Oh lord, I am so excited about the new Maggie Stiefvater book, which now has a cover and a title, and what a cover! So gorgeous! I’m not sure how I’m going to survive the wait until 17th September.

Now the library would be fabulous all on it’s own. It’s a place dedicated to books and reading, what’s not to love? But what makes our library extra special is our fabulous librarian, Kate. She is helpful and full of knowledge and always greets my son by name. One of the reason he loves going to library is to see her.

Today a part of the celebration of National Libraries Day there was this display. To encourage reading outside of your comfort zone.

So as well as picking up Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple, I also picked up this. So exciting!

Inside was this.

Long Live the Library!

What’s your local library like? Do you love it?

I loved this book, so much, so much. It’s a book about love and how it can save you and free you. You can read my review here. 

I know it’s not going to be to everyone’s taste (please don’t tell me if you don’t like it, it will hurt my heart), but if you’d like to give it a try, just leave a comment below. Extra entry if you post about the giveaway on Twitter.

Open to where ever the Book Depository Ships

I’ll randomly pick a winner on the 28th.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

My Ten Must read books in 2013. 

As I was searching my bookcase in search of distraction and solace, my eye fell on THE DEMON’S SURRENDER by Sarah Rees Brennan – oh yes I thought. I download the first book (THE DEMON’S LEXICON) onto my Kindle and I was off. I gobbled up all three books and then I flew through the rather fantastic short stories on Sarah Rees Brennan’s web site (find them here). I loved revisiting this series so much that I thought I’d share my thoughts.

Okay, firstly I have a CONFESSION ~

The first time I read (or rather listened, I had the first two books on audio) to THE DEMON’S LEXICON I was underwhelmed.

I mean, I liked it. It centres around the Ryves Brother, Nick and Alan, who are on the run from magicians and demons. I loved the magic and the demons and the world building, and I adored Mae and Jamie, siblings, who come to Nick and Alan for help. But I had a major problem.

I hated Nick. Hated him.

I kept wondering why no one had pointed out to Sarah Rees Brennan that her pov character was an ass. Sure, I thought, have him be an ass, but why is this book not told from Alan perspective (I LOVED Alan from his first line) or Mae’s (she’s fab), or even Jamie’s (he’s funny).

 Why Nick? Why? WHY?

Then I got to the last quarter of the book and realised Sarah Rees Brennan is a GENIUS. This was Nick’s story and could have been told from no one’s POV but Nick’s. Everything fell into place perfectly at the end. When I re-read it, I had a much better opinion of Nick and because I knew the plot there were so many tiny moments I caught and appreciated. If any book deserves a re-read it is THE DEMON’S LEXICON.

So I laughed and cried my way through Book 1 and moved straight onto THE DEMON’S COVENANT. Which was originally my favourite. Told from Mae’s point of view it still centres around the same characters; Nick and Alan (or those Ryvee boys as I like to think of them) Mae and her brother Jamie. I won’t say much about the plot as I’d hate to spoil it. I’ll just say Mae is one of my all time favourite fictional characters, from her pink hair, to her witty remarks, to her refusal to be bossed around and told what she can and can’t do, to her t-shirts, to her complete loyalty to her brother. I LOVE Mae.

Which meant when I originally read Book 3, I was slightly miffed Mae was no longer centre stage. THE DEMON’S SURRENDER is told from Sin’s POV. Sin is the heir apparent of the Goblin Market and had a small part in the previous books and I liked her, but I did feel a little Why Ms Rees Brennan? Why have you taken away Mae? WHY?

On the re-read, however, I discovered, again, that Sarah Rees Brennan is a GENIUS (I’ll never doubt her). I think I may love Sin even more than Mae and seeing Mae’s story through Sin’s eyes was actually better, I’m not sure I’d have liked to have been in Mae’s head during some points of this book. Plus Sin is such a fabulous, strong, determined character and her story was great, especially the love story element which made me all swoony.

So, I guess what I am trying to say is that second time around the THE DEMON’S LEXICON series is even better. If you have’t read it definitely run out and get it. If you need further convincing some favourite (spoiler free) quotes.

“Hi Nick,” he said, and after a pause, “Well , that’s right, I sent you a text. If you insist on killing people with paintbrushes you have to get the Tube home. Those are my rules. I consider them harsh but fair.” The Demon’s Surrender)

“Sometimes when you pull knives on people, they get this impression that you’re going to hurt them, and then they’re completely terrified. Crazy, I know!”
“Okay,” said Nick. He turned to Jamie and popped his left sheath again. “Look.”
Jamie backed up. “Which part of “completely terrified” did you translate as “show us your knives  Nick? Don’t show us your knives, Nick. I have no interest in your knives.” (The Demon’s Covenant)

“After my dad died, I looked everywhere for someone to love me. I used to sit on the bus and watch people, see if they looked kind, try to make them smile at me. I had a hundred dreams about a hundred different people, loving me.” (The Demon’s Covenant)

“Do you see any deal breakers for you here?” she asked. “In the longterm? because I was thinking about-the long term.” . . .

. . .”I don’t have deal breakers,” Alan said. “I look on tempests and am never shaken.” (The Demon’s Surrender)

And finally my favourite line “I missed you,”Nick raged.

Finally thought, if they ever make movies of these books, and they should, Ben Whishaw would make an excellent Alan.

Which would be super lovely of you 🙂

The one that has my heart

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. Actually a re-read but still the best book I read this year.

The one that made me burn the midnight oil

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

The one that lived up to the hype

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

The one that was a brilliant follow up

Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead.

The one that is the start of something special

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

The one that I am still thinking about

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

The one my friend(s) wrote

The Right and the Real by Joelle Anthony and The Almost Truth by Eileen Cook – gosh my friends write terrific books!

The one that made me rush out and buy all the authors other books

The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

The one that was a big surprise

I’ve Got Your Number by Sophia Kinsella – I really didn’t like the shopaholic series, but this was brilliant and incredibly funny.

The one I can’t wait for everyone to read 

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Here’s part two of my favourite couples of 2012. For those of you unfamiliar with the Christmas Countdown, it began in 2009 and was originally a countdown of my favourite romantic pairings. I am a big fan of happily ever after. But in 2010 I changed the rules ~ just so I could include Sarah Rees Brennan’s brilliant brothers Ryves – Nick and Alan ~ and now a couple simple means two people  whose relationship I adore.

So without further ado my Top Five Couples of 2012

Number 5 – Lucy and Shadow from Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Two perspectives, one night ~ graffiti, poetry, past heartbreaks, new adventures, danger, friendship and new beginnings. I could not love this couple or this book more. Absolutely fabulous!

Number 4 – Verity and Maddie from Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

The first non-romantic couple to appear this year. Oh how I loved them. This book is simply amazing and the friendship between Verity and Maddie is so well done and stayed with me long after I closed the book. It’s absolutely perfect.

Number 3 – Kami and Jared from Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

If Sarah Rees Brennan has a book out, it is pretty much guaranteed that she will be on this list. I LOVE how she writes relationships, be they fraternal, romantic or, as in this case, slightly odd. Kami and Jared can hear each others thoughts, which is not as romantic as you might think, but does lead to a wonderful story.

Number 2 – Gansey and Adam and Ronan and Noah. . . and Blue too, actually, from The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Oh my the friendship, the loyalty, the ties that bind in this book! It is an incredible feat. The connections Maggie Stiefvater draws between these characters, you can feel the weight of the history in their friendship, and when Blue joins the fabulous four, you can see the beginnings of friendship and understanding too.  Absolutely fabulous. I can’t wait to see how these friendships evolve.

Number 1 – Eleanor and Park from Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Only something completely amazing could knock my beloved Raven Boys from the top spot. And Eleanor & Park is amazing. I absolutely adore these two. This novel got under my skin, the same way The Scorpio Races did (Puck and Sean were my No.1 couple last year) and I can’t heap enough praise on it.

That’s it then, the couples Christmas Countdown of 2012. It’s been another good year for YA couples.

Please do tell me your favourites

Usually the beginning of December marks the Couples Christmas Countdown here at Not Enough Bookshelves. This year I have been a very lazy blogger and so unorganised! But it wouldn’t be Christmas without a countdown! Even a very short one. So although there are no guest posts and I’m squeezing 5 couples into a post, I do hope you enjoy the 2012 Couples Christmas Countdown. Hopefully it will be back with a vengeance in 2013!

NB- There are spoilers as to who ends up with who in a book, so if you hate that, click away now!

Such a good book, with such an excellent narrator in Cas. And while the human falls for ghost aspect may not be new, throw in the twist that the ghost murders everyone who enters her home and the human has come to kill her and you have a compelling story.

A sidekick couple, but such a fabulous one. I have adored watching them get together and in Days of Blood and Starlight they provide much needed affection, fun and hope. Plus the three quests!

Number 8- Julie and ? Flat Out Love by Jessica Parks

A little cheat on this one, but I really don’t want to spoil it for anyone, working out who Julie should be with is half the fun of this delightful book. All I will say is – can a relationship built on emails, facebook status updates, and texts stand up in real life?

Number 7 – Jamie and Trent from The Right and The Real by Joelle Anthony

Ah, relationships that start over a cup of coffee always go well I think. This one is sweet as sugar.

Number 6 – Elliot and Kai from For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Past betrayals, a lot of crossed wires and antagonism, and THAT letter make this one of my favourite relationships of the year!

Come back tomorrow for couples 1-5? And please do tell me the couples you have loved this year.

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.

This is not that world.

Art student and monster’s apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she’ll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope.

But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream? (from Goodreads)

I closed 2011 with Daughter of Smoke and Bone and was utterly enthralled by it. It ended on such a cliff hanger that I immediately pre-ordered Days of Blood and Starlight. When it finally came I settled down, hoping to be swept away again.

And I was. The writing is as addictive as ever and I was happy to revisit well known characters. Despite it’s heft I gulped this book down in two sittings. The last quater I read at break neck speed, Laini Taylor is a master at upping the tension.

The narrative is split between Karou and Akiva and they are both is dark places, both physically and mentally. I was so sad for both of them. They are locked into situations they wouldn’t have chosen, especially Karou, but with no clear idea how they can possibly change things. It was quite a relief when Karou’s old friends Zuzanne and Mik turn up. They brought some much needed laughter, love and friendship with them. They are the hope in this book and I loved them.

I absolutely recommend this book if you’ve started the trilogy, it ends at an even bigger cliff hanger and I’m dying to see how things wrap up. But while I was certainly swept up in the lives of the characters it isn’t the easiest read. There is a lot of darkness in this book and because the writing is so vivid it’s tough to read. There was a scene where my stomach actually rolled, and I had to put the book down and take deep breaths.

Days of Blood and Starlight is addictive and gorgeously written, with brilliant characters and a fantatsic plot. It held my attention and transported me to the characters world, but it wasn’t the magical read Daughter of Smoke and Bone was. In the end I would have liked a little more starlight and a little less blood.

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore. (from goodreads)

Jamie should have known something was off about the church of the Right and the Real from the start, especially when the Teacher claimed he wasn’t just an ordinary spiritual leader, but Jesus Christ, himself. But she was too taken by Josh, the eldest son of one of the church’s disciples, and his all-American good looks. Josh is the most popular boy at school too, and the first boy outside the drama geeks to give Jamie a second look. But getting her Dad involved in a cult was not part of the plan when she started dating Josh. Neither was her dad’s marriage to the fanatic Mira, or getting kicked out, or seeing Josh in secret because the church has deemed her persona non grata.

Jamie’s life has completely fallen apart. Finding her way back won’t be easy, but when her Dad gets himself into serious trouble, will Jamie be ready to rescue him, and maybe even forgive him? (from Goodreads)





The Right and The Real is such a fabulous book, I loved it. It’s fast paced, action filled, funny, and has wonderful characters.

I want to say that the premise belongs firmly in the realm of fantasy, but unfortunately the church of The Right & The Real feels all too possible. Things never become too dark because Jamie remains on the outside of the church and  is never part of it’s indoctrination, but there is a definite sense of threat that I found quite chilling.

Things get pretty grim for Jamie and while she is strong and tough and determined, I  was on edge for the majority of the book worrying about her and hoping she would be okay.

Luckily for Jamie, despite her life falling apart she does have some fabulous people to support her. I absolutely adored LeVon, the ex-con who has the room next door to Jamie’s at the motel she ends up having the stay in. I also really enjoyed Jamie’s two best friends, Krista and Liz, who brought a lightness to the story with their witty, fast paced, dramatic dialogue. Joelle Anthony really excels at writing characters you fall in love with.

Then there are the boys, although there are two of them (both gorgeous!)  there is no love triangle here, and I really loved Jamie’s interactions with both of them. Although I, of course, had a firm favourite.

The Right and The Real is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it.

Now I feel all Christmasy, my mind has turned to books for the season. December is the one time of year I like my reading to match the weather.

I always re-read His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman (sometimes just Northern Lights, sometimes all 3), as well as a Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and The HogFather by Terry Pratchett ~ Susan the gothic governess remains one of my favourite characters. Did you know she was played by Lady Mary from Downton Abby in the TV adaptation?

Other great seasonal reads include Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle  and Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.

Then there are all the amazing Christmas books for children. My son (he’s 3) favourites are Mog’s Christmas, Dear Santa and The Night Before Christmas.

What are your favourite winter reads?

By the way I know this blog has been sadly neglected this year, poor blog. I’m hoping to catch up on reviews and book news this month.

“Bono met his wife in high school,” Park says.
“So did Jerry Lee Lewis,” Eleanor answers.
“I’m not kidding,” he says.
“You should be,” she says, “we’re sixteen.”
“What about Romeo and Juliet?”
“Shallow, confused,” then dead.
“I love you, Park says.
“Wherefore art thou,” Eleanor answers.
“I’m not kidding,” he says.
“You should be.”

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under. (from Goodreads)

Eleanor & Park took me by surprise, I was expecting an enjoyable read, and it snuck in and took up residence in my heart and head ~ I just keep thinking about it and how utterly perfect it was.

It’s set in 1986 and is the story of Eleanor and Park and how the the school bus, watchman comics, and mix tapes bring them together, after a rather rocky start. I smiled, I sighed, my stomach swooped, I clenched my fists in anxiety, and at one point I even squealed. I fondly remembered the pure magic of receiving and making a mix tapes.

There are so many small moments in this book that are made huge and powerful by the brilliance of Rainbow Rowell’s writing. She has a beautifully evocative style that pulls you into the story, so you are right there, falling in love with Eleanor and Park.

I can’t remember the last time a love story seemed so incredibly real in a book. Everything is there; the hesitant first moves, the joy of discovering something new, the intense interest, the passion, the misunderstandings, the challenges of loving someone, the all consuming nature of first love. It’s told from a duel perpective and I loved seeing Eleanor and Park’s reactions to the same event. The real beauty of the story though, is that Rainbow Rowell shows how falling in love with someone, and having them love you back, ignites you. In finding each other Eleanor and Park find themselves, and the courage to be that self.

During the novel Park tells Eleanor she isn’t sweet, she isn’t, and this is not a sweet love story. It’s a real one, set in the real world, where bad things happen. About two thirds of the way through I knew something horrible was going to happen, and I actually had to put the book down and take a break because I was worried on behalf of characters I loved. Eleanor & Park is a portrayal of love and life, with all the light and dark that goes with it, so even though I know I am focusing on the love aspect there is a lot more to this book.

It’s also a story about family, friendship, the binds of community and belonging. I loved the portrayal of family, especially Park’s family, and how you can feel like an outsider, even among people you have blood ties with. Anyone who has ever felt like they don’t fit in will recognise and relate to something in this novel.

Rainbow Rowell is hugely talented and is now on my must buy list. I hope you’ll pick up Eleanor & Park and love it as much as I did.

Eleanor and Park is available NOW in the UK, Australia and New Zealand

It releases 5th March 2013 in the USA. The USA copy is blurbed by Gayle Foreman (If I stay, Where She Went) who says, “This sexy, smart, tender romance thrums with punk music and true love. Readers will love Eleanor and Park.”

I didn’t really mention the music, except the mix tapes, but yes, music is a huge part of this book and it’s really, really good. As are the comic book references. I actually want to read a comic book now 🙂

Rainbow Rowell’s website is here

Other reviews YA Highway Book Review Eleanor & Park

“Bono met his wife in high school,” Park says.
“So did Jerry Lee Lewis,” Eleanor answers.
“I’m not kidding,” he says.
“You should be,” she says, “we’re sixteen.”
“What about Romeo and Juliet?”
“Shallow, confused,” then dead.
“I love you, Park says.
“Wherefore art thou,” Eleanor answers.
“I’m not kidding,” he says.
“You should be.”

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under. (from Goodreads)

Eleanor & Park took me by surprise, I was expecting an enjoyable read, and it snuck in and took up residence in my heart and head ~ I just keep thinking about it and how utterly perfect it was.

It’s set in 1986 and is the story of Eleanor and Park and how the the school bus, watchman comics, and mix tapes bring them together, after a rather rocky start. I smiled, I sighed, my stomach swooped, I clenched my fists in anxiety, and at one point I even squealed. I fondly remembered the pure magic of receiving and making a mix tapes.

There are so many small moments in this book that are made huge and powerful by the brilliance of Rainbow Rowell’s writing. She has a beautifully evocative style that pulls you into the story, so you are right there, falling in love with Eleanor and Park.

I can’t remember the last time a love story seemed so incredibly real in a book. Everything is there; the hesitant first moves, the joy of discovering something new, the intense interest, the passion, the misunderstandings, the challenges of loving someone, the all consuming nature of first love. It’s told from a duel perpective and I loved seeing Eleanor and Park’s reactions to the same event. The real beauty of the story though, is that Rainbow Rowell shows how falling in love with someone, and having them love you back, ignites you. In finding each other Eleanor and Park find themselves, and the courage to be that self.

During the novel Park tells Eleanor she isn’t sweet, she isn’t, and this is not a sweet love story. It’s a real one, set in the real world, where bad things happen. About two thirds of the way through I knew something horrible was going to happen, and I actually had to put the book down and take a break because I was worried on behalf of characters I loved. Eleanor & Park is a portrayal of love and life, with all the light and dark that goes with it, so even though I know I am focusing on the love aspect there is a lot more to this book.

It’s also a story about family, friendship, the binds of community and belonging. I loved the portrayal of family, especially Park’s family, and how you can feel like an outsider, even among people you have blood ties with. Anyone who has ever felt like they don’t fit in will recognise and relate to something in this novel.

Rainbow Rowell is hugely talented and is now on my must buy list. I hope you’ll pick up Eleanor & Park and love it as much as I did.

Eleanor and Park is available NOW in the UK, Australia and New Zealand

It releases 5th March 2013 in the USA. The USA copy is blurbed by Gayle Foreman (If I stay, Where She Went) who says, “This sexy, smart, tender romance thrums with punk music and true love. Readers will love Eleanor and Park.”

I didn’t really mention the music, except the mix tapes, but yes, music is a huge part of this book and it’s really, really good. As are the comic book references. I actually want to read a comic book now 🙂

Rainbow Rowell’s website is here

Other reviews YA Highway Book Review Eleanor & Park