Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Title: Insurgent
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: 6th November 2013
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Summary:

Unrest is tearing the long-established faction system apart and the ideologies of those in power is corrupting Tris's family, friends and world.

Haunted by the horrors of the last simulation, Tris must carry on and fight for the right cause, whichever that is.

But will she survive and at what cost?

Review:

Okay so I was not a big fan of the first book in the Divergent series (which you can read here) but I watched the filmed and loved it.

My Madder Fatter Diary Vol. 2 by Rae Earl

I have found my favourite place to read. Only problem - it is approximately 5,000 miles away, on the other side of the world. Doh!

Last week I went to visit my boyfriend who is currently on a Study Abroad placement at California State University: Long Beach. So whilst he was busy in his Physics classes, I was busy reading in the 30 degree heat and sunbathing. Not too shabby if you ask me!

Despite being incredibly tired half the time, I had a really nice time and managed to actually read a book in the peace and quiet. Yay! I even went to Barnes & Noble for the first time - which was HUGE by the way. We ended up playing hide and seek in the aisles. It was my dream bookshop. Amazing.

Title: My Madder Fatter Diary Vol. 2
Author: Rae Earl
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Publication Date: 1st January 2014
Genre: Autobiography, True Story, Humour

Summary:
It is 1990 and Rae Earl is back where she left off with the latest installat
ion of her hilarious diaries.

Review:
I was really excited to start reading this book as I loved, loved, loved the first publication of Earl's diary (my review of My Mad Fat Diary by Rae Earl can be found here).

The sequel was very much the same as the first book, with hilarious events and awkwardness bursting out of the pages. This makes it such an easy read and the perfect book to sit down and pass a couple of hours.

My Mad Fat Diary by Rae Earl

Title: My Mad Fat Diary

Author: Rae Earl
Publisher: Hodder Paperbacks
Release Date: 23rd August 2007
Genre: Autobiography

Summary:
In her youth Rae Earl was a fat, boy-obsessed (and slightly insane) 17-year-old from Lincolnshire. Now a writer, broadcaster and radio presenter; this book is the real-life diary she kept during 1989.

Review:
I am not going to lie but it took me ages to find this book. After searching in the 'Fiction' section of about four different Waterstones; I suddenly realised that it was not a work of fiction and was in fact non-fictional! So I go to the 'Autobiography' section and low and behold; there it is.

I felt extremely blonde, but I think my confusion was justified! I mean, the stuff that happens in this book; it is hard to believe that this all actually happened! It is just too funny!

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

Cover for Penguin Modern Classics edition
(3rd February 2000)

Title: In Cold Blood: A True Account of Multiple Murder and Its Consequences

Author: Truman Capote

Publisher: Signet/ New American Library

Release Date: 1st January 1980 (first published) 

Genre: Non-fiction, Crime

Summary:
Nothing happens in the quite town of Holcomb, Kansas, and why would it? It is the perfect place to live out the American Dream.

However, in 1959, Herbert Clutter, his wife Bonnie, and their children, Nancey and Kenyon, were murdered in their own home.

In Cold Blood documents the killings and the subsequent Police investigation into catching the culprits responsible; Perry Smith and Richard 'Dick' Hickock.

Review:

I read this book during the first year of my English Language and Literature A Level course in sixth form several years ago and, like most set texts, I was dreading it. When I think of set reading for my studies the first thought that comes into my head is; "Oh no. Not another awful, boring text that I have force myself to read and then pretend that I actually like it. Great."

Marley & Me by John Grogan

Title: Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog
Author: John Grogan
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Release Date: 26th July 2007
Genre: True Story, Humour

Summary:
Marley & Me follows the life and loves of the Grogan family and their (extremely) badly behaved dog, Marley. From being a dry-wall-eating puppy, to a training class flunk; Marley is "the world's worst dog!" However, throughout his short life he teaches his owners, and family, what it really means to be alive. Marley & Me is a true account and tribute to a much loved family pet.

Review:
For those of you who do not know me, I LOVE dogs (especially Labradors) so it comes as no surprise that I love this book and every time I read it; I cry like a baby (especially at the ending!).

The book is beautifully written in a relaxed and casual tone and provides the perfect balance of humour and love that portrays how much Marley affected the lives of his family.