Books I Wish Had A Sequel

This week I'm really working hard on bringing you guys a post each day of the week except the weekend. So that is five brand new content of work from me, all different and all relating to our favourite things in the world; books. So todays topic is books I would love a sequel to. Now all three books are standalones, however, I do sometimes feel that while the ending is nice there is still so much more I want from these books, or another POV I'd like to see. Now my list does only consist of three books but all the books on this list are some of my all time favourites.

I WAS HERE BY GAYLE FORMAN

In 'I Was Here' we know that Megan has committed suicide, we know she's battled with depression which may seem unusual as to why I'd love a story from her POV. Set before her ending in life and after she starts at her new school. I want to see what really factored into her suicide and what her final thoughts were. And while that may seem personal I really feel like there's a lesson to be learned from it.


ELEANOR AND PARK BY RAINBOW ROWELL

We've all mentioned how we'd love a sequel to this story, because the truth is Eleanor and Parks story is not over. Even Rainbow mentioned that herself when I went to a book signing of hers back in 2014 and she mentioned that Eleanor and Park always felt like a duology but the two combining books being set years apart. And it totally makes sense. Do Eleanor and Park finally reconnect? Are they happy with other people? This is the important stuff I want - and need - to know.


THE HATE U GIVE BY ANGIE THOMAS

THUG is one of my favourite books of this year and I know Angie has announced that there will be another book set in the same world, which I'm so excited about because Angie just delivers on a raw, fresh narrative that we don't see often in YA. Now for myself I'd really love to see a story about DeVante and how he copes with leaving the gang and what happens in the gang world, because normally their motto is "Once your in you can never leave". I also want to see what happens with his future as I believe he has some great things ahead of him.



So those are a few of the books I'd love to see a sequel to.
What books do you wish could have a sequel?
Let me know in the comments.

ARC Review: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Title: The Hate U Give
Author: Angie Thomas
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Walker Books
Published: April 6th 2017
Page Number: 438
Rating: 5/5

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend, Khalil, at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, Khalil’s death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Starr’s best friend at school suggests he may have had it coming. When it becomes clear the police have little interest in investigating the incident, protesters take to the streets and Starr’s neighbourhood becomes a war zone. What everyone wants to know is: What really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does—or does not—say could destroy her community. It could also endanger her life.

 

REVIEW

The Hate U Give may just be the best book I'll read this year.

The hype has been well alive since the announcement of the book and with each and every review that came in - including those 8 starred reviews - I wasn't sure if it was going to live up to it. However, Angie Thomas really delivered a raw, poignant novel with a relevant narrative that showcases the harsh lives of Black people.

Starr lives one of two lives: Her life in Garden Heights filled with shootings and Drug Lords and then her life at Williamson Prep, a boarding school for the white and rich. Tying between two complete opposite communities leaves her feeling restless and after the murder of her childhood friends takes place in front of her she has to choose which side to take: Remaining silent or getting justice for Khalil.

Starting the novel I wasn't too sure what I really thought of the writing as I've never experienced a book in the narrative of a black character from what I would call the 'Hood'. It's ratchet talk to me, however, it was needed for it to be fresh and honest. Every character interaction only showed me just how difficult black people have it, but also how narrow minded some of their older generation could be in regards to interracial relationships.

I can't pretend to understand how people in these circumstances feel but we can all be empathetic and sympathetic in times of needs and learn to understand what they're going through, which Angie Thomas did well for me. The Hate U Give was a learning curve for me, an education I never saw coming but ended up being thankful for.

It's books like this one that deserve to be Number 1 New York Times Bestsellers. It's books like this one that everyone deserves to read because it's impactful, important. A story that needs to be told because otherwise we'll just continue being ignorant. Sometimes your voice is more powerful than words but words were enough in this case. The Hate U Give is imprinted in my heart, soul and mind. It's constantly with me in my every day life and that's why I think it'll be hard to knock this from my number 1 spot this year.

 

 

 

Buy the book (Wordery) | Buy the book (Book Depository)

 

 

A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher, Walker Books UK for an honest opinion.

Anticipated Reads of 2017 | Part One

I can already feel that 2017 is going to be the year of books; both Young Adult and New Adult. 2016 was pretty much a lacklustre year for myself and reading but this year I am opening myself to new journeys. This post will be split up into two different posts. This post will feature books published from January to the end of June. Part Two will then feature books from July to the end of December. The reason I've split the posts up are because I didn't want to have a post that's too long, also most of
the books published after June don't really have covers so waiting to post Part Two in June will mean the books on the list should have had their covers revealed by then.

So here are my most anticipated releases from January- June....


LONG WAY HOME BY KATIE MCGARRY
Harlequin Teen - 31st January

I'm saddened that Long Way Home is due to be the last book in the thunder road series. It was confirmed to me by Katie McGarry herself on twitter. Originally this was going to be a four book series but Ha
rlequin Teen had changed their mind and only wanted three books. Violet and Chevy have been the vocal point of the series with every reader wanting to know whether or not they'll put their differences aside and give a relationship a try? We also get a sneak peek back into the world of the Pushing the Limit series as Violet and Chevy meet Isaiah and Rachel along the way.



HISTORY IS ALL YOU LEFT ME BY ADAM SILVERA
Simon & Schuster Children - 9th February

A story of grief, heartache and love. History is All You Left Me follows Griffin whose ex-boyfriend, Theo has passed away. With all the hurt Griffin is going through he ends up connecting to Jackson, Theo's boyfriend who is the only person who understands his heartache. However, Griffin's OCD is getting worse and the only way he can find himself is by opening up and fronting his past.


LIKE A MEMORY BY ABBI GLINES
Self-published - 14th February

It was only recent when Abbi announced that Seabreeze would be meeting Rosemary Beach and I was a little shook. Having only finished both series last year and now being able to read Bliss and Nate's story so soon after is possibly the best thing to happen in 2017. Bliss and Nate met when they were teenagers, fell in love for the first time. But now 10 years have passed and they're reuniting again. The only word I can think of right now for this book is heartbreak because I'm sure I'm either going to be crying or laughing and crying while wanting more.



THE HATE U GIVE BY ANGIE THOMAS
Balzer & Bray - 28th February

Inspired by the #blacklivesmatter movement, Angie Thomas had written a novel so at the heart of America that it's become a must on anyone's 2017 TBR's. The book follows 16 year old Starr who's the only witness to the murder of her friend Khalil by a police officer. When it becomes a media phenomenon, Starr's life is threatened. What she says could ruin a community, what she says could get her killed.


A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN BY SARAH J MAAS
Bloomsbury Children's - 2nd May

I'm not sure what to say about ACOWAR as I've still yet to read A Court of Mist and Fury, however, I absolutely loved A Court of Thorns and Roses. It was one of my favourite books of 2015 and I'm super excited to continue on with Feyre's journey and also get to know Rhysand more. From what I've heard the ending of A Court of Mist and Fury left everyone's jaw dropping and eyes popped in shock so that does intrigue me to get reading it. As of now there is no cover or synopsis for book three in this retelling series.



FLAME IN THE MIST BY RENEE AHDIEH
Putnam and Juvenile - 16th May

Described and Mulan meets Ronin 47 set in Rural Japan. That was all it took to have me hooked. Mulan is one of my absolute favourite movies and it's about time we saw some more retellings surrounding the baddest Disney Heroine. From the synopsis, our main character Mariko is forced into an arranged marriage for political power, however, while on the way there they get hijacked so she pretends to be a guy and joins the Black Clan who were hired to kill her. While getting closer and closer with the Clan she discovers things that make her question everything she's ever known.


LORD OF SHADOWS BY CASSANDRA CLARE
Simon and Schuster Children's - 23rd May

I will read anything Cassandra Clare writes, including her weekly shopping lists. Who am I kidding, she probably has people who do her shopping for her. Now while I've not read Lady Midnight I am super excited for the release of Lord of Shadows. First of all the cover is absolutely gorgeous but the series also has a character named Kieran (Same as my own) and has a character that happens to be Bisexual. I'm all about diversity and Cassandra Clare just knows how to write diverse characters who happen to go through the biggest battles of their lives.


ONCE AND FOR ALL BY SARAH DESSEN
Penguin Books - June 8th

I never grew up with Sarah Dessen. In fact I never even heard of her until 2015 when people started mentioning her on Booktube. I read 'Along For the Ride' and next thing you know I was hooked on her books. Once and For All follows a girl whose life surrounds weddings since her mother is a wedding planner. She also doesn't believe in true love, not since her first love broke her heart. After meeting Ambrose, a serial dater, she starts to question whether true love does exist.



Now I know there are a lot more fantastic books coming out this year, but like I said, this will be a 2 part series with the second part being posted in June. At the minute I have my list all saved for that post but I'm just waiting on covers and some synopsis' to be revealed. Anyway, not that this post is up why don't you let me know what books you guys are excited for?