Review | Books ♡ October/November

Books have never played a big role in my life. I always find myself having troubles with choosing a book and when I finally do have a book, I sometimes just forget that I'm reading it, and when the story isn't exciting enough from the beginning I just put it away and leave it on a shelf to catch some dust.. 

BUT, a few weeks ago I thought to myself: "why just not start reading again" and I decided to pick up some books and this time I would keep reading even if the first five pages aren't that appealing. So let me give you a quick overview of what I have been reading since then. (Disclosure: I am in no way experienced in giving proper reviews so bear with me as I just let you know what I think.) 

KITCHEN - Banana Yoshimoto

"Kitchen is the story about Mikage, a young woman who is left without family after her grandmother's death. She moves in with a young man (whom she barely knows) and his transsexual mother. Death, loneliness and love are the main themes in this story, just as in Moonlight Shadow, the second story in this book." 

I bought this book for two main reasons which may seem a little stupid; 1) it's written by a Japanese (and because I'm studying Japanese it appealed to me), 2) it was dirt cheap, I got it for just €1,-. 

After reading it, I can't really say whether I like it or not. The book was really well written and easy to read, but it lacked something. Normally I like my books to build up to some kind of climax where all bits and pieces fall into place and everything becomes clear, but this book doesn't really have that. Especially the first story is more or less a description of Mikage's life without anything substantial happening. Fortunately, the second story does have a moment supreme, but I won't tell you because I don't want to spoil it! 

So I'd say that this book was easy to read, but I'm not sure if I would read anything more of Banana Yoshimoto. 

HAVEN OF OBEDIENCE - Marina Anderson 

"Twenty-something Londoner Natalie Bowen is envied by many, but her personal life is a disaster. Men can't cope with her career succes and Natalie thinks she'll never find real happiness. 

Then she hears about an exclusive weekend retreat called The Haven, a place that specialises in introducing people to pleasures they could never have imagined. Shocked at the idea, but unable to resist finding out more, Natalie decides it's time to put her fears behind her. 

Once at The Haven, Natalie meets the enigmatic and disciplined Simon, a man who is used to getting what he wants. And Natalie may very well have met her match..."

On the front of this book is a sticker that says: "Devoured Fifty Shades?" Well yess, I actually have! So I was super excited to read the book, but it turned out to be quite a disappointment. I got the feeling that miss Anderson just wanted to profit from 'Fifty Shades's' success. There was a lot of sex, and when I say a lot, I mean A LOT! Now, I don't mind the frequency, but the book just lacked sexual tension. The main character, Natalie, is forced to have sex with complete strangers.. and she does it.. without much hesitation. Err.. isn't that a little weird? In Fifty Shades fireworks were basically shooting from every page, the main characters were longing for each other so bad! But in this book? Hardly. 

Such a disappointment this book was.. :( 

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS - John Green

"Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten."

I bought this book because there was such a craze about it. After hearing so many positive things about both the book and the movie. I decided to buy it and give it a try. I haven't finished it yet, but my expectations are high! I also haven't seen the movie yet, so don't spoil it for me, please!! 

Until now I really like this book, I feel like Hazel has a similar character to mine and the way that Augustus is portrayed makes me smile a lot.
I can't wait to read more of it! But again, please people.. don't spoil it for me! :D

Do you have any suggestions on books I should read? 

Which books did you really like? 

I'd love to know!

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