the “shining” produce when they are slowly tortured to death.

Haunted by the inhabitants of the Overlook Hotel where he spent one horrific childhood year, Dan has been drifting for decades, desperate to shed his father’s legacy of despair, alcoholism, and violence. Finally, he settles in a New Hampshire town, an AA community that sustains him, and a job at a nursing home where his remnant “shining” power provides the crucial final comfort to the dying. Aided by a prescient cat, he becomes “Doctor Sleep.”

Then Dan meets the evanescent Abra Stone, and it is her spectacular gift, the brightest shining ever seen, that reignites Dan’s own demons and summons him to a battle for Abra’s soul and survival.’

This book was amazing.

I will admit I was hesitant going into this book because I loved the Shinning and I didn’t know if it was possible for this book to live up to its predecessor. I needn’t have worried, as this book was fantastic.

I was excited to catch up with my favourite characters, and I was intrigued to meet new characters and see how they would fit into the story.

Stephen King is the master story teller, and this book is one of his bests. The way in which he captured the feeling of ‘the shinning’ while creating a new and fresh story made for a truly wonderful reading experience.

I am so glad that I finally read this book. It is now up there as one of my all time Stephen King favourites.

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King is the perfect sequel to the Shinning.

2019 Christmas Haul…

Merry Christmas!

As it is Boxing Day in Australia, I thought I would post about all of the amazing things I got this year for Christmas.

I got amazing gifts off my friends and family and of course Santa and I had a wonderful Christmas Day with Family, Food and Fun. Nothing beats the joy that I feel on Christmas Day.

Instead of going into detail about my Christmas Haul I am just going to list all my amazing gifts.

Here goes nothing:

Harry Potter And The Goblet of Fire: Illustrated Edition

Capturing The Devil by Kerri Maniscalco

Legendary by Stephanie Garber

Puddin’ by Julie Murphy

The Golden Rules of Blogging by Robin Houghton

The Beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams

Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts

The Little Bookshop of Promises by Debbie Macomber

Dracula Colouring Book

Wuthering Heights Colouring Book

2020 Day Planners

2020 Diary

Journals

Pocket Planner

Socks

Hairbrushs

Toiletries

Gift Cards

Harry Potter Quilt Cover set

Harry Potter Mug

Leo Mug

Eeyore Mug

Pencils and Sharpeners

Captain America Key Ring

Money Box

Calander

Harry Potter Light

Chocolate

Jewellery

Unicorn Slippers

I want to say a massive thank you to all of my Family and Friends for the amazing gifts.

I hope you all had or are having a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. Eat, Drink and be merry my friends.

Merry Christmas One and All.

~>GEM<~

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas One And All!

As it is Christmas Day in Australia and I am currently spending time with my amazing family, I thought I would give you guys a Christmas treat. I have decided to post some of my favourite Christmas quotes. So now that we have that sorted lets jump right it.

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“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.” – Edna Faber

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” – Charles Dickens

“Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” – Dale Evans

“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” – Charles M. Schulz

“Christmas is the day that holds all time together.” – Alexander Smith

“At Christmas, all roads lead home.” – Marjorie Holmes

“May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve.” – Unknown

“It’s Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” – W.T. Ellis

‘Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” – Dr Seuss

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” – Edward Pola and George Wyle

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Well that’s it from me. I hope you all enjoyed these beautiful quotes. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas filled with love and joy.

Merry Christmas…

>GEM<

Bookmas 2019 Day 12…

On the twelfth day of Bookmas gemsbooknook gave to you…

My Top 12 For 2019:

Now some of these books were included on other lists this Bookmas, but given that this is the Best of 2019 I couldn’t resist repeating some of these amazing books.

So without further ado lets jump in…

Unfollow by Megan Phelps-Roper: This book was fantastic. I was completely engrossed in the story from the first page. I laughed and I cried whilst reading this book. I honestly believe everyone can learn something by reading this book.

The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: I adored this book. I picked it up on a whim and wasn’t sure if I would like it or not. I didn’t like it, I loved it. I loved the format, the story, and the characters. I don’t have a bad word to say about this book. I wish it could have gone on for ever.

Cross My Heart by Pamela Cook: I absolutely adored this book. I was hooked from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. The story was compelling, the characters were amazing and the writing was beautiful. I don’t have a bad word to say about this book. A must read for everyone.

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.

The Bookshop On The Shore by Jenny Colgan: I loved this book. As soon as I saw it I knew it would be my kind of book and I wasn’t wrong. It was wonderful from start to finish. With fantastic writing, amazing characters and a beautiful setting this was the perfect book.

This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp: This book was amazing. I was hooked from the first page and I could not put it down. I loved the way the story was written, I loved the characters and I really felt what was happening every minute of the story. An absolute must read.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: This book was equal parts heart-warming and heartbreaking. I am a massive fan of Historical Fictions so I am not surprised by how much I loved this book. The setting was wonderful, the writing emotional and the characters believable. I will be re-reading this book many times in the future.

A Keeper by Graham Norton: I absolutely adored this book. The story was compelling, the characters were real and flawed and the writing and descriptions were breathtaking. I honestly don’t have a bad word to say a bout this book. A must read for everyone.

The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer: This book was amazing. I loved the way the two time lines bounced off one another and helped each story move forward. The story itself was equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming. I genuinely believe that everyone should read this book at least once in their lifetime.

The Book Of Daniel by Jeff Apter: This book was amazing. As a fan of Daniel Johns I knew I was going to love this book. I didn’t expect to be so moved by it. With amazing insights, interviews with Daniel and his friends and family, as well as great photographs, this book is a must have for all Daniel Johns fans and all music fans.

The Librarian Of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe: Based on the true story of Auschwitz prisoner Dita Kraus. Translated by Litit Zekulin Thwaites. This book was absolutely mesmerising. It was heartbreaking and compelling. I didn’t want to put it down. It was an emotional journey reading this book but it was so worth it in the end. A must read for everybody.

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.

Well that’s it from me. Let me know your favourite books of 2019. I hope you enjoyed this years Bookmas posts, I definitely had fun creating them for you. I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas, filled with lots of books.

Until next time…

Happy Reading…

MERRY CHRISTMAS…

❤ Gem

Bookmas 2019 Day 11…

On the eleventh day of Bookmas gemsbooknook gave to you…

My 11 Favourite Memoirs/Non Fictions of 2019:

Unfollow by Megan Phelps-Roper: This book was fantastic. I was completely engrossed in the story from the first page. I laughed and I cried whilst reading this book. I honestly believe everyone can learn something by reading this book.

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.

Outrages by Naomi Wolf: This book was fantastic. I truly learnt a lot by reading this book. It was fascinating to see how laws were changed and abused and how far we have come in the fight for equality. On of the best books I have read all year.

Mama’s Boy by Dustin Lance Black: This was an amazing and powerful memoir. I laughed, I cried and I finished this book with hope for a better future. I am so glad that I read this book and I honestly believe we could all learn something from it. This book is a must read for everyone.

The Price Of Paradise by Iain Overton: This book was amazing. It was an un-biased look at the suicide bomber and how these attacks have changed the world we live it. With insights from journalists, politicians, survivors and suicide bombers, this book is a must read for everyone.

Natives by Akala: This book was fascinating. I didn’t know what to expect going into it, but I really enjoyed it. It was emotional and powerful while still being educational. I learnt a lot whilst reading this book and I know that it is going to stay with me for a long time. A must read book.

Zealot by Jo Thornely: This book was awesome. Cults have always fascinated me so I knew this book would be right up my alley. I knew about most of the cults in this book but I hadn’t read a lot about them. I really enjoyed the way in which Jo Thornely wrote about these cults, it was like you were just having a wacky conversation over a drink. I am excited to do some more reader but into these cults.

Boy Erased by Garrard Conley: This book was absolutely heartbreaking. This amazing memoir takes the reader on an emotional journey through conversion therapy and how this practice affected so many people’s lives. It was hard to read at times and even harder to come to terms with the fact that it is still happening today. This book was a real eye opener.

The Librarian Of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe: Based on the true story of Auschwitz prisoner Dita Kraus. Translated by Litit Zekulin Thwaites. This book was absolutely mesmerising. It was heartbreaking and compelling. I didn’t want to put it down. It was an emotional journey reading this book but it was so worth it in the end. A must read for everybody.

Checkpoint Charlie by Iain MacGregor: This book was utterly fascinating. I knew a little bit about the Berlin Wall before reading this book, but I had no idea just how bad things were and what exactly occurred. This book was wonderfully constructed; it was informative and emotional. I truly believe everyone should read this book.

Well that’s it for Bookmas Day 11. Let me know if you have read any of these books or what memoirs you have read this year.

Untill tomorrow…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem

Bookmas 2019 Day 10…

On the tenth day of Bookmas gemsbooknook gave to you…

2019’s 10 Quick Reads:

A Keeper by Graham Norton: I absolutely adored this book. The story was compelling, the characters were real and flawed and the writing and descriptions were breathtaking. I honestly don’t have a bad word to say a bout this book. A must read for everyone.

The Little Girl On The Ice Floe by Adelaide Bon, Translated by Ruth Diver: This book was utterly heartbreaking. I can’t imaging the strength it took for Adelaide Bon to write this book. As hard as it was to read at times, this book is a must read for everyone.

Devour by L.A. Larkin: This was an interesting read. I loved the idea of this book; the virus is actually pretty frightening when you think about it. I had some trouble with the different storylines taking place at the same time; it made it hard to care about any of them long enough to build a connection.

The Bad Mother’s Book Club by Keris Stainton: This was a quick, easy read. There was a character for everyone and a situation that could easily be related to. I had some genuine laugh out loud moments whilst reading this book. If you are looking for a light, easy book then this is the book for you.

Never Look Back by A.L. Gaylin: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was compelling, with many twists and turns. I loved seeing how events unfolded and how so many lives were intertwined. I didn’t want this book to end, and I was both sad and completely satisfied when it did.

The Sharp Edge Of A Snowflake by Sid Sigmarsdottir: I did know what to expect going into this book but I really enjoyed it. It was fast paced, interesting and I was genuinely surprised by the ending. If you are looking for a quick but thoroughly entertaining read, this is the book for you.

The Treehouse Joke Book by Andy Griffiths: This books was great. I will admit that I knew quite a few of the jokes in it, but as it is aimed at Middle Grade readers I doubt they will know as many of them as I did. The illustrations by Terry Denton added and extra layer to this book making it a must have for all Middle Grade readers.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: This is my second time reading this book. While I got more out of it the second time around I still didn’t love it. I found it hard to get invested in, and it just didn’t keep me interested. I enjoyed parts of this story, but overall it just didn’t do much for me.

Heart Of Darkness by Joseph Conrad: This is one of my required reading books for University, so I probably wouldn’t have read it otherwise. I am so glad I was made to read it though. It really got under my skin and made me think about what I was reading. I think this is a book that everyone should read at least once.

The Oceans Between Us by Gill Thompson: This book was absolutely heartbreaking. It was a little slow at the start but once it got going I couldn’t put it down. Reading this book was an emotional roller coaster experience that will stay with me for a long time. A must read for everyone.

Well that’s it from me. Let me know your quick reads for 2019 in the comment section.

Until next time…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem

 

Bookmas 2019 Day 9…

On the ninth day of Bookmas gemsbooknook gave to you…

The 9 Best YA Books of 2019:

The Princess And The Fangirl by Ashley Poston: I really enjoyed this book. I was hesitant going into it as I liked but didn’t love its predecessor. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. This book warmed by nerdy heart and completely satisfied the geek in me. I am so glad I decided to read this book.

All That Impossible Space by Anna Morgan: I really enjoyed this book. The writing was great, the characters were real and the story was compelling. I loved how the book was woven around a real mystery and I loved the way the characters reacted to the mystery and each other. Well worth the read.

This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp: This book was amazing. I was hooked from the first page and I could not put it down. I loved the way the story was written, I loved the characters and I really felt what was happening every minute of the story. An absolute must read.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio: This book was wonderful. I had been putting it off think it would be too sad but boy was I wrong. This book was the perfect combination of heartbreaking and heart-warming and left me with the warm and fuzzies. I am so glad I finally read this book.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: This book was equal parts heart-warming and heartbreaking. I am a massive fan of Historical Fictions so I am not surprised by how much I loved this book. The setting was wonderful, the writing emotional and the characters believable. I will be re-reading this book many times in the future.

Between Shades Of Gray by Ruta Sepetys: I adored this book. I am a big fan of Ruta Sepetys writing so I am not surprised that I loved this book. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking, with amazing characters and a truly moving story. I am so glad that I read this book.

The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein: I didn’t love this book. There was something about it that just didn’t click with me. I didn’t really care about the characters, which made it hard to care about the story line and I didn’t like the way the characters spoke, it was hard to follow. This book just wasn’t for me.

Leah On The Offbeat by Becky Albertalli: I loved this book. I have had it on my TBR for a long time as I was worried it wouldn’t be as good as I wanted to be. Turns out I didn’t need to worry as it was wonderful. It was fun, moving, and thoroughly entertaining. I am so glad that I finally read this book.

On The Come Up by Angie Thomas: This book was great. After reading The Hate U Give I wasn’t sure if this book was going to disappoint me or if I was going to love it. I loved it. I enjoyed the story, I felt with and for the characters and I was compelled to see how everything was going to play out. Another amazing book by Angie Thomas.

Well that’s it from me. Let me know your favourite YA books of 2019.

Untill Next time…

Happy Reading…

❤ Gem