I smashed my Goodreads Target! I’ve hit 41 books out of 36. Maybe I aimed a bit low this year…

Here’s what I finished in July –

I read As Kingfishers Catch Fire by Gerard Manley Hopkins, which was a short collection of poetry that had the odd nice piece in but wasn’t my favourite.

The Amazing Story Of Adolphus Tips by Michael Morpurgo was yet another touching war story told around the base theme of an animal. I love his style and always enjoy his stories, even though I usually steer clear of books about war time.

Gold by Chris Cleave. I don’t really know what to say about this, there was just enough story to keep me reading and it was a quick read which helped, but the tone and writing tended to be on the pretentious/literary side which I hated. I liked exactly one character and she was an 8 year old girl, the others felt so stereotyped and obvious that I disliked them all. I worked out the ‘twist’ straight away and didn’t connect with the story much at all. I don’t think I will be looking up any of the authors other books any time soon.

Dreaming The Bear by Mimi Thebo was just wonderful. Heartbreaking, sweet and unusual, the story of a girl and a grizzly bear wasn’t what I expected and was a delight to read. Even if it did make me cry my eyes out in public whilst I read it. (Have tissues nearby, it will hurt.)

IT by Stephen King. This was a marathon – I listened to it as an audiobook as I really enjoy King’s work as audio – however at just over 44 hours long, it took some listening to! I did enjoy it though and it was worth the time.

Notes On A Nervous Planet by Matt Haig – I was supposed to put this to one side to read in August but it never made it to the bookshelf from the letterbox, I started it straight away. Just as good as Reasons To Stay Alive, I really enjoyed it and felt better for reading it.

Bridge To Terabithia by Katherine Paterson was the Smut Club read for July. Apparently my lack of tears shed whilst reading this makes me defective??

Boyband of the Apocalypse by Tom Nicoll – this was actually supposed to be an August read but I finished my July books with time to spare so picked this up early. It’s one of Tori’s books and the first one she has finished, brought down and told me I should read it because she thought I’d like it. I had to read it after that! She was right, I did like it. Really good fun book for, I’d say, anyone aged about 8 and above. We all know boybands are evil (the only logical explanation for their swoony-ness and peculiar power over teenagers) – but Apocalips? They take it to another level and it is up to Sam to save the day… well, actually the world, so no pressure there. Funny, clever, with a twist I didn’t see coming – I am actually looking forward to picking up book two which Tori said was even better!

I also read the first four sections of The Book Of The Year by No Such Thing As A Fish – I was originally intending to read this all this month but it is more of a dip in and out kind of book so I’m going to spread it out over the next couple of months, too.

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Okay, August reads time! The heap I have chosen:

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas – Had it since it came out and now the film is almost here and the hype around it has never gone away. It’s about time I picked it up!

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch – It’s summer, this book is about summer in Italy according to the blurb. Seemed natural to add it to the list.

The Saga Of Gunnlaug Serpent-Tongue (Penguin Little Black Classics #3)  – This month’s Little Black Classic is a Viking saga. I have no idea what to expect at all!

The Other Child by Charlotte Link – This is my borrowed book for August. Murder in Scarborough. Should be fun.

The Little Kiosk By The Sea by Jennifer Bohnet – Again, picked because it looked summery and it is the summer holidays!

The Book Of The Year by No Such Thing As A Fish – As mentioned above, I have made a start on this and plan to carry on dipping in to it over however long it takes to finish it!

Smut Club Book – Whatever that may be!

What have you got on your summer TBR?