January Wrap-Up // A good beginning of the new year!

I can’t believe the first month of the year has already gone by! It was a good one though. I spent a lot of time with friends, celebrated the new year, rehearsed for a school show, and I just generally had a lot of fun. I read a total of 6 books and I’m quite happy with it!

The Sculptor by Scott McCloud

Goodreads

Overall this was a disappointment. I had heard fantastic things, but quite frankly it was only ‘meh’. I did like the art style and how the author not only used the dialogue and body language of the characters to show emotions, but that he also played with how the storylines intertwined. That was done very well. That being said, I didn’t feel attached to the characters and their emotions didn’t do much for me. I especially didn’t like the main character David. He was broody and he had anger issues. His behaviour only went downhill throughout the graphic novel. On top of that the romance was very unrealistic. In the end I gave this 3 out of 5 stars.

We Are The Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson

Goodreads – aesthetic

I’m finding it hard to gather my thoughts on this book. I definitely enjoyed reading this book, but I didn’t connect to it in the way I was expecting too. After all the RAVE reviews, I expecting to adore it. I think books that deal with suicide aren’t really my thing. I suppose the main reason I didn’t love this book was that I didn’t connect to the main character Henry. But really, I don’t know what to feel about this book. I really liked the prologue, but I didn’t like how open-ended it was. Or maybe I do. I don’t know. For now, I’m giving it four stars. I am really happy I’ve read it as it has been on my TBR for quite some time.

Room by Emma Donoghue

Goodreads

Then I read Room because it was required reading and sadly, I didn’t enjoy it. It think the story itself was good and I appreciate that the author focuses on ‘AFTER’. I wasn’t a fan at all of the writing style. It was most annoying really. I’ve seen this type of writing style done so much better. The pacing was all off too. The middle part was fast-paced, but everything else just dragged and it was a struggle to get through. I don’t say this often, but in this case the movie was definitely better than the book. So if you want to hear this story, I’d suggest you take that route. Ultimately I decided on giving this book 2 out of 5 stars. Contrary to what seems to be the general opinion, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Goodreads – aesthetics

Then I picked up the Ravenclaw edition of the first Harry Potter book. I liked the additional content included, especially the illustrations. I highly enjoyed reading this book, even more than last time. I think that’s mainly because my English has improved since the last time, when I still had difficulties reading in English. I don’t think there is more to say, it’s Harry Potter after all! I gave this 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Simon VS The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Goodreads – my review

Next I re-read one of my favourite books and I loved it all over again. It simply makes me happy to read this book. I read it for the first time almost a year ago, and I’ve re-read it three times since then, loving it every time! It a such a sweet, funny and heart-warming story. I ship Simon and Blue so hard! I gave it 5 out of 5 stars of course. I can’t wait to read Leah’s spin-off book!

Goodnight Stories For Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

Goodreads

I highly enjoyed reading this book, it was very empowering. I had never heard of most women in this book and I’m glad I do know. The stories were very inspiring and deserve to be remembered! The art was absolutely beautiful too! I love that so many illustrators were included. I would highly recommend this! I definitely want to read the sequel.