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One of my favourite things to do in the new year is to set my Goodreads goal and this year I’ve aimed high with 100 books! By some miracle, I’ve actually managed 12 books in January, and I thought I’d share the reviews!
- Your Heart is the Sea by Nikita Gill – 3/5 – While this certainly wasn’t a bad collection it didn’t evoke the same emotions/level of emotions Nikita Gill’s writing usually does for me and for that it wasn’t my favourite collection of hers. I did really enjoy how the book was sectioned; my favourite sections being The Acceptance & The beginning. My least favourite section was The Worship. I probably wouldn’t read this again. Favourite poems: All of life is a garden, note to self 456, about self love, water, a forest story, raise your daughters, the quest for authenticity, how to be an abuse survivor in a world that hates survivors, electricity, classification, rise and shine, a reminder as we reach the end & from writer to reader. (For note: lots of triggers so be cautious when reading)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling – 5/5 – My favourite of the series, just as wonderful every single time.
- Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard by Tom Felton – 5/5 – I knew I’d enjoy this but I hadn’t realised I’d love it. I’ve always admired Tom but his humour, honesty and openness has made me love him more. Absolutely wonderful. (For note: Trigger warning for mental illness and addiction).
- Dear Body by Hannah Hodgson – 5/5 – Hannah and her writing is just incredible and I can never thank her enough. I reread this collection all the time, anytime I need to feel, to know I’m not alone, to have a place for the anger and grief that comes with chronic illness. I couldn’t recommend it more.
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling – 5/5 – In previous years I’ve always said this is my least favourite of the series, but I really got something new from it this time around and I adored it!
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix by J.K. Rowling – 5/5 – Found this a really captivating read and found myself taking things away I hadn’t before. Oh, and I sobbed over Sirius’ death once again!
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling – 5/5 – Beautiful. My 15th time (if not more) reading the series, but I still take more each time I read it and I couldn’t love the series more.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling – 5/5 – Will I cry? Always. I am endlessly grateful for a place to always escape.
- Sweet, Young and Worried by Blythe Baird – 5/5 – I read this with tears in my eyes and a pit in my belly. I felt the fire of anger, the comfort of not being alone, the pain of trauma and the indescribable feeling of hope. I read this and felt a part of me heal and for that I cannot thank Blythe enough. I first discovered her in the depths of my sickness and her poetry keeps me going during the healing. (For note: lots of triggers so be cautious when reading)
- Firing Cheeseballs at a Dog by Greg Davies – 4/5 – Hilarious, as to be expected from Greg.
- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy – 4/5 – Such an open and honest memoir. Really well done. (For note: lots of triggers so be cautious when reading)
- Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed – 5/5 – Incredible. Moving. Inspiring. Such an incredible novel and I highly highly recommend it.
365 days of Char 