I’m linking up with Steph & Jana for Show Us Your Books. It’s been a long time, so I’m going to do my best in recounting these books!
The characters and story were right up my alley. I love a fairytale, especially one I have not heard before, and characters with a mythological feel. I could describe it as a little bit of Neil Gaiman and foreign fairytale.
Slade House by David Mitchell – 4 stars
Ghost story told in multiple, short parts over many years. If you enjoy haunted house stories, you would probably like it. No gore or terrifying bits, just some good, old-fashioned creepiness.
As Old As Time by Liz Braswell – 2.5 stars
I knew this would be stepping out of my normal zone a little, and it wasn’t for me. I wasn’t a big fan of the characters or the new story. To be fair, I also watched Beauty and the Beast (animated) again a couple years ago, and it was hard for me to enjoy it like I did as a kid. Belle used to be my favorite Disney princess, but I think looking through adult eyes, I can’t set aside my adult brain and make it stop complaining.
The Silver Linings Playbook – 4 stars
I loved the movie and I am glad I read the book. I also love that this was set in Philadelphia, because it’s somewhere we used to frequent. The book focuses on Pat as he is dealing with mental illness. If you’re into modern stories about mental illness and family, I recommend it.
I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll – 3.5 stars
A good-enough thriller – a woman on a train watches two girls being flirted with by two young men. The next day, one of the girls has disappeared. The woman feels guilty and also starts receiving threatening letters. Honestly, I read this book several months ago, and sometimes thrillers don’t stick with me. This one was good while I was reading it, but didn’t have me hanging on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Morning Star (Red Rising Saga #3) by Pierce Brown – 4 stars
This is a fantastic series. I always almost give these 5 stars, but it has its lulls and peaks. Also, super violent. I highly recommend if you are into space and Hunger Games style battles.
The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle #1) by Patrick Rothfuss – 5 stars
This is a reread for me – it had been several years since the first time I read it. I still loved it, although I was a little more annoyed by the male perspective and how he views Denna as incredibly perfect and spends way too much time describing her face. Despite that, I love the story, I love Kvothe, and Patrick Rothfuss is a wonderful writer.
The Wise Man’s Fear (The Kingkiller Chronicle #2) by Patrick Rothfuss – 4.5 stars
We learn more about Kvothe! This would probably also be 5 stars, but he spent FOREVER with Felurian. This story traveled outside of the school setting, where the first book was set, and it was nice to read about some new places, new trouble he runs into. I recommend if you love adventure and romance! I hope that one day he will finish the series.
The Silent Sister (Riley MacPherson #1) by Diane Chamberlain – 3.5 stars
Predictable plot, but I was hooked anyway. I like the aspect of uncovering family secrets from the past.
I’m in a thriller mood, lately, but I find all kinds of books I want to read on Show Us Your Books day. Can’t wait to see what everyone has been reading!
Jeans and a Tiara 
I Am Watching You sounds good, adding that to my TBR list. You're the second person currently reading The Couple Next Door so that one's probably finally going on my list, lol.
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I want to read The Name of the Wind someday. I still have to get to the rest of the Red Rising series too – I've only read the first one.
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The Slade House sounds really interesting. Loved the SLP movie, should really read the book!
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A) Welcome back. B) Your house is adorable and I love the artwork in Ellie's room!
Ok, on to books now… I LOVED The Bear and The Nightingale. I got so lost in the story! Adding Slade House to my TBR list now!
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I remember reading The Silent Sister and being hooked on the book, very predictable, but also enjoyable.
I added Slade house to my library list.
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Oh gosh – I LOVED As old As Time – I thought it was so clever 🙂 haha & I'm UBER SUPER picky onBeauty & the Beast books. Proof every book isn't for every one 😉
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oh, can't wait for your thoughts on the couple next door. i am watching you is on my tbr. i really enjoyed the red rising series, though they do have their lulls as you said. yay for the bear and the nightingale! i liked the second and can't wait for the third.
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Oooh I really liked The Couple Next Door–I can't wait to hear what you think!
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The Red Rising series is magnificent. I tore through them.
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I've heard wonderful things about The Bear and the Nightingale; I might have to try it at some point. I'm curious about Slade House – glad you liked it!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
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I enjoyed The Couple Next Door (that sounds weird). I hope you do, too!
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I remember loving Silver Linings Playbook when I read it a few years ago and I’m glad that you liked it too! I keep on hearing great things about the Red Rising series I just haven’t picked up the first book yet. And The Bear And The Nightingale sounds like a book that I’d love! I’ll be interested to hear what you think of The Couple Next Door. It was good but not my favorite thriller that I’ve read.
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Silver Linings Playbook was filmed right around the corner from my office! I'm going to have to look for the book!
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I loved the movie version of The Silver Linings Playbook, and I'd like to read the book eventually. I have several books by that author on my “To Read” list. He seems to write a lot of things that sound really interesting to me, but I always seem to choose other books to read instead.
Slade House sounds interesting. Haunted house stories are really hit or miss for me, but I'll add it to my list and maybe get to it eventually.
I've had The Couple Next Door on my list for a long time, so I'm interested to hear your thoughts once you finish!
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I used to love Diane Chamberlain- been a while since I've read any of her books! I recently bought The Bear and the Nightingale. Need to read it soon!
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The Silent Sister sounds interesting. I haven't read or seen silver linings playbook lol. I need to get to that. The Couple Next door is on my TBR.Interested to see what you think.
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Ooh looking into Slade House and The Name of the Wind. I'm so glad you liked The Bear and the Nightingale. I looooved it so much. My love for it has no bounds. I really enjoyed the sequel, though it is quite different in setting. 🙂 I love the movie Silver Linings Playbook, I need to read it though! XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
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