Our shy, but enthusiastic, bookworms at Northland QBD have some great reading suggestions for you this week- just perfect to add to your Summer reading list!
Raising Stony Mayhall by Daryl Gregory:
Raising Stony Mayhall offers up an unexpected and refreshing take on the zombie genre.
Stony is just a normal boy growing up in a house full of girls, normal, except for the fact that he’s not alive.
There were times while reading this book that I felt like I was reading someone’s real life story. when I could completely overlook the fact that he was zombie, when I saw him for the person he was, regardless of his grey skin.
It’s a story about family; about being a kid, before kids were wrapped up in cotton wool; and about the human condition and what makes us tick, or not tick, as the case may be; but all the while maintains its sense of humour. A great read for those who love zombies, as well as those who don’t know what they think about zombies, and maybe need to see more of the human side in the “monsters”. – Steph (Store 2IC)
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas:
For breaking the treaty, Feyre is forced to remain a prisoner on Tamlin’s estate in the faerie lands for the rest of her life. But are the fae all that she has been led to believe? And what is this shadow that is creeping over their lands?
This re-telling of Beauty and the Beast is an amazing story that gives us characters to love, hate, mistrust, misunderstand and cheer for. I was so impressed by this story that I couldn’t put it down. Literally. I read it in one go. Sarah J Maas pieces this fairy tale together so beautifully that you’re drawn in from the first page. Upon finishing the book, all I could think was “Wow, brilliantly done”. It immediately became my favourite version of this fairy tale.
Whether you’re a fantasy reader or just like a good adventure, this is a must read. And when you’re done with this you can read her Throne of Glass series. You’ll love those just as much as this one. Happy Reading. – Deanna
Me Before You by JoJo Moyes:
This book is everything you could ask for in a book and more. From the moment I started reading it, I did not want to put it down. “Me Before You” follows the story of Louisa, who lands a job as a care assistant to a wealthy but very angry man named Will, who has spent the last two years as a quadriplegic after a motorbike accident. Will has given up on life but Louisa is determined to change that. The plot contains a number of surprises and will leave you with a tornado of feelings by the end of it. It’s thought provoking, heart wrenching and so well written. Definitely one of my favourites! – Maria
The Ecliptic by Benjamin Wood:
This book centres around ‘Portmantle’, a retreat on a reclusive Island designed for great artists to produce their final masterpiece in seclusion from society. Portmantle offers respite from the distractions of every day life that may hinder the progression of their project. This novel is written beautifully and tells a story of friendship, love, loss, madness and obsession. This is a great novel that is very different from anything else I’ve read. I would, and do, recommend it to everyone. – Zena
Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica:
Pretty Baby is the latest psychological thriller from Mary Kubica. It is beautifully written and incredibly engrossing. I loved it!
Heidi Wood is a social worker with a kind heart. While commuting to work Heidi notices a dishevelled teenage girl clutching a filthy, miserable baby. After seeing the pair more than once, Heidi approaches the girl — who gives her name as Willow Greer — and invites her to a local diner for a meal..From here the story really begins..Who is this “Willow”? Where did she come from? Will she tear Heidi’s world apart? How far would you go to help out a perfect stranger?
If you liked “Gone Girl” or “The Girl on the Train” you will love this! – Naomi
The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall:
The Russian Concubine is one of my all-time favourites. It is a historical fiction set in the late 1920’s. The story begins in Russia when the Tsars are being deposed and the communists are taking over, and the women and children are sent to a refugee village in China. China, too, is undergoing a huge change; Mao is coming into power. The book is about Lydia and her struggles to survive this dangerous place while caring for her mother.
I found it a gripping, unputdownable book, with both a sequel (The Concubine’s Secret) and a Prequel (The Jewel Of St. Petersburg). It rivals The Bronze Horseman trilogy and I think surpasses it for its excitement and compelling story.
I have read other books by Kate Furnivall and never been disappointed. She is gifted in her craft and customers I have sold to agree and come back for more. – Robyn
