REVIEW: The State of Grace by Rachael Lucas

The State of Grace is Rachael Lucas’  debut YA novel, and tells the story of Grace, a teenager with Asperger’s, as she finds her way in the world.

The State of Grace is a beautifully told story that I couldn’t put down. As an Own Voices book, you really get a sense of Grace and who she is, and this will show that there is more to those with Asperger’s than the labels we put on them. Grace is a funny and sensitive narrator, and her story will reach out to everyone who reads it.

Stars: ★★★★☆

I was sent a copy of The State of Grace by Pan Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.

LET'S TALK ABOUT: Fantastic Beasts

When Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was announced I was sure it would ruin a franchise I love. How wrong I was.

When I saw the film I fell in love with Newt and his world. It was great to see life beyond Hogwarts, and some of Dumbledore's backstory. 

I now own four Fantastic Beasts books: one screenplay and three versions of the Comic Relief textbook. It’s not everyone's cup of tea, but Fantastic Beasts is everything I could want as an adult who grew up with Harry Potter. I can't wait to see what's coming next.

My Week In Books (25th March)

I've had a busy bookish week, so let's dive right in!

I was lucky enough to win this YA book bundle from HarperCollins. There's quite a few I haven't read so I'm excited to get stuck in.

I ordered this gorgeous new edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them from America to add to my collection.

I've been reading The State of Grace by Rachael Lucas this week, and it's wonderful. My review will be up soon!

I was really excited by the (rather beautiful) cover reveal of The Gender Games by Juno Dawson, out 1st June.

LET'S TALK ABOUT: Feminism

Feminism. Important to some, and a dirty word to others. If you type “feminism definition” into Google, you get this:

However, feminism means different things to different people. It depends on what is important to them.

To me, feminism is the right to walk safely in the streets, without fear. It is the right to live without the expectation that I will do a man’s bidding. It is the right to live and work without derogatory comments based on my gender. 

Most of all, feminism is the right to be free.

What does feminism mean to you?

My Week In Books (18th March)

It’s been another great week for books. I bought one and acquired another, and was very excited about both.

• The Scarecrow Queen, which I bought to complete the trilogy. 
• All About Mia, sent to me by Kelly for a group read. 

I finished reading The Sin Eater's Daughter trilogy, and read The King of Rats. You can read my thoughts on it here (spoiler: I'm in love).

I was really excited to hear about Holly Bourne’s new book, It Only Happens In The Movies. I've loved all of Holly’s books, and know this one will be just as good.

LET’S TALK ABOUT: The Sin Eater’s Daughter

I have a confession: until recently I had little interest in reading The Sin Eater's Daughter. I've never been into fantasy so I didn't give it much thought.

I've just finished the trilogy in fourteen days, and LOVED it. I was on the edge of my seat until the last moment. Twylla and Errin are incredible, and got the story they deserved.

Melinda Salisbury is a literary wonder. The TSED trilogy pulled me in and wouldn't let me go. I loved (and hated) the characters, and was emotionally destroyed by the end. Never judge a book by its genre.

My Week In Books: (11th March)

I've acquired two books and bought one book this week, so it's been pretty successful!

• I was sent Waiting for Callback: Take Two by Simon & Schuster after winning a Maximum Pop! competition. 
• I was sent a proof After The Fire by the lovely people at Usborne.
• I bought Mad Girl by Bryony Gordon after reading Grace’s blog.

I've powered my way through The Sin Eater's Daughter and The Sleeping Prince by Melinda Salisbury, and am moving on to The Scarecrow Queen.

I'm really excited for Like Other Girls by Claire Hennessy, the cover of which was revealed this week. 

LET’S TALK ABOUT… The Spinster Club for #IWD2017

It's International Women's Day, so it's time to celebrate my favourite feminist reads: Holly Bourne’s Spinster Club series. For anyone who hasn't read it, the series follows Evie, Amber and Lottie as they navigate their way through life, love and feminism.

I love this series with every part of me. Not only is it a wonderful and funny read, I learnt so much from it. The way the girls deal with the challenges they face is inspiring, and I learnt so much about being a feminist. If there's one series I want to recommend to every girl today, it's this.

LET'S TALK ABOUT... YA Book Prize 2017: The Shortlist

On Thursday the YA Book Prize announced their shortlist for 2017, and here it is!

Image courtesy of the YA Book Prize Twitter. 

What an amazing list we have this year. I've read five and have another three on my TBR, but I couldn't begin to guess who will win. It's brilliant to see a more diverse list of authors shortlisted, particularly following controversy with other shortlists.

Paper Butterflies and Beautiful Broken Things are easily my favourites here, but there is so much talent on the shortlist that it's hard to say who win. I can only wish all the authors (and the judges) the best of luck!

REVIEW: If Birds Fly Back by Carlie Sorosiak

If Birds Fly Back is a stunning YA debut about Linny and Sebastian, two teens brought together at Silver Springs care home in their search for people they have lost.

If Birds Fly Back may just be my favourite book of the year. It's a touching story of losses and first loves, and will reach out to a lot of people. The teen voice has been captured perfectly, talking about friendships and first love. Carlie Sorosiak writes with sunshine, and even though she tells a sad story, she does it in such a way that you can't help but smile.

Stars: ★★★★★

I was sent a copy of If Birds Fly Back by Pan Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.