Bookish Radar (9): Adult Colouring Books

a compilation of some books that have caught my attention recently.

Adult colouring books have been all the rage recently and I admit that I have been swept up by the craze as well. I wasn’t a child who enjoyed colouring books very much – something about the feel and the texture of the pages of the books, the lack of detail in the drawings (like over-simplicity) and the crayons I were typically given to colour with just didn’t do it for me – but as still-somewhat-of-a-child but definitely older, I do see the allure of adult colouring books. In the past few months, I have been aggressively Googling new adult colouring books to add to my TBR and the ones I have featured here are the books I think are the most interesting and sound like the most fun. And just to preface this post, let me say that I had the hardest time narrowing my selections to four for this post out of all the Bookish Radars I've done so far so that should give you an indication of how obsessed I am with colouring books. I still have yet to actually buy a copy of a colouring book and try my hand at it but if you have, tell me how your experience went!

Secret Paris: Colour Your Way to Calm by Zoe de Las Cases

Published June 19, 2015 by Little, Brown and Company

A coloring book that will relax and inspire--all the while transporting you to the City of Light.

Get your pens out, open this book, and discover Paris. Stroll the picturesque streets, cross the Seine, and live like the French do, in a world of bistros, flea markets, and opulent architecture. Feel the stress melt away as your inner artist comes alive.

Appealing to all ages, this intricate coloring book will inspire and delight.

- synopsis from Goodreads.com

Secret Paris is actually part of a new line of colouring books from Hachette by Zoe de Las Cases centering on different cities / places in the world. There's a Secret Tokyo and a Secret New York as well though I've only seen this particular one in stores. I like my colouring books to have a certain level of complexity but not to be TOO complex that I spend more time THINKING about how the colouring and shading works rather than actually colouring. I suck at art and visualizing things in my head gets increasingly harder as the sophistication of the drawing increases. It may not appear to be in thought but sorting out to colour a colour where can get really complicated if you're having really detailed black-and-white outlines. I liked Secret Paris for the fact that it wasn't OVERLY simple but it also wasn't OVERLY complex. It wasn't so hard that I was overwhelmed but it also had the perfect amount of detail that would still ensure my attention wouldn't wane. Of course, I haven't actually tried this yet but my first impression was very good. Because besides the amazing drawings, I love the travel theme of this book. I have a serious bug for travelling so I'll probably end up buying this entire line of colouring books to sate my wanderlust.

The Mindfulness Colouring Book: Anti-Stress Art Therapy for Busy People by Emma Farrarons

Published January 1, 2015 by Boxtree Ltd

Working with your hands is one of the best ways to soothe anxiety and eliminate stress. This stunning, pocket-sized colouring book offers a practical exercise in mindfulness that draws on your creativity and hones your focus.

Beautifully illustrated, The Mindfulness Colouring Book is filled with templates for exquisite scenes and intricate, sophisticated patterns, prompting you to meditate on your artwork as you mindfully and creatively fill these pages with colour. Take a few minutes out of your day, wherever you are, and colour your way to peace and calm.

- synopsis from Goodreads.com

I've seen some examples of the illustrations inside floating around on the Internet and this book just seems like so much fun. I typically don't go for the pattern-based colouring books - I like colouring books that aren't just swirls and boxes and lines - and it's partially because they get confusing to my eye and then I'll probably mess up but the designs in this book actually all seem pretty feasible for me and I love that it's pocket sized which means that I could probably use my markers to colour the illustrations in! I am firmly on Team Marker when it comes to colouring. I like pencil crayons enough and for most of these colouring books, they're probably the ideal medium to use but markers are just so satisfying for me. They're easy to use, they produce a vibrant colour without you having to shred your hands by pressing down hard and they just look really clean and sharp. But anyway yes, this colouring book looks like a lot of fun (see how sidetracked I get?).

Fantastic Cities: A Colouring Book of Amazing Places Real and Imagined by Steve McDonald

Expected to be released August 11, 2015 by Chronicle Books

This unique coloring book features immersive aerial views of real cities from around the world alongside gorgeously illustrated, Inception-like architectural mandalas. Artist Steve McDonald's beautifully rendered and detailed line work offers bird's-eye perspectives of visually arresting global locales from New York, London, and Paris to Istanbul, Tokyo, and Melbourne, Rio, Amsterdam, and many more. The adult coloring book's distinctive large square format offers absorbingly complex vistas to color, the crisp white pages are conducive to a range of artistic applications, and a middle margin keeps all the artwork fully colorable. Complementing the cityscapes are a selection of mind-bending labyrinthine architectural illustrations for still deeper meditative coloring adventures and imaginative flights of fancy.

- synopsis from Goodreads.com

This is a book that I am actually quite intimidated by. There was one page I saw of a famous building I can't name and it honestly made my eyes water because it was SO confusing. This one is similar to Secret Paris where it features cities and obviously for the travel-obsessed part of me, that's a huge draw. I may not be able to fly to all those places and visit them in person but at least I can colour in aerial-view outlines of them, right? So I'm willing to take on the challenge of tackling it.


Just Add Color: Geometric Patterns: 30 Original Illustrations To Color, Customize, and Hang by Lisa Congdon

Published September 1st 2014 by Rockport Publishers

Who doesn't love to color? As an adult, now that you can stay in the lines, you only need to think about what color to use! Rockport Books presents a series of grown-up coloring books for art and design lovers. Just Add Color: Geometric Patterns includes 30 original designs from artist and illustratorLisa Congdon. Each book contains 64 perforated pages to make it easy to share, frame and hang your artwork. You'll be inspired by the sumptuous artwork in this book, and the use of color is endless. Relax, enjoy your creativity and Just Add Color.

- synopsis from Goodreads.com

One of my favourite things is colouring in patterns and shapes. Like mandalas? I draw mandalas sometimes in class and then like to colour them in. I don't know why, I just find it so fun because you don't even have to think about it. It doesn't matter if the colours are totally random, you can just do whatever. But the problem I run into is that I can't draw and really suck at being imaginative and creative so cannot ever think of exciting, interesting patterns to draw to then colour in. All my mandalas look the same and it is so aggravating. BUT. THIS IS WHY THIS BOOK IS MADE FOR ME. There are some really cool designs inside, ranging from pretty simple to BAM WOW INSANE SO COOL. And also POSSIBILITY OF THE ABILITY TO USE MARKERS HERE. Because they're all geometric patterns, there are little segments I can reasonably use my markers to colour in without having to, for example, colour in a whole big background which is honestly my worst nightmare. Like if someone forced me to colour an entire page using a marker. WORST. I hate that so much. But I DIGRESS (I got sidetracked again!!). Although I don't have anything else to really add so, yeah! I definitely have this one on my list!


Colouring books are fantastic. I can't believe they didn't become a thing for "adults" (I'm not an adult) until recently. EVERYONE LOVES COLOURING. This is a known fact of the world. Especially me. As you might be able to tell. I have yet to try any of these colouring books - or any one, as a matter of fact - but I'll probably think of buying one before I leave for summer vacation, just because I feel like they'd be fun to have while travelling to do on buses or planes. And since I'm always finding so many new colouring books, I might do another edition of this just because there are a lot of ones I didn't end up picking for this particular post but still REALLY WANT TO TALK ABOUT. 

But now, it's your turn to talk (even if you don't want to, I'M FORCING YOU HA): have you tried an adult colouring book? If you have, pleasee let me know how the experience went. I am super curious! And also, do you have any other recommendations for colouring books? Or words of wisdom from an experienced colour-er? Like what supplies are best, etc etc?

also happy canada day to anyone who is reading this and also happens to be canadian!

Bookish Radar (8): 2015 YA Debut Edition!

As a book blogger, my bookish radar is always on. I'm constantly hearing about titles of books and while some of them don't particularly interest me, others so do. These are the books that I currently have my eyes on. I WILL READ THEM IF IT'S THE LAST THING I DO. Inspired by On the Smugglers' Radar @ The Book Smugglers and Waiting on Wednesday @ Breaking the Spine

The last Bookish Radar post I did, I featured four books from a specific genre and I liked that idea so much that I decided to do it again but this time, with four debut YA novels set to come out this year. I haven't been keeping up really closely with what's slated to be released this year but from the few that have made it to me either through Goodreads or Twitter or other blogs, I have a feeling that 2015 will be a fantastic year. Already, I'm seeing so many unique and original ideas and I can only imagine what else is out there that I haven't yet found. So here's to 2015 and the wonderful new authors about to make their debut!

Even When You Lie to Me by Jessica Alcott

Expected release date: June 19, 2015

Fans of John Green's Looking for Alaska as well as Lauren Oliver and Sarah Dessen will embrace this provocative debut novel, an exploration of taboo love set against the backdrop of a suburban high school.
Charlie, a senior, isn't looking forward to her last year of high school. Another year of living in the shadow of her best friend, Lila. Another year of hiding behind the covers of her favorite novels. Another year of navigating her tense relationship with her perfectionist mom.

But everything changes when she meets her new English teacher. Mr. Drummond is smart. Irreverent. Funny. Hot. Everyone loves him. And Charlie thinks he's the only one who gets her.

She also thinks she might not be the only one with a crush.

In this stunning debut, Jessica Alcott explores relationships-and their boundaries-in a way that is both searingly honest and sympathetic.



Maybe it is sick for me to say this but I find teacher-student relationships incredibly interesting. I probably have Pretty Little Liars to thank for this, making Aria and Ezra look so cute at times that it almost makes me forget about how utterly strange and uncomfortable a teacher-student relationship in reality would be. But that reality is sorta exactly why I want to read this book? I am so interested to see how Alcott will explore this dynamic especially since the blurb hints at the fact that there might be someone else besides Charlie who likes Mr. Drummond? Which practically tells you that SOMETHING BIG is about to go down. So Even When You Lie to Me is definitely on my I'm-Watching-You list and I'm marking June 19 on my calendar to remind myself to go get it that day!

The Way We Bared Our Souls by Willa Strayhorn

Released January 22, 2015

If you could trade your biggest burden for someone else’s, would you do it?

Five teenagers sit around a bonfire in the middle of the New Mexico desert. They don’t know it yet, but they are about to make the biggest sacrifice of their lives.

Lo has a family history of MS, and is starting to come down with all the symptoms.
Thomas, a former child soldier from Liberia, is plagued by traumatic memories of his war-torn past.
Kaya would do anything to feel physical pain, but a rare condition called CIP keeps her numb.
Ellen can’t remember who she was before she started doing drugs.
Kit lost his girlfriend in a car accident and now he just can’t shake his newfound fear of death.

When they trade totems as a symbol of shedding and adopting one another’s sorrows, they think it’s only an exercise.

But in the morning, they wake to find their burdens gone…and replaced with someone else’s.

As the reality of the ritual unfolds, this unlikely group of five embarks on a week of beautiful, terrifying experiences that all culminate in one perfect truth: In the end, your soul is stronger than your burdens.



Freaky Friday was probably one of my favourite movies when I was younger so I have to say that I do love a switcheroo. And judging from the synopsis, this book has a switcheroo that I will really be into. I love this idea of these five characters with their own personal and difficult burdens that they then sorta share with each other? And I think this idea will only be more interesting because of the vast array of characters in this book. I'm really intrigued to see how the story plays out and I have a feeling that I'll end up having a serious life-pondering moment afterwards. And I didn't know it was out already but now that I do know, I'm definitely making a trip to get a copy!


Like It Never Happened by Emily Adrian
Expected release date: June 2, 2015

Stereotypes, sexuality, and destructive rumors collide in this smart YA novel for fans of Sara Zarr’s Story of a Girl, Siobhan Vivian’s The List, and E. Lockhart’s The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks.

When Rebecca Rivers lands the lead in her school’s production of The Crucible, she gets to change roles in real life, too. She casts off her old reputation, grows close with her four rowdy cast-mates, and kisses the extremely handsome Charlie Lamb onstage. Even Mr. McFadden, the play’s critical director, can find no fault with Rebecca.

Though “The Essential Five” vow never to date each other, Rebecca can’t help her feelings for Charlie, leaving her both conflicted and lovestruck. But the on and off-stage drama of the cast is eclipsed by a life-altering accusation that threatens to destroy everything…even if some of it is just make believe.

In reality, I don't like drama. As in I do like plays and musicals very much but don't have the talent or the guts to go up and perform myself. Maybe that shouldn't be an excuse as to why I don't join my school's stage production but anyway, I much prefer living through books or movies and in this case, through Rachel! I don't know anything about this book other than what's been said in the blurb and while admittedly that wouldn't be enough to pull me in typically because it sounds a little typical, who knows? Maybe I'll end up being surprised.

The Boy Next Door by Katie Van Ark
Released Janaury 6, 2015

Maddy Spier has been in love with the boy next door forever. As his figure skating partner she spends time in his arms every day. But she’s also seen his arms around other girls—lots of other girls. 

Gabe can't imagine skating with anyone but Maddy, and together they have a real chance at winning some serious gold medals. So, he’s determined to keep thinking of her like a sister. After all, he’s never had a romantic relationship that lasted for more than two weeks.

But when their coach assigns a new romantic skating program, everything changes. Will this be the big break that Maddy’s been hoping for or the big breakup that Gabe has always feared.           

My mum and I make a habit of watching the figure skating season every year. It's not really something I'm interested in as much as it is hers but it's become a habit over time. It's just not winter if there's no skating programs on, you know? So that's part of my attraction to this book. The other part is that I saw Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir (Canadian ice dance duo extraordinaires!) speak at a conference and their story about how they made it to where they are was so inspiring and really gave new light to the sport for me. So I'm interested in reading this book just to see how the skating aspect is dealt with and the idea of friendship and romance.

That concludes my Bookish Radar for this month. Tell me in the comments if a) you've read any of these books and what you thought if you did, b) if there are any 2015 debuts that you've read/heard about that you think I need to put on my TBR and c) what other books you've been eyeing recently! Chat with me!!

Bookish Radar (7): Non-Fiction Edition

As a book blogger, my bookish radar is always on. I'm constantly hearing about titles of books and while some of them don't particularly interest me, others so do. These are the books that I currently have my eyes on. I WILL READ THEM IF IT'S THE LAST THING I DO. Inspired by On the Smugglers' Radar @ The Book Smugglers and Waiting on Wednesday @ Breaking the Spine

Hello! A quick little note from me: I decided to spotlight a specific genre for this month's Bookish Radar. I'm not sure if this is something I might consider doing more regularly for future Bookish Radar posts as I do like the sound of it but for now, the reasoning behind this is only because I've become really eager to read more non-fiction so I've spent a lot of time combing Goodreads to find non-fiction books I might be interested in that don't fall into the memoir category. But as I'm a total newbie when it comes to reading non-fiction, I thought I might show you guys some of the books I've been interested in lately and see if you've read any of them and/or if you have any good non-fiction recommendations for me! I know not all non-fiction books are for me and it depends from person to person, based on interests and stuff like that but GIVE IT TO ME. I want a change of scenery from the usual fiction and am up to give anything a try so tell me some of your favourite non-fiction books in the comments! That is all. Carry on.

Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health by William Davis

Released August 30, 2011

A renowned cardiologist explains how eliminating wheat from our diets can prevent fat storage, shrink unsightly bulges, and reverse myriad health problems.

Every day, over 200 million Americans consume food products made of wheat. As a result, over 100 million of them experience some form of adverse health effect, ranging from minor rashes and high blood sugar to the unattractive stomach bulges that preventive cardiologist William Davis calls “wheat bellies.” According to Davis, that excess fat has nothing to do with gluttony, sloth, or too much butter: It’s due to the whole grain wraps we eat for lunch.

After witnessing over 2,000 patients regain their health after giving up wheat, Davis reached the disturbing conclusion that wheat is the single largest contributor to the nationwide obesity epidemic—and its elimination is key to dramatic weight loss and optimal health. In Wheat Belly, Davis exposes the harmful effects of what is actually a product of genetic tinkering and agribusiness being sold to the American public as “wheat”—and provides readers with a user-friendly, step-by-step plan to navigate a new, wheat-free lifestyle.

Informed by cutting-edge science and nutrition, along with case studies from men and women who
have experienced life-changing transformations in their health after waving goodbye to wheat, Wheat Belly is an illuminating look at what is truly making Americans sick and an action plan to clear our plates of this seemingly benign ingredient.

There's some controversy surrounding this book and the accuracy of it but I'm still quite interested in it. I don't know anything about this subject and I think it's one that's particularly intriguing - especially since wheat is such a big part of our daily diet when you think about it. Hopefully, I'll be able to glean something useful from this book and maybe gain some insight into our diets even if I don't catch every single thing.

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

Released May 17, 2004

Stiff is an oddly compelling, often hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem. For two thousand years, cadavers some willingly, some unwittingly have been involved in science's boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. In this fascinating account, Mary Roach visits the good deeds of cadavers over the centuries and tells the engrossing story of our bodies when we are no longer with them.

Oh my god you guys, I can't tell you enough how much I want to read this book. This has been on my TBR for ages but for whatever reason, whenever I go to the bookstore, I totally forget to check if they have this book in. Which needs to change. Because I want this book now. Maybe it sounds a bit creepy that I want to read about cadavers which honestly I've never been interested in learning more about until this book because even from the synopsis, Mary Roach makes cadavers sound so interesting. And apparently it's really funny and I can always go for a bit of humour.

Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandburg

Released March 11, 2013

Thirty years after women became 50 percent of the college graduates in the United States, men still hold the vast majority of leadership positions in government and industry. This means that women’s voices are still not heard equally in the decisions that most affect our lives. In Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg examines why women’s progress in achieving leadership roles has stalled, explains the root causes, and offers compelling, commonsense solutions that can empower women to achieve their full potential.

Sandberg is the chief operating officer of Facebook and is ranked onFortune’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business and as one ofTime’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. In 2010, she gave an electrifying TEDTalk in which she described how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. Her talk, which became a phenomenon and has been viewed more than two million times, encouraged women to “sit at the table,” seek challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals with gusto.

In Lean In, Sandberg digs deeper into these issues, combining personal anecdotes, hard data, and compelling research to cut through the layers of ambiguity and bias surrounding the lives and choices of working women. She recounts her own decisions, mistakes, and daily struggles to make the right choices for herself, her career, and her family. She provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career, urging women to set boundaries and to abandon the myth of “having it all.” She describes specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment and demonstrates how men can benefit by supporting women in the workplace and at home.

Written with both humor and wisdom, Sandberg’s book is an inspiring call to action and a blueprint for individual growth. Lean In is destined to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can.



A few of my friends have read this and really enjoyed it, saying "it's a must read for all women". I wasn't initially interested in reading this book because I thought it was more of a memoir but after finding out what this book was about, it was promptly added to my Goodreads. I have watched her Ted Talk but I've forgotten exactly what I thought about it so I can't say much on that part but yeah, definitely interested to read this book as a woman and see what Sandberg offers! 

Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Williams Brown 

Released May 7, 2013

If you graduated from college but still feel like a student . . . if you wear a business suit to job interviews but pajamas to the grocery store . . . if you have your own apartment but no idea how to cook or clean . . . it's OK. But it doesn't have to be this way.
Just because you don't feel like an adult doesn't mean you can't act like one. And it all begins with this funny, wise, and useful book. Based on Kelly Williams Brown's popular blog, ADULTING makes the scary, confusing "real world" approachable, manageable-and even conquerable. This guide will help you to navigate the stormy Sea of Adulthood so that you may find safe harbor in Not Running Out of Toilet Paper Bay, and along the way you will learn:

What to check for when renting a new apartment-Not just the nearby bars, but the faucets and stove, among other things.
When a busy person can find time to learn more about the world- It involves the intersection of NPR and hair-straightening.
How to avoid hooking up with anyone in your office -- Imagine your coworkers having plastic, featureless doll crotches. It helps.
The secret to finding a mechanic you love-Or, more realistically, one that will not rob you blind.
From breaking up with frenemies to fixing your toilet, this way fun comprehensive handbook is the answer for aspiring grown-ups of all ages.

You may wonder why on Earth I would read this book when I'm not an adult. And I will tell you that the scary age of adulthood is not that far away for me actually. FOUR MORE YEARS. FOUR MORE YEARS UNTIL I'M 18. That's some scary shit and it's scary shit I think about a lot. Like what am I going to do in university? And what am I going to do after that? And all that type of stuff. So. I think this book will be very handy in helping me learn how to be an adult because at this point, it's a bit unfathomable to me that I can just somehow mature in four years and be ready to vote and drink and do all that fun stuff. At the very least, I hope I might be able to get some entertainment from this book. 

That's all for my non-fiction picks for this month. Some questions for you: have you read any of these books? And what other non-fiction books do you think are worth a read?

Bookish Radar (6)

As a book blogger, my bookish radar is always on. I'm constantly hearing about titles of books and while some of them don't particularly interest me, others so do. These are the books that I currently have my eyes on. I WILL READ THEM IF IT'S THE LAST THING I DO. Inspired by On the Smugglers' Radar @ The Book Smugglers and Waiting on Wednesday @ Breaking the Spine

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

Released June 26, 2014

A haunting debut novel about a mixed-race family living in 1970s Ohio and the tragedy that will either be their undoing or their salvation

Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet . . . So begins the story of this exquisite debut novel, about a Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio. Lydia is the favorite child of Marilyn and James Lee; their middle daughter, a girl who inherited her mother’s bright blue eyes and her father’s jet-black hair. Her parents are determined that Lydia will fulfill the dreams they were unable to pursue—in Marilyn’s case that her daughter become a doctor rather than a homemaker, in James’s case that Lydia be popular at school, a girl with a busy social life and the center of every party.When Lydia’s body is found in the local lake, the delicate balancing act that has been keeping the Lee family together tumbles into chaos, forcing them to confront the long-kept secrets that have been slowly pulling them apart. James, consumed by guilt, sets out on a reckless path that may destroy his marriage. Marilyn, devastated and vengeful, is determined to find a responsible party, no matter what the cost. Lydia’s older brother, Nathan, is certain that the neighborhood bad boy Jack is somehow involved. But it’s the youngest of the family—Hannah—who observes far more than anyone realizes and who may be the only one who knows the truth about what happened.

A profoundly moving story of family, history, and the meaning of home, Everything I Never Told You is both a gripping page-turner and a sensitive family portrait, exploring the divisions between cultures and the rifts within a family, and uncovering the ways in which mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another.

I can't even tell you how much I want to pick up Everything I Never Told You RIGHT this second. I've heard it's a mystery which is great because I do love mysteries but that it also has more of a focus on family and social status and all of that just sounds FABULOUS. And I love that it centres around a Chinese-American family because I'm Chinese so yay for representation! I have 9 books at the library now and more to arrive plus books that I've bought and haven't read yet so I know I won't be getting to this really soon but MAN, I will definitely be making a point to pick this up when I get this mess sorted out with!

The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin

Released September 28, 1972

For Joanna, her husband, Walter, and their children, the move to beautiful Stepford seems almost too good to be true. It is. For behind the town's idyllic facade lies a terrible secret -- a secret so shattering that no one who encounters it will ever be the same.

At once a masterpiece of psychological suspense and a savage commentary on a media-driven society that values the pursuit of youth and beauty at all costs, The Stepford Wives is a novel so frightening in its final implications that the title itself has earned a place in the American lexicon.

I love horror and I love scaring myself but I haven't read a horror novel EVER. Or not one that scared the shit out of me anyways. Which is disappointing because like I said, I do love scaring myself. And this one sounds really good! I'd only heard of his other novel Rosemary's Baby but while I was perusing Goodreads, as one does, I came upon this book and while the synopsis doesn't tell me much, the fact that it was a horror novel and that it is "so frightening" just sold me.  

Masquerade by Kylie Fornasier

Expected release date: July 23, 2014

It's the Carnevale of 1750 and Venice's ballrooms, theatres, palazzos and squares are filled with delicious gossip, devilish fun and dangerous games. In this glittering masked world, everyone has a secret...

Set in an age of decadence made famous by Casanova, Masquerade uncovers the secrets of seven teens, from the highest aristocrat to the lowest servant – their dreams, desires, loves, loyalties ... and betrayals.

All the world's a stage. Let the show begin.



I've seen this book a lot featured on Australian blogs as I'm fairly sure it's part of Penguin Australia? Anyway, that's how I came to find out about this book and apparently it's being pitched as a Gossip Girl meets Downton Abbey but of course, set in 18th Century Venice. And that just sounds great. I know a lot of people don't listen to comparisons but I like them to give me a general idea of the book. And I love Gossip Girl (the books and the show) and while I haven't started Downton Abbey yet, Dame Maggie Smith is in it so I'm SURE it's great (also everyone talks about it so there's that) so this book sounds like it's going to be pretty interesting! Like, YES PLEASE. Venice? Oh my god, yes. Secrets? EVEN MORE YES. Social hierarchies? Yes, yes yes. Have I said it enough times to let you know that I really want to read this book?

Girl Online by Zoe Sugg

Expected release date: November 25, 2014

GIRL ONLINE is the stunning debut romance novel by YouTube phenomenon Zoe Sugg, aka Zoella.

I had no idea GirlOnline would take off the way it has - I can't believe I now have 5432 followers, thanks so much! - and the thought of opening up to you all about this is terrifying, but here goes...

Penny has a secret.

Under the alias GirlOnline, she blogs about school dramas, boys, her mad, whirlwind family - and the panic attacks she's suffered from lately. When things go from bad to worse, her family whisks her away to New York, where she meets the gorgeous, guitar-strumming Noah. Suddenly Penny is falling in love - and capturing every moment of it on her blog.

But Noah has a secret too. One that threatens to ruin Penny's cover - and her closest friendship - forever.

So you might know Zoe Sugg as Zoella, a popular Youtuber who I absolutely ADORE. And admittedly, I'm interested in this more because of the name attached than the actual premise (which I still love by the way because it sounds fantastic. Like a musician boy? And New York? And England? And blogging? YES.) but seriously Zoe is just so cute and sweet on camera and I read her blog and I totally love that she has a book out. And ahh, it just sounds so cute and sweet like Zoe and I'm so unbelievably excited. I promise I will be the first one in line to buy this book. 

Those are my picks for this month! Tell me in the comments if you've read any of these, and what books are currently on YOUR radar!

Bookish Radar (5)

As a book blogger, my bookish radar is always on. I'm constantly hearing about titles of books and while some of them don't particularly interest me, others so do. These are the books that I currently have my eyes on. I WILL READ THEM IF IT'S THE LAST THING I DO. Inspired by On the Smugglers' Radar @ The Book Smugglers and Waiting on Wednesday @ Breaking the Spine

New York by Edward Rutherfurd

Released September 3, 1999

The bestselling master of historical fiction weaves a grand, sweeping drama of New York from the city's founding to the present day.

Rutherfurd celebrates America's greatest city in a rich, engrossing saga that showcases his extraordinary ability to combine impeccable historical research and storytelling flair. As in his earlier, bestselling novels, he illuminates cultural, social, and political upheavals through the lives of a remarkably diverse set of families.

As he recounts the intertwining fates of characters rich and poor, black and white, native born and immigrant, Rutherfurd brings to life the momentous events that shaped New York and America: the Revolutionary War, the emergence of the city as a great trading and financial center, the excesses of the Gilded Age, the explosion of immigration in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the trials of World War II, the near-demise of New York in the 1970s and its roaring rebirth in the '90s, and the attacks on the World Trade Center. Sprinkled throughout are captivating cameo appearances by historical figures ranging from George Washington to Abraham Lincoln to Babe Ruth.

New York is the book that millions of Rutherfurd's American fans have been waiting for. A brilliant mix of romance, war, family drama, and personal triumphs, it gloriously captures the search for freedom and prosperity at the heart of our nation's history.

At 862 pages, New York is certainly a hefty novel and one that I'm not sure I'll be getting to until the summer, at least. It's daunting, for sure and it'd be the longest book I've finished to date (I'm pretty sure none of the Harry Potter books were that long) but I definitely think it's worth a shot! This guy is like the king of historical fiction and you might have caught on by now, but if not, I am a HUGE fan of historical fiction. History just interests me a lot (I'm even planning on taking World History courses in my junior and senior year of high school!) and New York is such an interesting place. I'd love to learn more about it through this book!

Brunette Ambition by Lea Michele

Released May 20, 2014

The star of the hit show Glee shares her experiences and insider tips on beauty, fashion, inner strength, and more in an illustrated book that’s part memoir, part how-to, and part style guide.

Lea Michele is one of the hardest working performers in show business. Whether she’s starring as Rachel Berry on Glee, rocking a glamorous look on the red carpet, recording her solo album, or acting as the spokesperson for L’Oreal, Lea is the ultimate multi-tasker. She knows better than anyone that it is difficult to be your best self and keep things in perspective when your to-do list is overflowing and you are faced with challenges, so she’s developed a foolproof system for remaining healthy and centered. In Brunette Ambition, she reveals the lessons and advice that have worked for her--from beauty and fashion secrets to fitness tips, and career insights. Supplemented with never-before-seen photos and revealing anecdotes, it’s the book Lea wishes she’d had in her teens and early twenties: A practical and inspirational guide to harnessing tenacity and passion and living the fullest life, no matter what obstacles life puts in your way.

Brunette Ambition actually just came out yesterday which is awesome because I so did not think it was going to be out so soon! I absolutely adore Lea Michele, I think she's just an inspirational and wonderful person and I love the sound of this book. I enjoy memoirs tons which is what this book is, but I also enjoy lifestyle tips which this book has a lot of as well. So I'm definitely excited to get my hands on a copy!

Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang

Expected release date: September 9, 2014

On the day Liz Emerson tries to die, they had reviewed Newton’s laws of motion in physics class. Then, after school, she put them into practice by running her Mercedes off the road. 

Why? Why did Liz Emerson decide that the world would be better off without her? Why did she give up? Vividly told by an unexpected and surprising narrator, this heartbreaking and nonlinear novel pieces together the short and devastating life of Meridian High’s most popular junior girl. Mass, acceleration, momentum, force—Liz didn’t understand it in physics, and even as her Mercedes hurtles toward the tree, she doesn’t understand it now. How do we impact one another? How do our actions reverberate? What does it mean to be a friend? To love someone? To be a daughter? Or a mother? Is life truly more than cause and effect? Amy Zhang’s haunting and universal story will appeal to fans of Lauren Oliver, Gayle Forman, and Jay Asher. 

There seems to be a lot of talk surrounding this book recently. Understandably, because it sounds fantastic. I love books like these that really focus on the relationships we share with one another and real life issues. I haven't had a good cry from a book in a while and this one sounds absolutely heartbreaking. AHH I JUST NEED IT NOW.

Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek by Maya Van Wagenen

Released April 15, 2014

A touchingly honest, candidly hysterical memoir from breakout teen author Maya Van Wagenen 

Stuck at the bottom of the social ladder at pretty much the lowest level of people at school who aren’t paid to be here,” Maya Van Wagenen decided to begin a unique social experiment: spend the school year following a 1950s popularity guide, written by former teen model Betty Cornell. Can curlers, girdles, Vaseline, and a strand of pearls help Maya on her quest to be popular? 

The real-life results are painful, funny, and include a wonderful and unexpected surprise—meeting and befriending Betty Cornell herself. Told with humor and grace, Maya’s journey offers readers of all ages a thoroughly contemporary example of kindness and self-confidence.

Popular sounds like a really adorable book! The reviews I've read for this book are really positive so far, and it sounds like a great uplifting book. And fun fact: this book has already been optioned to be turned into a film by Dreamworks!

The Bees by Laline Paull

Released May 6, 2014

The Handmaid's Tale meets The Hunger Games in this brilliantly imagined debut set in an ancient culture where only the queen may breed and deformity means death.

Flora 717 is a sanitation worker, a member of the lowest caste in her orchard hive where work and sacrifice are the highest virtues and worship of the beloved Queen the only religion. But Flora is not like other bees. With circumstances threatening the hive's survival, her curiosity is regarded as a dangerous flaw but her courage and strength are an asset. She is allowed to feed the newborns in the royal nursery and then to become a forager, flying alone and free to collect pollen. She also finds her way into the Queen's inner sanctum, where she discovers mysteries about the hive that are both profound and ominous.

But when Flora breaks the most sacred law of all—daring to challenge the Queen's fertility—enemies abound, from the fearsome fertility police who enforce the strict social hierarchy to the high priestesses jealously wedded to power. Her deepest instincts to serve and sacrifice are now overshadowed by an even deeper desire, a fierce maternal love that will bring her into conflict with her conscience, her heart, her society—and lead her to unthinkable deeds.

Thrilling, suspenseful and spectacularly imaginative, The Bees gives us a dazzling young heroine and will change forever the way you look at the world outside your window.

I am always up for a new book that challenges me to think differently about a certain topic and The Bees sounds like such a unique book. I can't say I've ever read a book told from an animal's perspective but I am so open to having this be my first! It sounds at once really strange but also really interesting and I'm definitely eager to learn more about bees. Even though they scare me tons. Especially in swarms.

So yeah those are my picks for this month! I had five instead of four this time but I just couldn't help myself: so many good books! Tell me in the comments if you've read any of these, and what books are currently on YOUR radar!