STARTING: Wolf of the Plains by Conn Iggulden

Figured I might as well tell you what I'm starting immediately, or I'll have finished it before I put it up here like last time! Another suggestion from DB :)

STARTED and already FINISHED: Let The Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist

So, I started and finished a book before I even posted about it on here, this is mostly because I spent the weekend at DB's house and he doesn't have internet, and also I travel 5 hours each way by train to get there. Plenty of reading time!

So I tried to read this book about four years ago when the Swedish film adaptation came out (which is pretty much perfection by the way, ignore the english language remake) and it was too dark for me, too complex I think, but I figured I should give it another try. I really really enjoyed it.

There was far more going on in the book than in the film, far more characters with complex relationships, and it felt like just the right amount. The story wasn't just VAMPIRE, it was politics and relationships and childhood and loss all bundled into one beautiful, if not disturbing at times, package.

I'm very impressed but I don't want to spoil the book or the film for anyone so I'll stop here. But it was great, and I really enjoyed reading it.

9/10

FINISHED: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler (no spoilers)

This book chewed me up and spit me out. It was beautiful and heartbreaking and just... everything you needed in a book about a break up.

Min (short for Minerva...) is our main character, she likes old movies at her local independent cinema, spending time with her friend Al, baking... other things.
We follow her relationship with the popular Ed Slaterton through a letter she is writing to him after their break up.

It is beautifully written, cutting between the past and the present in the way that a letter of this nature would. The illustrations are gorgeous (I think I may have to buy the hardback to appreciate them fully) and really add to the story.

Handler writes Min so well, you identify with her immediately, feel what she feels, recognise in your own life things that have happened to her.

I was so impressed with this book, it was almost unrecognisable from 'A Series of Unfortunate Events', as it should be. I hope he continues to write for older readers.

If anything, the story was a bit predicable, but I think that was partly the point, that Min should have seen it all coming and ended the relationship long before they did. So impressed if rather bereft.

9/10

Currently Reading: Why We Broke Up

I'm about 60-something% through this book and I really like it.
I won't say too much as I expect to do a detailed review once I've finished, but I like the letter style, I like the adorable illustrations (which may lead me to buy it in hardback form) and I like the main character. She reminds me of myself, which isn't always a good thing, but here I feel like it is.

Let's just say it's going well and I don't think it will be too long before I give you a full review!

STARTING: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

I'm really sorry to break this to you all, but Lemony Snicket isn't real person. In reality he is Daniel Handler. And he has a new YA book out. So naturally I had to read it.

I've been waiting for it to come out in ebook format as the hardcover was expensive and it has finally arrived, although if I really like it I will probably shell out for the physical version as it is truly beautiful to look at.

Meet back here soon for a full review?