Ups & Downs, Smiles & Frowns: book challenge

What I've been reading lately.

I know that I already have a book blog but I kind of miss posting about what I've been reading on this blog as I know many of you like to hear about what I've been reading and any recommendations I have. I thought I'd do a little round up of the books I've enjoyed lately! I have read many books this year so I'll pick a few of my favourites and share with you.
And if anyone has any recommendations, please feel free to leave a comment and let me know :)

I really enjoyed Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon. About a young girl who is literally allergic to EVERYTHING! She can't go out side because she's allergic to outside and everything outside. She lives with her mum and nurse and even the air inside her home has to be filtered. And then she spots the new neighbours... Everything is about to change.

A photo posted by ★ sarah (@the.bookhub) on Jun 28, 2016 at 8:40am PDT

Next up I read 'While My Eyes Were Close' by Linda Green.
Lisa takes her little girl to the park one afternoon. They play hide and seek and while Lisa's eyes are closed, her daughter goes missing! Where is she? How far could she have gone? Is she just hiding in a really good hiding place? I loved this book and found it hard to put down. I rated this book five stars over on goodreads.

The Girl With No Name by Diney Costeloe was another book I could not wait to read. It's set during world war II about a Jewish girl who has to leave Germany and is evacuated to England. She can speak little English and finds it very different to what she is use to. She's very home sick and misses her family back in Germany, a lot. Will she ever see her family again? Another really amazing war fiction story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

A photo posted by ★ sarah (@the.bookhub) on Jun 16, 2016 at 3:29am PDT

If I stay by Gayle Foremon is a fairly short story about a family who are involved in a car accident. Seventeen year old Mia is faced with a choice, the biggest choice anyone could ever have! It's really hard to write a review on this book without giving anything away. I'll just say this. You NEED to read it. (The movie is also good but I prefer the book)

One book that has been on my 'To be read' list for a long time is Markus Zusak's 'The Book Thief' Another historical fiction story about a little girl who has to go and live with a childless couple and try to escape the Nazis. The childless couple she goes to live with takes some getting use to. She misses her brother and mother! They take in a Jewish man who ends up hiding out in the cellar! A really good read, beautifully written, a book I really enjoyed! Be warned though, it's 554 pages long. (The film is also good!)

You can read ALL my book reviews over on my book blog.
My book blog is Sarahs Book Hub and my book instagram is The.bookhub please do give me a follow if you like all things bookish! :) What have you been reading lately or what's your favourite book?

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, by Sarah Mumx3x

book challenge

My booklist 2016.

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, by Sarah

#50books2015

Grey By E.L James {Book Review}

2 comments

, by Sarah

#50books2015

This house is haunted by Guy Lyon Playfair {Book Review}

This is the Amazing Story of the Enfield Poltergeist On August 31st 1977, normal life ended for Mrs Harper and her four children in their modest council house in a hitherto quiet corner of the north London suburb of Enfield. Compared to what was to come, the initial phenomena were relatively minor - knockings on the walls, and pieces of furniture moving in ways that did not seem normal. The neighbours came in and searched the house, finding all in order, though they too heard the knocking. The police were called, and were able to witness a chair sliding along the floor. The disturbances went on, getting more intense and more frightening. They were eventually witnessed by at least thirty people. They included examples of everything a poltergeist can do - overturning chairs and tables, flinging things about, whipping off bedclothes, levitating one of the girls in full view of passers-by, making her speak with the voice of an old man and defying the laws of physics by passing matter through solid matter. Much of this bewildering and often terrifying activity was captured on tape and film by Maurice Grosse of the Society for Psychical Research and his colleague Guy Lyon Playfair, who were on the case within days of its outbreak stayed on it until it finally came to an end, with a twist as unexpected and surprising as in any detective story. No other case of its kind has been so well witnessed from start to finish or so thoroughly documented. Incidents are described as they happened, without embellishment, from some six hundred pages of transcripts of live tape recordings. The story of the Enfield poltergeist is already regarded as a classic in the annals of psychical research. It has been the subject of worldwide press coverage and several radio and television documentaries.
Source

This book is about the Enfield Poltergeist which has been on the T.V and press a lot lately. Probably because there was a T.V series about it on the T.V a few weeks ago. Now, I have read a book in the past, the original book which I really enjoyed and because I'm quite knowledgeable on the Enfield Poltergeist, I couldn't wait to read this book! My dad let me borrow his copy.
I really enjoyed this book, it took me a few days (on and off) to read. It didn't really tell much new, because like I said I have read books about this subject before but I am glad I read it! It's well written and easy to read and follow. I give this book 4.5 stars.

Sarah xXx

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, by Sarah

#50books2015

The girl on the train by Paula Hawkins.{Book review}

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, by Sarah

#50books2015

My 2015 book list!

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, by Sarah

#50books2015

2015 Book challenge (monthly book linky!) #50books2015

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, by Sarah

#50books2014

October & November book reviews #50Books2014.

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, by Sarah

#50books2014

#50books2014 September round up.

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, by Sarah

#50books2014

Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire (book review)

Beautiful Oblivion (Maddox Brothers, #1)

Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire (Maddox Brothers #1)

'The Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster phenomenon continues in the first heart-pounding new adult romance in The Maddox Brothers series.
Fiercely independent Camille "Cami" Camlin gladly moved on from her childhood before it was over. She has held down a job since before she could drive, and moved into her own apartment after her freshman year of college. Now tending bar at The Red Door, Cami doesn’t have time for much else besides work and classes, until a trip to see her boyfriend is cancelled, leaving her with a first weekend off in almost a year.

Trenton Maddox was the king of Eastern State University, dating co-eds before he even graduated high school. His friends wanted to be him, and women wanted to tame him, but after a tragic accident turned his world upside down, Trenton leaves campus to come to grips with the crushing guilt.

Eighteen months later, Trenton is living at home with his widower father, and works full-time at a local tattoo parlor to help with the bills. Just when he thinks his life is returning to normal, he notices Cami sitting alone at a table at The Red.

As the baby sister of four rowdy brothers, Cami believes she’ll have no problem keeping her new friendship with Trenton Maddox strictly platonic. But when a Maddox boy falls in love, he loves forever—even if she is the only reason their already broken family could fall apart.

In the first installment of the Maddox Brothers books, readers can experience the rush of reading Beautiful Disaster for the first time, all over again'

Ok, I'll TRY and write this without spoilers because I know that there are people reading this review who have this on there 'To read' lists.

If you have read the 'Beautiful Disaster' series & enjoyed them, 'Beautiful Oblivion' is for you!!

This book.. what can I say?! Amazing!! I loved it. Ok, so I probably still prefer Aby & Travis over Trent and Cami series, but it is still so good. I loved it! Trent is no Travis and yet they're so similar, it's so hard to explain. I fell in love with Trent, another Maddox brother. I love Cami too. I loved the twist. I had to read the last chapter twice infact because it was that good and I was like "How did I even miss THAT?" I have no idea how I didn't work the twist out in the first two or three chapters. It's so unexpected. Jamie McGuire did an amazing job with this book. I enjoyed everything about this book. It's beautifully written, too.

Best book I've read since beautiful disaster. I am SO reading this book again.

Five stars from me!

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, by Sarah

#50books2014

May Book Reviews #50books2014

So far this month I have only read two books. I don't know what has got into me but I have had not very much motivation to read. And I don't know what's going on with the goodreads counter widget but it doesn't seem to have registered the last two books that I have read. I've read seventeen books, not fifteen. Very odd. Anyway, here are my book review for this month (so far)

"He beat them, he abused them, and he tortured them. He broke their dreams. But they came back stronger.
‘Terrie and Paul are two of the bravest people I have ever met. I have only shared the briefest glimpse into the true horrors this brother and sister have endured, but I rarely come across cases this bad. After the unspeakable abuse and shocking betrayals, two incredible human beings came through – to inspire us all.’
Sara Payne OBE, co-founder of Phoenix Survivors
Terrie and Paul’s step-father had been living with them for six months when the abuse and grooming began. What started as innocent conversations and goodnight kisses quickly developed into something far darker and depraved.
Everyday Terrie was assaulted and abused; her rapes were photographed, filmed and shared. Paul was regularly taunted and mercilessly beaten. But despite the bruises and the scars, and the desperate pleas for help, no one saw their pain.
But through it all they stuck together, battling for their childhoods for over a decade and masterminding creative ways to outwit their stepfather and buy themselves fleeting moments of joy.
In March 2013, thirty years on, Terrie and Paul made the brave decision to give up their right to anonymity to tell of the years of abuse they endured at the hands of their recently convicted step-father and raise awareness for the ongoing battle for justice for victims of child abuse. A powerful testament of what can be achieved through courage and love, this is their inspiring story"

This is a true story of bravery. It's written very well. It is quite hard to read but only because it is so incredibly heartbreaking. Having said that though, I couldn't put this book down. This has to be one of the most heartbreaking, horrendous stories I have ever read. It's very, very sad and incredible what these two children endured, I can't even imagine. No child should EVER have to go through what these two siblings went through.
Five stars from me.

Mary had reservations about eight-year-old Hannah joining her class. The three emotionally disturbed boys she was currently looking after had been making steady progress, and Hannah, who had a reputation for being a withdrawn and incredibly troubled child, would only be a disruptive influence.
For the first fortnight Hannah retired to a cupboard and refused to come out. Howling almost non-stop she was displaying the worst symptoms that Mary had ever seen.
How could Mary help a child who had been shut up in closets and treated like an animal? What could she say to a child who had been locked out of her own home, and beaten by both her brother and her father? How could she reach this lost girl?
This is the remarkable story of Hannah and Mary’s journey together. Deep within Hannah, Mary recognises an amazing strength. And with love, skill and patience, she gradually starts to make a difference. It’s a long road to recovery, but Mary never gives up.
As this moving true story unfolds, we feel Mary’s joy, we share her hope and, in time, her faith that Hannah will be okay

Very easy book to read, I read it in just over a day.
This was a very moving story, true life and real. I loved this book! I felt so incredibly sorry for Hannah and her mother, it does have a happy ending though. Really glad I read this book.
4.5 stars from me.

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

This is the first John Green novel I have read, I wanted to read it to see what all the hype was about and wow, I am so glad I did! I couldn't put it down.

Like. WOW! I think this has to be one of the best books I have ever read, it's certainly in my top five! This book made me laugh and cry. Wow, did it make me cry! I fell in love with the characters. I love the way it's written.. I love everything about this book. It's easy to read and it's a book I could read over and over again! If you haven't read it... You should!

FIVE stars from me.

Sixteen-year-old Zara "Zip" McKee lives for three things: basketball, books, and bailing out of tiny Titusville, Illinois, where the junior high and high school are in the same building and everyone's known everyone else since birth. But when Kieran Lanier moves to town and passes out on her desk on his first day at school, Zip's life gets complicated in a way she never dreamed.

Kieran has narcolepsy, and although he sometimes struggles to stay awake, he has no trouble capturing Zip's heart and trusting her with his most guarded secret--he sees bits and pieces of the future in his dreams.

But just when Zip thinks that maybe she can handle having a boyfriend who sees things before they happen, her budding relationship with Kieran gets a jolt when Kieran's parents reveal that his sleeping disorder is not what it seems and may be putting them in harm's way. And when Zip begins to have unsettling dreams, she must decide if she can live with knowing the future in advance when she's afraid of what might happen.

*Recommended for Young Adult readers 13 and up (mild cursing, some adult situations)

This is the first book in the 'In your dreams' series. I started reading this book back in February. I stopped reading it because I was finding it hard to get into. I picked it up again tonight and finished it! I like the way this book is written and I love the characters but it just took a good while to get into. It does have a good ending. I will probably read book #2 at some point but if I'm honest I'm not in any hurry. I feel this book is probably more for a mature teenager.

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, by Sarah

#50books2014

April book reviews #50books2014

"The latest title from the internationally bestselling author and foster carer Cathy Glass.

Beth is a sweet-natured child who appears to have been well looked after. But it isn’t long before Cathy begins to have concerns that the relationship between Beth and her father is not as it should be.
Little Beth, aged 7, has been brought up by her father Derek after her mother left when she was a toddler. When Derek is suddenly admitted to hospital with psychiatric problems Beth is taken into care and arrives at Cathy’s.
Beth and her father clearly love each other very much and Derek spoils his daughter, treating her like a princess, but there is something bothering Cathy, something she can’t quite put her finger on.
Meanwhile Cathy’s husband is working away a lot and coming home less at weekends. Then, suddenly, everything changes. Events take a dramatic turn for both Beth and Cathy and her family; as Cathy strives to pick up the pieces all their lives are changed forever"

I have read just about every book y Cathy Glass. Cathy Glass is a foster parent in UK who has fostered more than 100 children. She is truly very inspirational and the world needs more people like Cathy!

This story goes back to when Cathy's own children were little. She tells the story of how Beth came to be fostered by her and tells Beths story just perfectly. Although it is sad, (not as sad as some of Cathy's other books, it is still sad though) and my heart goes out to little Beth and her father. I really, really want to write so much about this story but it;s newly released and there are a few people reading this post, that have this on there books lists, so I don't want to ruin it for them. It does have a happy ending for Beth. I learned a lot about Cathy and her how her and her husband broke up in this book, which I have often wondered about whilst reading Cathy's previous books.
This book is beautifully written, the story is very well told. FIVE stars from me!

Little drifters by Kathleen Story.

'The harrowing true story of a travelling Irish family bonded by love, broken apart by life, and then betrayed by their carers in a cruel convent in Ireland.
“For those who we lost along the way, I tell this story. For all the children who suffered in this terrible place. For all those I consider my brothers and sisters; the ones who died, the ones who lost their minds, the ones who drown their memories everyday in a bottle of whisky, I tell this for you.
Because in the end we are all brothers and sisters – and if we don’t feel that bond of love between each other, just as human beings, then we are nothing. We are no better than the monsters that ran the convents.”
Based in Ireland in the 1960s and 70s, Kathleen’s story is a story of extreme hardship, suffering and abuse. It is the story of 11 siblings, abandoned by their mother and torn from their father, incarcerated in convents and then driven apart in the cruellest ways imaginable; it is the story of their ruined childhoods and their fight for recompense. But more than that, it is a story of courage, survival and the incredible strength of sibling bonds against overwhelming adversities.
Out of terrible darkness comes a remarkable story. In the tradition of Irish storytelling, Kathleen offers a mesmerising account of her family’s experience.'

Kathleen tells her story of how she was brought up in Ireland during the 1960's & 1970's. It's such a harrowing story, very sad indeed. It is also very inspiring, I hope that makes sense! If you read it, you'll see exactly what I mean! Kathleens story is shocking and very heartbreaking. Kathleen is very brave, she and her siblings had a horrific, abusive childhood. We learn a lot about her brothers and sisters and her parents, too! I learned a lot about the institutions/convents durring that time. Thankfully they were all shut down in the end.

This book is beautifully written and I could not put it down!I wish Kathleen and her family best of luck for the future. I am really glad I read this book, it opened my eyes to A LOT.

FIVE stars from me.

The world according to Bob by James Bowen

'Since Bob has appeared, I've made huge strides in my life. For more than a decade I was a homeless drug addict. I was lost to the world and had forgotten what was important in life. Now I've got myself back on my two feet, but as I put the past behind me, I'm still stepping unsteadily into the future. I still need help in the right direction. Bob is always there to offer guidance and friendship.' James and his street cat Bob have been on a remarkable journey together. In the years since their story ended in the bestselling A STREET CAT NAMED BOB James, with Bob's help, has begun to find his way back to the real world. Almost every day, Bob provides moments of intelligence, bravery and humour, at the same time opening his human friend's eyes to important truths about friendship, loyalty, trust - and the meaning of happiness. In the continuing tale of their life together James shows the many ways in which Bob has been his protector and guardian angel through times of illness, hardship, even life-threatening danger. As they high five together for their crowds of admirers, James knows that the tricks he's taught Bob are nothing compared to the lessons he's learnt from his street-wise cat'

Last year I read A street cat named Bob. I am a HUGE bob fan, hehe. 'The World According To Bob' is another book about the street cat 'Bob' and his owner 'James'. James was a drug addict who lived on the streets. This book reflects on his life on the streets but it also reflects on his life now. James and the ginger cat 'Bob' are inseperable and I can tell they have an extrmely strong bond by reading this book! He has a flat and sells 'The Big Issue'. He is also now free of drugs & is completely clean. This story tells little tales of bob and what he gets up, how mischievous bob can be but also what a clever cat he is! It's set in London during the mid 00's (recent!). It's a lovely read, wonderfully written and again I couldn't put it down!
Is it wrong that I want to go to London just to meet Bob the street cat?! Lol.
Five stars from me!!

More book reviews coming soon.

This is scheduled post, I'm so busy that I am having to schedule blog posts a lot more often than usual.