A funny and sometimes harrowing autobiography of a British comedian/actress! We loved watching This Country on BBC so it was interesting to hear all about Daisy‘s (difficult) journey into acting! Many laugh out loud moments along the way too ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Having read (and loved) ‘The Radleys‘ by Matt Haig, I always recommend him as an author. I realised I should probably read some more of his books to back up that recommendation 😂 I adored the concept of this book - who wouldn‘t love a library full of alternate life choices you could‘ve made to experience before death? However, I must admit, I wasn‘t totally convinced by the execution of the story. Still, enjoyable and soon to be a film!

After reading the Tattooist of Auschwitz last year, I was keen to read the next book by the same author ‘Cilka‘s Journey‘. This was another harrowing account of the atrocities that occurred, and it is so easy to forget whilst reading that this really happened. An important reason to continue educating ourselves! I didn‘t find this quite as captivating as the previous book, although will certainly read the next book by the author. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

A heartwarming story about a 12 year old boy searching for some answers when his dad reveals a secret 🌈 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

This might be the quickest I‘ve ever flown through a book! Certainly not for anyone who is squeamish 💉. I found it a very entertaining, interesting and eye-opening read about the life of a junior doctor working in the NHS. Whilst it‘s very clear that (as we are already aware) the NHS is seriously underfunded, I tried to keep an open mind that this was just one person‘s account of their experience. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

A harrowing story about the relationship between a mum on death row and her daughter, who tries to maintain a life full of secrets.
Despite the heavy going subject of the book, I found this a very easy story to read and I was in floods of tears by the end. I felt so emotionally invested! This is the author‘s only book - I really hope she writes more!
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When I first looked at this book, I made a snap judgement that it wasn‘t for me. I assumed it was going to be heavily historical and far from my usual choice. Oh. My. How wrong I was - this was such a beautiful book, story, journey... all about erasing memories and binding them in books. After the first 100 pages, I was totally invested. I‘m almost crying at how beautiful it was and I‘ll definitely re-read one day. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

A very well written children‘s book about a school bully who becomes entangled in a mystery involving a thief in London. It tackles homelessness in a child friendly (but still very hard hitting) way and has left me feeling deflated but equally inspired to do more for those who find themselves on the streets. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

After what feels like both the longest and shortest year ever, we got dealt yet another blow from the UK government yesterday regarding Christmas. Still, we hope that this is in the best interests of the country and stay at home to protect others. After spending the last 3 months in a classroom of 30 children without wearing PPE, it‘s horrible that I now can‘t go and visit my family at Christmastime. Thank god for books 💜

Been trying to avoid bailing on this one all week...but I‘m just not feeling it! 144 pages in and I‘m not remotely invested in the story. One for another time, perhaps!

Wow wow wow I loved this book so much. Based on the tale of Baba Yaga this story will transport you to so many dreamlike places. It follows the journey of a girl who desperately wants to break free from her destiny of guiding the dead to the afterlife so she can experience what it means to be ‘living‘. By the end I was fully on board with the idea of houses having chicken legs... 😂. Such a beautiful book! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I found this a quick and enjoyable read albeit lacking any true depth. It lightly covers some important racial issues and had a few funny moments but is one that will be going to the charity shop rather than staying on my bookshelf. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Wondering why my 15 yr old self decided to get rid of all my Harry Potter books! 10 years later and I‘ve started buying and reading them again (although I much prefer the original covers)! I am loving reliving them though and enjoying the magical experience as a light relief from this mad reality we are experiencing at the moment!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Struggling to find the words to describe this one. I sat through countless history lessons when I was younger and even visited a concentration camp in Berlin but reading this left me feeling naive and has urged me to further my understanding of the atrocities in WW2. An absolutely heartbreaking and uncomfortable true story of a Jewish man who tattooed thousands of prisoners' arms in Auschwitz with their identification number. A must read ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"How many individuals does it take before it's not the individuals who are prejudiced but society itself?"

I remember lots of people at school reading this book over 10 years ago but for some reason I never gave it a go! So glad I finally read it and I am eager to read the whole series. A very poignant YA book about racial inequality.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What a beautiful book this was!

Edward is the sole survivor of a plane crash and has to deal with the life that he is left with. The story alternates between his life post-crash and 'real-time' narrative from the airplane pre-crash.

It shows the connections that we as humans share and how important it is to hold your loved ones close.

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*Trigger warning*

This book deals with the disturbing premises of sexual abuse by an English teacher to his underage pupil. It is told from the viewpoint of the pupil, Vanessa, who grapples with the feelings that have occupied years of her life.

'Enjoy' isn't the right word for this book - it may be fiction, but the reality is that abuse is real and it's a very difficult subject to read about. The book was written eloquently and poetically ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Don't judge a book by its cover....at least that's what I usually tell myself!

This beautiful cover is one of the only reasons I ordered this on Amazon (bad I know). It's a different kind of story to what I would naturally choose but hoping that's a good thing! Excited to get stuck in.

Has anyone else read this one?

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My second Stephen King novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Johnny Smith is involved in a serious accident and remains in a coma for years. When he wakes up, he has a strange new power to see into people's lives when he touches them. With this comes great pain and responsibility. 🔮
A really fascinating read..the only reason it's 4 stars is there were 100 pages or so in the last third of the book which I felt lacked the same oomph.

Well, I LOVED this. I found it an easy, quick read and really appealed to my love of psychological thrillers.

It's written from the perspective of Joe Goldberg who falls in love(?!) with Beck. But his love goes a little too far into the realms of obsession..

The only con for me with this was I hate watching tv/films before the book as I then find it near on impossible forming my own interpretation of the characters. Is that just me? 🤦🏼‍♀️

It's fair to say this whole lockdown thing is going to be tough mentally. I am struggling to concentrate on a book at the moment with so many other thoughts wizzing through my head and it's only day 4!
I am, however, grateful for the ☀️ and a beautiful green space to enjoy it in. And for the NHS staff and everyone one else working frontline, thank you 🌈

1. In the UK, things are uncertain and confusing at the moment. I feel anxious, but working as a teacher I know I just need to take each day as it comes! My other half is also classed as vulnerable due to his health condition and meds he's on, but as a teacher as well he has to keep calm & carry on!
2. Fortunately, yes 😂 we buy a 24 pack so still have 8 left!
3. None
4. How to Stop Time by Matt Haig
5. The F Word

#randosurvey
@laurenslibrary

After an intensely romantic week together, Sarah and Eddie both declare their love for one another. But then Eddie disappears and makes no contact, and Sarah is left wondering what dark secret he may have...

An easy read but with enough twists and interesting aspects to the plot to make it enjoyable!

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Four friends embark on a hike together but it all turns very nasty and extremely creepy! I'm a wimp at heart but secretly (not so secret now) enjoyed this one. It goes from being fairly normal with a hint of horror to just plain messed up. Not sure I could handle the film adaptation though! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rosa is unexpectedly gifted a derelict corner shop in sleepy Devon miles away from her mundane life in London...

This was an easy, quick read which at first I struggled to enjoy. I found the writing style a little basic meaning the depth of characters lacked a little. But overall an enjoyable story and I can definitely see it becoming a film in the near future!

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Got this book for Christmas and really really wanted to love it. The way it was written was beautiful but I think maybe stories based on Greek mythology just aren't for me! Personally found it too slow paced and too many short encounters with characters that made the relationships hard to invest in. I did enjoy the first few chapters and final few chapters the most though.
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What if women had all the power?

This book was loaned to me by a friend and I must admit, it's not one from the blurb that I would have chosen myself. However, from the outset the concept really gripped me and it was very different from my usual type of book.

I loved it.

At times I felt I wasn't quite following the story 100% but overall it was a fantastic read and such an intriguing idea - a book that really gets you thinking.

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Loved it. This was a really fun read and not my conventional type of book. The chapters are short and the story is fast-paced and engaging! There's more to the Radley's than meets the eye...

Last night of our holiday and I've made it about half way through this one. Absolutely loving it so far - glad I acted on the man in Waterstones recommendation!

Finding any moment on holiday to read a few more pages of this. Not sure how I feel about the story at the moment but still around half way to go ☀️

Have totally neglected my love of reading after a long year of teacher training. Now that's complete, it's time to rekindle my love! Starting with Little Fires Everywhere 🔥

What are people's thoughts on audio books?
I downloaded one to listen to in the car as I now have a longer commute in the morning, but so far am struggling to enjoy it as much as sitting down and reading a physical book. 🚗📚

Two new books have arrived at once and I am torn between which one to start first! Any recommendations?

So..I raided a charity shop today to get 1 or 2 books for holiday and ended up with a few more. I'm already reading Eleanor Oliphant but it's due back at the library soon so was extremely handy that I found it for £1.50!
Any thoughts on which two books I should take with me?? ☀️☀️☀️

Starting this today... let's see if it lives up to all the hype!

I loved the premise of this book. It explored the fascinating concept of reincarnation which is not a topic I would usually look for in a book! However, I did feel there was something lacking in the plot and I felt a sense of incompleteness when I'd finished reading. The exploration of one of the character's aphasia seemed a little rushed and out of place 6/10

Starting off a new book whilst the other half watches England v Nigeria. The last book I read (The End of the World Running Club) was absolutely fab and so different from what I usually read. Here's hoping I enjoy this one just as much ⚽️📚

I am absolutely loving this book. Very different from my usual choices but I am whizzing through it and never want it to end! Who knew the end of the world could feel so realistic! 9/10 🏅

I am struggling to get into this...What do you guys do when a book just isn't gripping you? I am loathed to give up in case I miss out!! 😔

Lots of characters to get to grips with, but very addictive once you do so. Not overly convinced with the way the book ended but I'd definitely recommend giving it a read! 7/10 📚

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” - favourite quote, from my favourite book.

I am a sucker for reading the bad reviews before I even start a book, and I definitely approached this book with a huge preconception that I was going to be disappointed. I have to agree that it isn't as strong as 'Gone Girl', however, I found it easy to read and it had all the components of a good psychological thriller. I was never bored whilst reading it. I found the ending far too abrupt which I think really let the story down. 6/10