What I read in May

Hello everyone,

If you know me at all, you would know the slight obsession I have with reading. Currently, my one bookshelf is overflowing and books are lining the floor, a used bookstore will entertain me for hours, my new favorite thing it to add novels to my TBR on goodreads, and all my savings is kind of going to buying more copies (which I don't have room for). It's becoming a real problem. 

In honor of my love for books, I wanted to share with you all what I've been reading, what I think, and whether you should pick up the book as well. (Check out Chelsea here, her post inspired me to do this). Now May has been a poor reading month for me, since finals and research papers kind of took over my life. I'm now on summer break though, so expect lot's of book rants in the next few months ;) Also, follow me on my goodreads if you interested on seeing what I'm reading on a daily basis.

1.  Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery 

Plot: (Taken from goodreads)

New adventures lie ahead as Anne Shirley packs her bags, waves good-bye to childhood, and heads for Redmond College. With old friend Prissy Grant waiting in the bustling city of Kingsport and frivolous new pal Philippa Gordon at her side, Anne tucks her memories of rural Avonlea away and discovers life on her own terms, filled with surprises...including a marriage proposal from the worst fellow imaginable, the sale of her very first story, and a tragedy that teaches her a painful lesson. But tears turn to laughter when Anne and her friends move  into an old cottage and an ornery black cat steals her heart. Little does Anne know that handsome Gilbert Blythe wants to win her heart, too. Suddenly Anne must decide if she's ready for love.

My Thoughts: 

I grew up watching the wonderful mini series and crushing over the dreamy Gilbert (I was convinced I was going to marry him). Yet, after years of loving and re-watching the movies and fangirling with my best friend, I never thought to read the actual books. Boy did I miss out. I read the first two books earlier this year and adored them, and it continues to give me the warm and fuzzes.

There is nothing more comforting than sitting down and reading about Anne and her life. She is such an enjoyable character and easy to love. Although time always is skimmed by quickly in these books, it really does feel like you went through college with Anne. Reading about Redmond and Patty's Place truly felt like you were right there with Anne and her friends. And darling Davy is so adorable, he reminds me of a younger version of my little brother. I love reading the letters he sends and the interactions he has with Anne.

Did I mention Gilbert? Guys he is the absolute sweetest and Anne is a fool for not realizing that sooner! It broke my heart watching the two go through different relationships for TWO YEARS when everyone reading knew they were destined for each other. The last page though, oh my gosh I was crying from happiness. Never has there been a more beautiful ending to a book. 

I loved this book and I cannot wait to see where all the story progresses as the series continues. I know the books and last movie differ quite a lot, so it will be interesting to see the story as Montgomery intended it to be.

My Rating: 

4/5 stars.

Should You Read It?: 

Of course, but read the first two books first ;)

Favorite Quote: 

"I don't want sunbursts and marble halls. I just want you."

2.  Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Plot: (Taken from goodreads). 

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them.

My Thoughts: 

In 8th grade, I was obsessed with Cassandra Clare's books and read them like wildfire. This was the second time around in reading this book, but I loved it all the same! Clare's writing is so addictive, it's almost impossible to put one of her books down.

The characters in this series are probably the best part. We have our protagonist, Tessa, an outsider to the shadowhunter world who doesn't realize the powers so possesses until shes moves to London. I love her character! Shes shy and unsure of herself at first, but you see her grow so much over the course of just one book. She also loves reading, which always makes the character more relatable. Of course, Clare also included a moody bad boy who lives off of sarcasm and mixed emotions. I have no idea why us females fall for them when it comes to literature, but we do. Will is one of my ultimate YA fictional boyfriends even though he drives me crazy. And then there's Jem. Oh sweet, adorable Jem. The first time I read this series, I didn't understand why everyone loved them, but now I do. He is so kind to Tessa and puts up with Will's crap and I'm kind of falling in love with him too. Plus he plays the violin at nights and dramatically, so what's not to love?

Guys, this book is also set in Victorian England! I love historical fiction, I love fantasy, and I love England. This is basically the perfect book for me. She paints such a wonderful picture of England mixed in with the shadow world. I love how she does it. It's a little but Steampunk, so if you enjoy that genre, you would probably really like this book.

Also, each of the chapters in the book begins with a quote from books or poetry that were read in the time this book was set in. I loved that! It's like a little bit of taste from the era and you get an insight in what Tessa might have read.

My Rating:

5/5

Should You Read It?: 

Yes!! 

Favorite Quote: 

"Inanimate objects are harmless indeed, Mr. Mortmain. But one cannot always say the same of the men who use them"

3.  The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

Plot: (Taken from goodreads). 

A masterpiece of satire, this classic has entertained and enlightened readers the world over with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles, seen from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to "Our Father Below." C.S Lewis gives us the correspondence of the worldly-wise old devil to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon in charge of securing the damnation of an ordinary young man.

My Thoughts: 

C.S. Lewis is such a fantastic author! Everything I read from him is amazing and really makes me think on a deeper level about my faith and walk with the Lord. Reading a book about a devil telling another devil the best ways to tempt humans really opens your eyes and causes you to realize all the ways we do fall. It was quite humbling hearing about are shortcomings and being like, "Oh yeah, I totally do that." How often do we neglect God's calling and instead go watch Netflix, go have lunch, read a book. We are so caught up in life and the mundane things, always being distracted. We have the Bible, the truth that God has given us, yet we are constantly forgetting it and replacing our time and thoughts with other things.

C.S. Lewis has a beautiful writing style! Even in this book being in letter form, it is so good. The tone in which Lewis wrote was quite eerie, but it perfectly fit the character and the story. I loved the way Lewis portrayed the Screwtape and the demon community. Of course most of it was a bit silly and not meant to take seriously, but it was funny thinking there was a college for junior tempters, and what not. And oh my gosh, that last letter sent chills up my spine!! It was a perfect ending.

This was such an eye opening read and wonderful experience! I was able to read it for English and it was so interesting hearing what others thought and piping into the class discussions. Another book added to my favorites list.

My Rating: 

5/5

Should You Read This?: 

Yes! Even if you're not a Christian, it's still a super interesting book and you can learn a lot from it.

Favorite Quote: 

"It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out."

Even though I didn't have the greatest reading month, I loved everything I read so that made up for it. What did you read this month? Have you read any of these books and enjoyed them? Let me know down in the comments below.  

With love,

Elizabeth