On My Bookshelf - '3 to Read' #2

This is my first blogger series, I'm hoping to use it as a sort of 'virtual book club'. I love finding new reads but am so bad at heading to the same section of Waterstones every time I visit. I think getting and giving recommendations is such a cool way to broaden the variety of books you choose. Some of my favourite books have been found through a recommendation! You can find my November '3 to Read' here.

1) The Host by Stephenie Meyer
After my (probably overaged) obsession with The Twlight books, I went on to read Stephenie Meyer's next offering and wasn't disappointed. I found this book quite slow going to begin with but stuck with it and soon got to the 'can't put it down' phase. This book is about an alien race that inhabit the minds of inferior races to create a better world, however when Melanie refuses to be overpowered, Wanderer, her alien invader learns some lessons about humanity and is taken on a journey she never expected as the pair of them begin to search for the man Melanie loves.

2)The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I actually read this book after seeing the Movie trailer (something I do quite a lot when a story interests me, as I'd much rather read a book before watching it's movie counterpart) This book was an international best seller, and no wonder. It's a brilliantly written book set in Jackson, Mississippi 1962, and merges history with some amazing story telling around the racism faced during this time and the social inadequacies between the white class and their black maids. The main character Skeeter is a white 22 year old, fresh out of college with the hope of getting her writing published. The interesting topic of choice she chooses is the poor quality of life that 'the help' have. Leading to some interesting results within her local community. I really enjoyed this book, it's quite emotional and you really connect with the main characters, I really must get around to watching the film.

3)Maze Runner by James Dashner
This is the first book in the three part dystopian story.Thomas wakes up in a strange community called the Glade, it's ran and inhabited by a group of teenage boys who trapped in the Glade by a dangerous maze. With no memories, Thomas and the rest of the boys must figure out why they are there and how to escape. When the first ever girl turns up in the Glade, things start to change. Thomas could be the key to their escape as a connection to the new girl and flashes of old memories begin to resurface. This is probably the most male-friendly dystopian trilogy I've read, but as usual I found them hard t put down. If you're a Hunger Games/Divergent fan, I'd definitely give this a go!

I've just realised that all of these books have movie adaptations and I haven't watched any of them! I always prefer books to films but I am keen to watch The Help.

Have you read any of these books? Or seen their Movie counterparts? What books would you recommend for me this month?

On My Bookshelf - '3 to Read'

As a girl with a big interest in reading I love seeing what other people recommend. My colleagues and I actually have a book club, we don't meet up and sit around discussing a book, we basically use a whatsapp group to talk about our most recently picked read and what we thought about it. I've really expanded on the kinds of books that I read through this, and I've found that I have loved books I'd never have given a second glance before.

I thought it might be quite interesting to start a '3 to Read' series, which is three books that I've either read and loved or are patiently waiting on my bookshelf. This way if you're looking for a new book to try you might find something that you'd never have considered before but becomes your new favourite book!

1) Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
This is one currently waiting on the bookshelf. Noughts and Crosses is the first book in a trilogy set in an alternate reality. In Sephy and Callum's world the 'colourless' used to be enslaved to the ruling dark-skinned class, this is an interesting take on a Romeo & Juliet style story that discusses racism and prejudice. This to me seems like a cross between Delirium by Lauren Oliver and Romeo and Juliet with a bit of modern day racism involved. I think it will be an interesting read. I love a good Dystopian Trilogy so I'm hoping this one ticks all the right boxes too.

2) The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Bit of a warning, this book is quite sad and could be disturbing to some people. I really enjoyed this book but it does touch on some disturbing topics so if you're just into fun and happy chick lit this one may not be for you. The story follows Susie, a teenage girl who watches the lives of her family from the afterlife, following her rape and murder. I have never seen the movie adaptation of this, but I'm told the ending is quite different. Although the undertone of this book is quite upsetting, it's also incredibly moving and I'd definitely recommend a read. It has received some very mixed reviews so I'd be interested to know what you think.

3)Love from Both Sides by Nick Spalding
I thought this book was hilarious! It follows two singletons, Laura and Jamie through their dating mishaps and quest to find love. This book has been based on some real life dating stories and had be laughing out loud... which very few books do! If you want something lighthearted and easy to read this may be for you. It was definitely a winner in my eyes and was exactly what I needed to cheer me up after a long day at work!

Have you read any of these books? What was your take on them? If you have and recommendations for a good read for me I'm always on the lookout for new books so please let me know in the comments!