Showing posts with label Recommended Reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recommended Reading. Show all posts

April 19, 2021

...bookshops are open...restrain yourself!

Like so many fellow bibliophiles, the first thing on my "when this madness is over" bucket-list, was to hit my favourite bookshop and make up for lost time! Which inevitably would have resulted in some financial repercussions and further storage issues - my shelves are already overburdened and groan at me regularly!

Instead, I thought I'd set myself a challenge, partly to prevent myself from overzealous, frantic book buying behaviour, and secondly to support a local charity shop that happens to stock a good selection of books - Thank you Heart of Kent Hospice!

I decided I'd see how many books I could get myself for £5 or less, and of course then I got excited and wanted to share them with you, cause I found some great ones. So, please enjoy my mini book haul!

no.1 The Wicked King by Holly Black
This is actually the second novel in a series that I've been wanting to read for some time. I know I can find the first book, The Cruel Prince, from any online shop, so I thought I'd take advantage of this one being 50p and in great condition. 
The book series is called 'The Folk of the Air', and it's a YA Fantasy first published in 2018. This is 100% my genre preference, and I've heard great things, so I'm excited to start reading!

no. 2 The Glass Castle by Jeannette
This is a book I've been wanting to read since I stumbled across the film adaptation on Netflix. It's a memoir, focusing on Jeanette Walls difunctional, though strangely loyal family. She was raised by a father who drank profusely and a mother who abhorred domesticity, leaving her and her siblings to raise themselves and strive for independence from their parents. I can't wait to see how the film and the book compare!

no. 3 The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards
The blurb of this book gave me Jodi Picoult vibes, and I love her books, so I was intrigued by this concept. 'The night Dr David Henry delivers his wife's twins is a night that will haunt five lives forever. For though David's son is a healthy boy, his daughter has down syndrome. And in a shocking act of betrayal whose consequence only time will reveal, he tells his wife their daughter died whilst secretly entrusting her to a nurse.'
I'm already hooked!

no. 4 The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Other Tales of Terror by Robert Louis Stevenson
A classic, but one I've never read. Why was I under the impression that this was a chunky read? The copy I picked up is a Penguin Classic Edition and the story itself is 70 pages long. Very readable. I might save this one for October when  I like to read such "tales of terror".

no. 5 After Me Comes The Flood by Sarah Perry
This was Sarah Perry's debut novel apparently - not an author or a book I've heard of before, which is always fun! I like discovering new voices in the literary world.
This book is sinister, phycological fiction/gothic fiction, originally published in 2014. I don't read enough of this genre, so I'm looking forward to some creepy nights of reading. Gothic fiction is an underrated category!

no. 6 Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
I may be one of the few remaining humans in the world that has neither read this book or seen the film. I also hadn't read any Jojo Moyes' books until last year, when I got my first introduction through Sheltering Rain
In case there are any fellow book readers out there who've yet to experience Me Before You in any form, it's a Romantic Fiction originally published in 2012, that brings together two people who couldn't have less in common. Supposedly the Romantic Fiction of our generation. A bold statement, but a true one if the rave reviews I've read are correct!
So there we have it. My mini #fivepoundorless haul

Let me know what you've read, your opinions, and your recommendations on which of this novels to dive into first!

Zuzu 🖋

Find me on Instagram, Facebook and Instagram @zuzuspages for more bookish content!

November 16, 2020

...books to feel festive with

When the weather outside is frightful and the fire is so delightful, and since we've no place (you know, we're in lockdown)...let there be books!
There is nothing I like better than curling up under the comfort of a good book once the weather turns cold. Even better if it's a seasonal read.

We're halfway through November, and I am unapologetically one of those people that has already transitioned into Christmas, if only in spirit. The decorations are not yet up, but they are standing by, as is my TO READ pile for December.

I love Winter. The scents, the food, the music, the hustle and bustle; the general feeling of warmth and joy and love that's spread as we creep closer to December and to Christmas-time. I know some people dread this time of year, and I understand why. It puts stress and strain on people, both mentally and financially, but it shouldn't have to. For me, it's genuinely enough to sit back and enjoy the perks of the season: to snatch a rare moment to hunker down and read a book under a chunky-knit blanket with a hot chocolate, or to sit down with my family and work our way through the abundance of Christmas films we've collected over the years, 

Like Santa, December is normally my busiest time of year for work, and I don't have as much down time to devote to reading. Normally this means I re-read some seasonal favourites, rather than trying committing to new books and authors. So, I thought I'd share some pre-emptive festive/winter favourites here with you all:

THE SNOW CHILD by Eowyn Ivey (2011)
This was such an incredible book, inspired by a Russian fairy tale, and transplanted into the bleak and icy landscape of 1920 Alaska. A mysterious child appears on Mabel and Jack's land, and disappears into the snow. There's a sense of hope and foreboding that keeps this book chilling in every respect.

THE WAY PAST WINTER by Kiran Millwood Hardgrave (2018)
I love any Kiran Millwood Hardgrave book, and this one was like my gateway drug. I loved the concept of a whole land shrouded in Winter and Spring being this unattainable place where all the men have been taken. 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens (1843)
A classic. The epitome of Christmas. "God bless us, every one!"

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET by Valerie Davies (1947)
I have such a beautiful little copy of this book and I love re-visiting it. It's a novella based on the story the author wrote for the 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street, which is equally classic and oh so festive.

LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott (1868)
Another classic novel with such feel good festive spirit. I love watching adaptations of this book this time of year too. They make me feel so warm and cosy.

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING by E.T.A Hoffmann (1816)
I love the original version of The Nutcracker. It's such a Christmassy story and a short easy fairy-tale read.

NORTHERN LIGHTS by Phillip Pullman (1995)
This is the 1st book in one of my favourite book series and the ice and snow of the north that makes up the setting for much of the first book makes me feel wintery.
I'm thinking of re-reading these books actually to keep up with the BBC adaptation that's currently in its second season.

THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE by Katherine Arden (2017)
This is a book I've yet to read and might just sneak its way onto my December TBR pile. It's been so highly recommended to me and I've been saving it!

THE GIRL WITH GLASS FEET by Ali Shaw (2011)
This is a book filled with ice and magic that makes it perfect for winter. After visiting an enchanted island, Ida MacLaird begins literally turning to glass. Whilst searching for the man she believes will cure her, she finds herself falling in love. This was such an unusual book concept.

I hope this list gives you some reading ideas for November and December. Let me know what your favourites are!

Zuzu 🖊

October 12, 2020

...too many pumpkins

When I was younger, my mom used to read me a book called Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White, about Rebecca Estelle who abhors pumpkins, until the day that a pumpkin falls off a truck and smashes in her garden, resulting in her garden becoming overrun with them when the seeds grow! 
I believe we can pinpoint this book as the source of my pumpkin obsession. It's stuck with me ever since childhood.

I grew up in Canada where Halloween was more widely celebrated than it is here in England. I have great memories of tromping through a pumpkin patch in wellingtons to find the perfect pumpkin, which at the age of five, probably was simply a pumpkin that was small and light enough for me to be able to carry on my own. Now I demand the largest, most impressive pumpkin that I can get my hands on, regardless of whether I can carry it.

Exhibit A:
To this day I get ridiculously over excited when pumpkin season rolls around, so imagine my excitement when I discovered Slindon Pumpkins in Arundel last year: a family business, and an "internationally renowned pumpkin mural extravaganza" that's been open for 52 years, selling 50 varieties of pumpkin and 30 varieties of squash.
I felt like I was in pumpkin heaven! I spent a small fortune there without regret and made some fantastic displays around my house.

However, when planning my second trip this year, imagine my devastation when I realised the business has closed until further notice due to covid19! I'm crushed, as I'm sure so many others are. It was quite the attraction.

Disloyal as it feels now to go elsewhere for pumpkins, I characterise as a "pumpkin addict", and therefore can't go without a fix this time of year. I found a very local pick-your-own farm, Pumpkin Moon in Maidstone, and visited yesterday. Needless to say I made our like a bandit with a literal wheelbarrow-load of pumpkins and gourds, for cooking and displaying respectively.

Observe the haul:
(I might go back for more!!!)

Continuing with this pumpkin mood, and for the purposes of this blog, I scrounged around my bookshelves today and found that I've retained my entire collection of Halloween books from childhood, including the infamous Too Many Pumpkins, that induced my pumpkin addiction. The covers are adorable, and inevitably have to be shared here:

Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
Halloween Mice by Bethany Roberts
Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper
The Witch's Hand by Peter Utton
Little Witch's Big Night by Deborah Hautzig

I recommend all these books to adults and children alike; I don't think you're ever too old to derive joy from a picture book. However, I apologise if not all the books are available to buy in the UK. As I said, I grew up in Canada, so that is most likely where they were published.

Bonus points to the first person to tot up the amount of times the word "pumpkin" appears in this blog!
It might hinge on the ridiculous! 

Thanks for reading. Happy Pumpkin Season!

Zuzu 🖋

October 05, 2020

...twisted roots

One of my favourite genres, and one that I myself have been very inspired by, is what  I like to call the "twisted fairy tale". 

It delights me when an author is able to take an existing and well established story and twist it into some dark and unpredictable fantasy novel.

Below are some of the best examples of this genre that I've encountered over the past few years, with a brief description that I hope will entice!

TIGER LILY by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Before there was Wendy, there was Tiger Lily. This is her story, witnessed and told by the all seeing eyes of Tinkerbell. A perspective that I guarantee you won't recognise. See my full book review for more details (click link).

THE GIRL IN RED by Christina Henry
This post apocalyptic retelling of Little Red Riding Hood gives a whole new dimension to the character and the story we all grew up with. Red must make her way alone to her Grandma's house where it's isolated and hopefully safe. But nowhere is really safe since the Crisis came.

WICKED by Gregory Maguire
Simply and uncomplicatedly, how the witches came to be, or "the untold story of the witches of oz".
I could read this book and its successors again and again. And I have!

LOST BOY by Christina Henry
Lost Boy is the retelling of Peter Pan from the perspective of one of the lost boys, Jamie. A dark, unexpected twist on the original story that I savoured until the last word. This is without a doubt my favourite Christina Henry novel.

CONFESSIONS OF AN UGLY STEPSISTER by Gregory Maguire
A historical fantasy retelling of Cinderella from the perspective of one of her stepsisters, Iris. Set in the backdrop of seventeenth century Holland. The idea of what truly makes a thing ugly or beautiful is thoroughly explored in this novel and I can't recommend it enough. 

ALICE by Christina Henry. 
Followed by RED QUEEN & LOOKING GLASS.
This is Wonderland darker than you've ever seen it before. Alice begins this version of the story from within the walls of the mental asylum. Occupying the cell beside her is the Mad Hatcher, a known murderer. Together they'll embark on a long and dangerous journey to freedom, meeting all the characters along the way, but in surprising forms. 
So intelligently written. Truly dark and fantastical. For a more in depth look at this book and those that follow it, see my book review on the whole Chronicles of Alice series: click here to read  

DOROTHY MUST DIE by Danielle Paige
Amy is swept away from Kansas by a twister, to the land of Oz that Dorothy never really returned from. She's recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked, and she has a mission: remove the heart of the Tinman, steal the Scarecrow's brain, take the Lion's courage, and then, Dorothy must die. Amy soon finds out that Dorothy is no longer the sweet little girl from the original story.

THE MERMAID by Christina Henry
Not quite a retelling, I know! But this book combines the fantastical theatrics of circus life with the life of the young woman that P.T Barnum employs as his "Mermaid". This was not my favourite Christina Henry novel, but the concept and the writing still intrigued me enough to want to include it in this list.

BEASTS HEART by Leife Shallcross
Beauty and the Beast from the dark and reclusive perspective of the Beast himself. A perspective I thoroughly enjoyed reading and had never considered the depth of.

BEAUTY by Robin McKinley
Beauty and the Beast retold in a way that hones in on the sheer magic of the love story and the crossing of boundaries between Beauty and the Beast.

AFTER ALICE by Gregory Maguire
When Alice tumbled into Wonderland, she found its rules and peculiarities as bazaar and nonsensical as the world of Victorian England she'd left behind. This retelling explores how Oxford in 1860 reacts to her disappearance, and introduces Ada who is Alice's friend, and a character that is briefly mentioned by Alice in the original book by Lewis Carroll.

SPINDLES END by Robin McKinley
A retelling of sleeping beauty. 
Rosie is an ordinary girl whom no one would look at twice, especially not the evil fairy who hunts her. Due to the curse placed upon her at her christening, the secret of her birthright has been concealed even from Rosie herself, but soon she will be twenty one and be acknowledged once again as a princess whether she cares to be or not.

CINDERELLA'S DEAD by Kalynn Bayron
200 years after Cinderella found her prince, Sophia is still all too familiar with the story because once a year she's sent to the royal ball for choosing, along with all the other girls.
This is a reasonably new publication, and I can't yet reflect on this book as I've yet to read it. It's on my TBR pile for October, so expect a review as soon as I'm through! I've heard great things and I'm very excited!

And there we have it folks.
Of course, there are so many more examples of this genre out there, and as I read more I might take the liberty of adding to this list. If anyone has any good recommendations, then please please please let me know in the comments below!

Happy reading!
Zuzu 🖋



@zuzuspages on Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest

August 03, 2020

...summer reading recommendations

There are some books that simply give me seasonal vibes, and since it is SUMMER I wanted to share and recommend a few of my favourite books for this beautiful time of year. I'll keep the summaries brief, but I promise I thoroughly recommend them all...

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFE by Fannie Flag
In the 1930's, Idgie and her friend Ruth ran the Whistle Stop Café, a little place in Alabama filled with the southern charm, good food and the intrigue of murder. The story is told from the perspective of Ninny Threadgood, an elderly resident of a care home reflecting back on her life, to her unexpected but loyal friend Evelyn Couch, a lonely housewife stuck in the rut of middle age.
I love the charm of this little book, and the variant of strong female characters we're introduced to throughout the story. It's an easy but engaging read and perfect for the hot weather and summer months.

THE GREAT GATSBY by F. Scott Fitzgerald
"And so with the sunshine and bursts of great leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer."
It's quotes like these that give an essence of summer to this book. Of overblown parties that overflow into gardens, the glamour of 20's high society and the cool countenance of Gatbsy himself.
I think this classic is a "must read" for anyone, but perfect for summer. Unlike some classics, it's a manageable length, easily devourable over the course of a holiday.

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES by Sue Monk Kid
Bake in the hot state of South Carolina in this incredible book and find humbling insight into what it was like to be black in the southern states in 1964. The civil rights movement is underway, though segregation and racial tensions are increasing. The story is told from the perspective of Lily Owens, a 14 year old white girl, fleeing her neglectful father. Alongside her proud African-American nanny, Rosaleen, they search for a new life. In the town of Tiburon, they are taken in by three black bee keeping sisters named after the spring and the summer - April, June and August, who seem to have a mysterious connection to Lily's mother.

WHITE ORLEANDER by Janet Filch
This book is exquisite, and a perfect deep read for summer. The language is as seductive as the story. The myriad of diverse female characters woven through the story should be applauded, but the story follows the life of one in particular. Astrid is the only daughter of Ingrid, a possessive poet and artist who wields her beauty and her strength like a weapon, making her dangerous when crossed. Astrid's world is shattered when Ingrid murders her lover and is sentenced to a life in prison.
The book becomes a step by step journey of Astrid's progression through foster homes - and how, in each of them, she transforms to become part of a new world with the renewed vigour of a butterfly, however briefly it may last.

THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett
I'm devoted to the three female characters that drive the story of this brilliant book. Aibileen, a black maid, devoted to raising a white child as part of her duties for her current employer. Her own son, recently died under tragic circumstance, and the loss has triggered a strength and a demand for change.
She's approached by Skeeter, a white woman, newly graduated from Ole Miss with none of the usual desires for marriage shown by other women her age. She wants to be a writer, a profession disapproved of by those around her. She proposes a clandestine project to Aibileen - a book compiling the honest and never before told stories of The Help.
The next woman brought into their loop is Minnie, a sass mouthed maid, and Aibileen's closest friend.
I love the contrast of these three characters, the quick, engaging pace of the story and the way that it forces the reader to examine and educate on so many injustices taking place at this time in 1962, Mississippi.

MORNING GLORY ON THE VINE by Joni Mitchell
This is what I call a coffee table book. I'm sure you all know what I mean - a large, elegant book you're proud to display, and could happily pick up and flick through at any time. I'm a music lover, and a Joni Mitchel fan and this book is perfect for flicking through on a warm summer evening, with the windows and the doors flung wide to let in the air.
Songs are stories put to music and so this book compiling some of her early songs fascinates me.

HOME WORK by Julie Andrews
An autobiography. Not necessarily this one in particular, this is simply the autobiography I've most recently enjoyed. Autobiographies are what I call great sun lounger books. Easy reads in that they aren't crafting complex fantastical worlds, but regaling the tales of a singular life and those who've touch it along the way. And they're always interesting and they fit so nicely into a beach bag!
I hope these are helpful recommendations. I know there isn't much left of the summer, but these books obviously don't have to be assigned to the season.
Let me know if you read any of them on my recommendation, or if you've read any already. What did you think?

Zuzu 🖋

Find me inbetween blogs @zuzuspages on Instagram Facebook Twitter and now Pinterest

April 13, 2020

...a spectrum of books

Rainbows have become something of an inspirational symbol throughout this pandemic; people are posting them on social media to support the key workers, and children are hanging them in windows to make others smile when passing by. They're the ultimate symbol of hope, so often appearing with the sunshine after the rain - and I for one have chosen to embrace this spectrum of positivity in every aspect. Including in books!

Lockdown has afforded me ample time to read, and so I've been making the most of the weather,  sitting in my little garden and making my way through an array of colourful covers. I started so productively. Week one of Lockdown, I devoured three books, The Secret Garden, Waiting For Godo and The Catcher In The Rye. But in week two, I barely read half a book. The reason being that I can't seem to fall in love with the genre. The Savage Garden by Mark Mills is a 'hugely atmospheric murder mystery' set in Tuscany 1958...or so says the back cover. There's no denying it's well written, and very descriptive. You can almost feel the heat of the town leaping off the page. But the pace is slow, and honestly I'm not enraptured by the plot, or the characters.
I don't like to besmirch books simply because they're not my cup of tea, so don't let me discourage you from reading this one if it takes your fancy. I firmly believe that every author is worthy of being published because there is an audience for every written work. I'm persevering because I'm hoping a snag in the plot is coming up that will capture my attention and soothe my mild curiosity as to where the story is going. It takes a lot for me to abandon a book mid-read.

This year, I've tried to expand my reading horizons to encompass different genres: autobiographies, plays, middle grade fiction, coming of age fiction (so far). But the magnetism of magic and fantasy always reels me back like a fish on a hook. I'm taunted daily by the next book on my TO READ pile. I've said before that the phrase, "don't judge a book by it's cover" is completely lost on me, and The Deathless Girls by Kiran Millwood Hargrave is a prime example! It has a cover that makes my fingers itch to open it! It's ripe with colour and intrigue and I so want to be done with my current book to read the next!!

So whilst everyone is stuck in lockdown, I though I'd create a rainbow of book that have lived up to their expectations and my judgement of their covers - all fantasy/fairy-tale/magical genres in case anyone is looking for recommendations. These are all books I've read in the past six months, and loved!

RED : The Girl In Red by Christina Henry - one of those brilliant twists on a fairy tale. Red Riding Hood in case you hadn't guessed. I picked this one because it very aptly takes place during a pandemic, so if you're in the right head space to read this, I thoroughly recommend.

ORANGE : The Burning Page by Genevieve Cogman - the third book in The Invisible Library Series. All are incredible and I have more on my to read pile.

YELLOW : The Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hardgrave. This one is a middle grade fantasy, but at the age of 26 I solemnly swear that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's quick paced and well charactered.

GREEN : The Way Past Winter by Kiran Millwood Hargrave. Again! This was the first book I read by this author, and clearly it encouraged me to read more of her work! I read it over Christmas when I'm at my busiest with work, and this was a nice escape in the evenings and book I looked forward to returning to.

BLUE : The Beasts Heart by Leife Shallcross. The first and only book I've read from this author, but I'd love to read more! It's a very magical twist on Beauty and the Beast, but told from the Beast's perspective.

INDIGO (kind of) : Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. Another of my favourite authors. I've actually got a book review planned for one of her books in a later blog. Practical Magic ticked all the right boxes for me. I suppose it would be classed as magical realism, where the magic takes places in our world, rather than in a fantastical land that exists in the minds of authors and the ink from their pens.

VIOLET : Spindles End by Robin McKinley. A spin on Sleeping Beauty and a very magical one at that. I love this author too, and I thoroughly recommend his work.

I could come up with a book to represent every colour in between I'm sure, but for now that's my rainbow of recommendations!
I hope you enjoy! Let me know if you read, or have already read any of them - and tell me your thoughts. I love a good book discussion.

Until next week!
Zuzu 🖋

Find me on Facebook @zuzuspages and Instagram @zuzuspages for daily book, writing and blogging updates ~

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March 30, 2020

...faith, and trust and pixie dust

I've decided "faith, and trust and pixie dust" is the best recipe literature can supply for staying positive in trying times. Thank you J.M Barrie!

Wherever you are in the world right now, I hope you're safe and well and staying positive. There's a lot of uncertainty floating around, especially now most of the world is locked down, and I've escaped it by climbing between the pages of books to keep me sane. "Reading gives you someplace to go when we have to stay where we are." ~ Mason Cooley.

To anyone who's struggling with current circumstance, I encourage you to grab hold of a good book - an old familiar one, with a strong spine and a story that will wrap you up like a warm blanket and keep you safe.

Classic children's stories are the warmest blankets I own. True, they're tainted with darkness, but the hope they bring is more contagious than any virus. And since it's International Children's Book Day this Thursday (Apr 2nd), I thought I'd share a few of my favourite middle grade reads with you. I hope they can provide some light relief from the madness:

1. Hans Christian Andersen's POPULAR FAIRY TALES. International Children's book day coincides with Hans Christian Andersen's birthday each year, and I honestly do love his stories. They're still so well known today. The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Pea, Thumbelina, The Ugly Duckling...but my personal favourite is The Nightingale.

2. ALICE IN WONDERLAND by the wacky and wonderful Lewis Carol. Respect the classics everyone!

3. PETER PAN & WENDY by J.M Barrie, the author that inspired today's blog title. This is one of those stories that is intended for children, but of course I love it because it has that niggling undertone of darkness that keeps us interested as adults.

4. Lemony Snicket's A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS. Brilliant book series. Brilliant Netflix series. Brilliant film. Need I say more?

5. THE WIZARD OF OZ by L. Frank Baum and all the subsequent books. If you haven't read them, please treat yourself immediately to a trip over the rainbow.

6. THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES by Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi. There is also a great film adaption of this book if you're starved for entertainment.

7. TOM'S MIDNIGHT GARDENS by Phillipa Pearce.

8. CORALINE by Neil Gaiman.

9. THE SECRET GARDEN by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Another classic, and a book I've re-read this month to lift my spirits. A LITTLE PRINCESS also by Frances Hodgson Burnett is another of my favourites.

10. THE DIVIDE by Elizabeth Kay. I'm a fantasy lover and this is the go-to fantasy book that I always recommend to anyone asking for middle grade reading suggestions. No spoilers, but I was gripped the first time I read it...and I still am now!

11. THE RAILWAY CHILDREN by Edith Nesbit.

12. THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK. Perhaps a heavy topic in our current situation, it does also shed a sobering perspective on what it is to stay inside for days on end.

13. ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by Lucy Maud Montgomery and subsequent books.

14. LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott, and the lesser known, but equally lovable AN OLD FASHIONED GIRL by Louisa May Alcott.

15. GIRL OF INK AND STARS by Kiren Millwood Hardgrave. Another fantasy novel I've read this year. It's a quick paced story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Obviously there are so many more out there, but these are the few that have stuck with me and will always be my favourites. Let me know if you'd add any to the list!

Until next time, find me on Facebook @zuzuspages and Instagram @zuzuspages for bookish and writing updates!
Stay safe everyone!

Zuzu 🖋

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