8littlebookshelves

    Half way through 2024 and I thought it's been a while since I wrote about book covers. Hence, I reviewed the books I've read so far and made a short list of my favorite covers. Here are my top 5:   1. Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott, Mikki Daughtry, and Tobias Iaconis   This touching novel follows Stella Grant and Will Newman, two teenagers with cystic fibrosis who fall in love while being treated in the same hospital. Despite their mutual attraction, they must maintain a safe distance of five feet to avoid cross-infection. The story explores their struggle with their illness, the rules imposed on them, and their desire to connect, ultimately leading to a heart-wrenching and poignant conclusion. Book Cover This design is so great and yet I can't exactly but my finger on what makes it so great. For one, of course, it is the contrast between a larger dark blue (almost black) background and dark elements such as the roots branching off and, on the other side,...

  "Have you read it yet?" I have been asked this question for some months several times now and finally gave in: I got The Hurricane Wars , the first volume, and read it! So, is it worth all the fuss readers make about it? Here is my opinion (no spoilers) ...   The Story The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon is a riveting debut novel set in a fantastical world ravaged by elemental magic and political strife. The story centers around a young woman, Tala, who discovers her latent powers in a society where such abilities are both a blessing and a curse.  As Tala navigates the dangerous landscape of power dynamics, she encounters a mysterious stranger, Ryker, whose own secrets could change the course of the impending war. Together, they must confront not only the external threats posed by warring factions but also the internal conflicts that arise from their burgeoning relationship and the responsibilities of their respective destinies.   My View Guanzon's The Hurricane Wa...

  It has become a huge bestseller: The Paper Palace is a novel that intricately weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and the complexities of family dynamics and has achieved instant success. So, is it worth reading? Here is my view (no spoilers) ...    Plot Overview The Paper Palace is a debut novel by Miranda Cowley Heller. Set against the backdrop of a rustic summer camp in the woods of Cape Cod, the story revolves around Elle Bishop, a married woman who faces a life-altering decision over the course of a single day.  As she revisits memories of her past, Elle grapples with a haunting incident and the intense relationships that have shaped her life. The narrative shifts seamlessly between the present and various moments from Elle's past, revealing layers of secrets and emotional depth.   Personal Review Miranda Cowley Heller’s The Paper Palace is a beautifully written novel that captures the reader’s attention from the first page. Heller’s prose is lush and e...

      Terry Pratchett, renowned for his unparalleled wit and imagination, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature. Known primarily for his Discworld series, Pratchett's legacy continues to captivate readers with his unique blend of humor, satire, and profound insights into the human condition. Among his many works, A Stroke of the Pen stands out as a recently discovered collection that offers a fresh glimpse into his creative genius.   The Plot (No Spoilers) A Stroke of the Pen is an anthology of previously unpublished short stories that span a variety of genres and themes. Each story is a testament to Pratchett’s versatility as a writer, encompassing fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary satire. While the collection doesn’t follow a single narrative arc, it is united by Pratchett’s characteristic wit and keen observation of the world around him.  The stories range from whimsical tales of magical mishaps to more poignant explorations of huma...

    Of all, you will probably know The Neverending Story , as it is the most famous work of Michael Ende, and you might just know it because of the movie. But: There is so much more and, well, you need to read them! Why? How else would you know what a pseudo giant is, how life time is mastered and distributed or how powerful your imaginations and your dreams are? What all of Michael Ende's works have in common is that they are very unique stories. There are no others like them. They are super creative and as fanciful as books get. Plus, they each mix adventure, the fantastic, profound experience and life wisdom into one epic tale. The stories teem with funny instances and humor, making reading them all the more enjoyable. For instance, one main character meets a gigantic, ancient turtle called Morla, who has an allergy against youth, sneezing so forcefully, the boy almost gets blown into the swamp. I will focus on the three major works (no spoilers). Momo , Jim Button and Luke...

    Looking for something special for your books? A real eyecatcher? Something no one else has? Here are my 5 favorite bookshelf ideas – unique, creative and easy – to do yourself. 1. a plumber's dream: Vintage Pipes   You can get this type of pipes on Amazon (called pipe fitting or pipe joint). They are usually just used for decorative purposes.  Make sure to have some space (not too much) to the wall, so your books will fit nicely. Glue the pipes together with strong metal glue (don't use some other cheap alternative, especially nothing for handicraft work or wood glue). If you want a light bulb that works, you will need to have the wiring done beforehand. Mount the pipe structure by drilling holes and using screw anchors and screws. 2. simple eyecatcher: a Ladder for a Corner   Well, what can I say? Pick a ladder, whatever kind you prefer. Make sure the rails are parallel (not conical) and wide enough for your books. Mount it on the wall. The only thing to pa...

Some might know the novel from school, as a set book, some, being a book worm, might know it simply because they love reading: Either way, To Kill a Mockingbird is a world-famous work of literature. But what makes it so special?   The Story The book was published in 1960 – that’s 64 years from today. And yet, it is still as popular and well-read as ever. One reason for this is that addresses universal topics. So, what is To Kill a Mockingbird about? The story is set in a town in Alabama in the early-mid 1930s, amidst the difficult times of the Great Depression. Jean Lousie Finch is the main character, through whose eyes we experience the unfolding of events. She is six years old and lives with her father, a lawyer, and her older brother. Jean hears of a new client her father is appointed to defend: Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a young white woman, a man, who’s left arm is left useless and crippled after an accident. It becomes apparent that, through th...