If there is one thing that I have always loved, that would be reading.



There is something about a good book that transports you. It lets you see the world through another person's eyes, in places and situations that you would most likely not experience on your own skin.

This year I made a plan to read as much as possible. I spent the better part of the last five years with my nose stuck in a textbook (as you can imagine, those aren't quite as interesting!).

So far I've made some really good progress, and for that reason, I thought I would share with you some of my favourites.

I've also added my overall rating of the books - out of five ♡

♡the Alchemist, Paolo Coelho

This is the first of Paolo's books that I have read, and it is arguably the most well known.

The Alchemist was one of the most unique books I have ever read, and really provoked so many questions within me. Coelho's writing style is so different, it is almost spiritual - but without making any specific references to religion. I found this aspect so mesmerizing. The story is really full of wisdom.

The theme of this book is about having a dream (your personal legend), and working towards that dream. There will be obstcales in your way, people who will try to take advantage of you, and you will even be faced with self doubt. All of these experiences should not be taken as setbacks, but as pieces of the puzzle that will guide you to achieving your hopes and dreams.

Overall Rating: ♡♡♡♡♡

♡THe fault in our stars, john green

I have to admit that I cheated a little bit on this one, as I had already seen the movie prior to reading this book. However, this usually doesn't spoil the fun for me, and it definitely didn't with this book.

Gus and Hazel's story is really such a sweet one. Even though both characters are fighting their own battles, they really do remain just regular teenagers, and I found myself forgetting that they were sick. This must have been what John was aiming for, and he did this so well.

Stories like this remind me to savour each day, to not "sweat the small stuff" and to always seek and do whatever makes you happy. I really wish I was more like Augustus, and that I had his ability to spread such enthusiasm about life to all those around me.

Although the story is very sad when you think about it as a whole, I found this book so wonderful and uplifting. Even at the end, I was smiling through my tears.

Overall Rating: ♡♡♡

♡me before you, jojo moyes

I recently discovered Jojo Moyes, after reading the Girl you Left Behind. After finishing that book in less than a week, I knew that I had to see what else Jojo Moyes had to offer.

In essence,  this story is quite similar to the Fault in Our Stars. However, I would say this is more of a mature book just based on the characters and story line.

This is definitely an a-typical love story, in that Louisa and Will aren't exactly Cinderella and Prince Charming. In fact, they are worlds apart. They don't even like each other at the beginning of the story. However, this does make for some pretty entertaining conversations (with most of the jabs coming from Will).

Louisa really showed Will what life was about. She showed him how to be happy again despite all the struggle, and that was the greatest gift she could have given him.

I am a lover of happy endings, and I think this a-typical love story had the best a-typical "happy" end possible.

Overall Rating: ♡♡♡

♡A Thousand splendid suns, khaled hosseini

This is a fantastic book, a truly inspirational one.

This story follows two different women, Mariam and Laila, and how their lives suddenly become intertwined. Their journey is one of love, resilience and a never-dying hope for a life that they once lived.

The best way to describe this book is powerful. Mariam and Laila are such powerful women despite all of the horrible things they endure. Their lust for life never dies regardless of their bleak prospects.

Khaled Hosseini really paints the picture of his novels so incredibly well. His words are filled with emotion, and although these emotions are usually very difficult ones, he conveys them in such a moving manner that really connects you to the characters.

From the first to the last page of this book, I found myself gasping, crying, smiling, and raising my fists in the air as I knew that Mariam and Laila would triumph.

Overall Rating: ♡♡♡♡♡

♡THE GIRL YOU LEFT BEHIND, JOJO MOYES

Have any of you read these books? What were your thoughts - I would love to hear them.

If you have any recommendations for me, I'm always search for another good read!