What I Read in January
The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery
I started the year with The Little Prince and initially rated it 3*. However after a fortnight I re-rated it as 4*. I did this because the book made a lasting impression on me that surpassed the normal length of thinking about a book after you've read it. I still think about it now after a month. This book is a story I will cherish and pass on to my children (when I have children). It is also great for adults and for those who take themselves too seriously.
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Once 2016 had started I decided to read a series I got for my 21st birthday in April 2015. I like to wait to read books until I know I'm 'in the mood' and it suddenly occurred to me that it was the right time to read Uglies. Once I started this series I found it hard to put the books down, I recommend this series! Uglies was my favourite book in the series and I rated it 4*.
Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
Pretties was the second book in the Uglies series and I loved this book too - giving it a 4* rating on goodreads.com. I was stuck to this book and read it relatively quickly. I loved the characters in Westerfeld's writing as they had great depth and development throughout the story line. The adventure was fun too.
Specials by Scott Westerfeld
After reading Pretties, I ended the original trilogy with Specials. I'm not going to lie - I was disappointed with this one. It was an awful, impersonal ending to the trilogy, of which the first two books were amazing. I felt like this book was rushed and clumsy. I rated it 3* because I loved the other two books - however if this was the first in the series I doubt I would have finished the book - never-mind read the entire series in one month.
Help Me! by Donna M Zadunjsky
Before I read the final book in the Uglies series, I read 'Help Me!' to review for Netgalley.com. Initially, I didn't like the style of writing but I came to realise it was effective and helped to provide me with an in-depth look at the character's lives and stories they had to tell. I rated this book 3* and I don't think I would read it again - However I would definitely recommend this book to those suffering from self-harm, depression, suicidal thoughts and friends of those struggling. There were messages of hope and recovery in this book that would be helpful for those in the situation. This book isn't one to read otherwise though, and I believe Zadunjsky could have done more with her writing to help those in need.
Extras by Scott Westerfeld
Finally, I ended January reading the last book in the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld. I was hoping for great things in this book and I am happy to conclude that it was better than Specials. The story takes place years after the original series, yet Westerfeld effectively links the two times with the reunion of the Cutters and Tally Youngblood. In this book, we have a new set of heroes and a different world. The City they live in is advanced and their currency is reputation. I enjoyed this book and rated it 4*. (Review coming soon) I was sad to finish this series and the ending was abrupt - I wasn't ready for it.
Dolphin Song by Lauren St John
I am concluding January by reading a book that I started months ago and was lent to me by a good friend. Lauren St John writes children's books with inspiring messages in them. She teaches us the value of nature and an appreciation of wildlife that we should never forget. If you love adventure and animals, then these books are definitely for you!
I hope you all had a wonderful January! Keep reading.
I will post my February Top Picks tomorrow. Let me know what you read in January in the comments below. I'd love to see what you've been reading.
Love Charlie, Xx
