Books I've Read So Far in 2016

So, as we learnt in my reflection on how my 2016 goals are going, I've not got very far with my target of reading 25 books this year...! I thought I'd share the ones I have read, nonetheless, whilst they're still relatively fresh in my mind. I've finished five books and am currently half-way through number six... I've also got a little look at the next books on my to-be-read pile, so if you're after some summer holiday reading inspiration, read on!

The Long Mars - Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter | ★★★★☆
(Not shown because I borrowed it from my Uncle and have now given it back!)
This is the third in Pratchett & Baxter's Long Earth trilogy, which I surprised myself by really getting into - the premise is basically about an infinite series of Earths, one next to the other, which (most) humans can travel between. The Long Mars, as the name suggests, investigates whether the same applies to the Red Planet.
Asylum - Madeleine Roux | ★★★☆☆
I think this was an Amazon recommendation based on my love for Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, but unfortunately, for me it fell short. Somehow the story just wasn't as believable and didn't draw me in in quite the same way. Don't get me wrong, I still wanted to know what happened and I got through it pretty quickly, but I probably won't buy any more from the series.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane - Neil Gaiman | ★★★★★
I loved this! Gaiman's writing is so beautiful and captivating - it's almost poetic and it really hooks me in. He's brilliant at creating a whole 'nother world that I get completely drawn into, and The Ocean... was no different. I really loved the story and the characters were perfect - I loved how it was from the perspective of a narrator flicking between present day and his childhood, many years before.
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying - Marie Kondo | ★★★★☆
I know I've gone on about this (here and here!) but I did think it was a really interesting read - it definitely gave me some food for thought when it comes to clearing out, and it'd be well worth a try if you like the idea of de-cluttering and living a more minimal life.
Luckiest Girl Alive - Jessica Knoll | ★★★★☆
This was purchased on a total whim when I finished my book halfway to Oxford and had to buy something new at a motorway service station, but I ended up quite enjoying it - it was quite reminiscent of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, in my opinion, though perhaps not quite so well executed. Still an enjoyable read, though, and I'd pick up more of Knoll's work.
The Girl In The Spider's Web - David Lagercrantz | ★★★★☆ (so far!)
I'm about halfway through this and I am really enjoying it, although for me it's not quite up to the standard of Larsson's work - could it ever be, really!? The story has drawn me in, though, with all its twists and turns, and I'm happy to see Lisbeth and Mikael living on through another author.

Good Omens - Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman | I love Gaiman and I think this was on offer on Amazon, so I couldn't resist! I'm really looking forward to seeing how he wrote with Pratchett.
Always With Love - Giovanna Fletcher | I've yet to read any of Gi's books (which surprises me as I'm such a massive McFly fan!) and I'd probably do better starting at the beginning, but this "fell into my trolley" in Asda so there we go! I love a bit of chick lit every now and again.
Dark Places - Gillian Flynn | I loved Gone Girl so I have high hopes for this! I really like dark psychological thrillers so Flynn's writing is right up my street.

Have you read any of these books? What have you been reading lately? I'd love to hear any recommendations for books you think I may like!

xo
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