affiliate links // I honestly, hand on heart, cannot remember the last time I posted ANY sort of haul on any on my online platforms. It must have been way over 4 years ago now. Hauls were just something I fell out of step with. I never bought enough to warrant a haul and as my platforms and direction changed, I just didn’t feel aligned to think about doing hauls anymore.
But at the end of 2020, I started introducing bookish content back onto my blog once a month. And since I’ve recently bought a nice little selection of new books, I thought a haul would be the perfect choice for this month’s bookish blog post. I love reading book hauls from other people, so can only assume that other people love seeing them too.
I mean, who DOESN’T love to see what books are on other people’s bookshelves?
I’ve been doing a lot of reading this year and last. I’ve been really into reading book blogs again, shopping for books and lusting after everything on my bookish wish-list. And although I’m not going to start reviewing books again in a hurry, I’m just loving talking about them more. My new book content always does well, so I think you lot are too!
In case you’ve missed any of my more recent bookish posts, you can check them out here:
- 5 Authors On My Auto-Buy List
- 6 Binge-Worthy Fiction Books To Add To Your Summer Reading List
- 5 Non-Fiction Books To Add To Your TBR This Year
But getting onto today’s post; it’s a simple one but I’m excited to share some of the recent book purchases I’ve made with you. Every single one of these books bar one were purchased from the recommendation of a blogger. And people say we have no influence? I whole-heartedly trust other blogger’s opinions and these books have been praised for days.
So let’s take a look at 6 books in my most recent book haul!
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Okay this book has been on everyone’s lips since it was released. Everyone and their Nan have been reviewing it. And I honestly can’t believe it’s taken me this long to even get my hands on it! At the time of writing, I haven’t read it yet, but I’m very excited.
I watched the Netflix documentary which I absolutely loved so I have no doubt that I will adore this memoir as well. Michelle is a powerhouse. I hang on her every word whenever I hear her speak and she is such a strong and inspirational woman, that I know I’m going to be engrossed in this from start to finish!
Where the Edge Is by Grainne Murphy
This is the only book on this list that wasn’t bought based off a recommendation. This was one of those books bought on a whim because you had travelled too far into an Amazon black hole and couldn’t get out of it again. But I thought it looked pretty good.
Basically a bus falls into a sinkhole and three people’s lives are at risk. The whole incident is on the news and the people involved in the rescue must make choices and sacrifices and things of that nature. Sounds like the sort of plot which would make a good film.
Update: Since writing this post I have tried to read this but sadly I just couldn’t get into it. I also felt there were too many racist remarks and things that just made me uncomfortable to read? Idk, the writing just didn’t sit right with me.
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
I’m a little bit in love with this beautiful cover. I’ve seen this book floating around a LOT and it’s no surprise, given the acclaim it has. My Dark Vanessa sounds like a READ. Definitely not something light-hearted and breezy to pick up on a warm Summer’s day with a cocktail.
Oh no. This sounds gritty. And uncomfortable. And disturbing. And one of those books that you know is going to rock you. I haven’t really read a book of this nature in quite some time, so I’m looking forward (if that’s the right phrase?) to dive into this one, as I’m sure I’ll be hooked.
The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris
The Cost of Knowing was bought after reading Anika’s post about the books she read in March 2021, which featured this book and gave it a glowing 5 stars. At the mention of “gripping YA” I was in. I absolutely love a YA novel that has me hooked and thinking about it for months afterwards.
And I definitely think this one is going to be one of those unputdownable books that I think about long after I’ve turned the last page. This book sounds unique and intriguing, weaving magical realism into topics which are very much at the forefront of all of our minds. I absolutely can’t wait to start reading this.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
The annoying thing about this book is that I had a brand new copy that I was gifted in a PR parcel years ago (not from the publisher or in exchange for a review!) and I passed it on to someone else because I didn’t think it was “my sort of thing”. This was post pandemic. So absolutely hilarious that it took an ACTUAL pandemic for me to want to read a book about… the end of the world.
I’m still not entirely sure this will be for me. But I’ve heard lots of very good things about this book so I’d like to give it a try at least. It’s weird because living through this absolute disaster of COVID has made me much more interested in fictional disasters?
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
This is another one that I’ve heard about everywhere and people are raving about left, right and center. If you know me, you know that I love to give in to a hype. And Dear Edward certainly seems to have some hype around it.
This sounds like a really profound and beautiful read. It kinda makes me think of Castaway although I’m probably going to be proven horribly wrong once I get around to actually reading it. But this is the one I’m probably the most excited about reading out of all of these and likely the one I’ll come to first.
Update: Since writing this post I’ve read this and really enjoyed it. I feel like it could have been a bit… more? If that makes sense. But it was good and offered up a lot of questions to consider.
[…] A Recent Book Haul […]
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[…] A Recent Book Haul: My Dark Vanessa, Dear Edward, Becoming & More! […]
I’ve definitely heard of Station 11 (I think with a different art cover though?) and it sounded really good! Never actually got around to reading it, but it’s on my list. Thanks for sharing your haul!
Alexis| http://cafe-beauty.com
Yeah I’ve seen some different cover art for it too!
ooh I’m interested in Station 11, I feel like I’ve watched more films/tv shows about end of the world scenario’s now that we’ve gone through this covid pandemic haha. They are always pretty interesting though! I’d love to read more, I feel like I haven’t got stuck into a good book for ages! xx
Hahaha you know what, same! I’m currently watching Colony which is similar!
Oh I haven’t read any of these books before! I am looking to get some books for my beach vacation to read so I will have to check these out. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hope you find some good ones!
All of these books sound amazing. Going to add them to my list. Thank you for sharing these amazing books.
goalofhappiness.com
You’re welcome 🙂
I personally am loving that there is bookish content on your blog again (been around since those days!). Apart from Becoming – which I was TOTALLY inspired by – I haven’t actually heard of any of these. Shame that you’ve already had one that didn’t work for you but happy reading with the rest.
Ah thank you! I’m loving posting about books more often! It feels right 🙂 xxx
What a fab haul! I actually really enjoyed Station Elevent
I can’t wait to read that one!
Great list Jenny! I’m surely going to order Dear Edward soon 🙂
It’s so good!
I love reading book haul posts! My Dark Vanessa is a brilliant book, but so uncomfortable to read!
Serena / http://www.ramblingsofanotherunigraduate.com
I’m residing that now – not very far in but can already tell it’s going to be a super uncomfortable read!
Honestly love a book haul! I found some of them that are already in my list and adding couple more. My dark Vanessa has been all around but never really picked it up yet!and The cost of knowing sounds great too x
The Cost of Knowing sounds great doesn’t it?
I haven’t read any of these and a couple of titles are new to me as well. I’ve just finished reading the third in Hilary Mantel’s Cromwell trilogy, The Mirror and the Light, which was AMAZING, and now I need to go back and re-read the first two again! x
Oooh that sounds intriguing I’ll have to check out that series!
I have heard absolutely excellent things about all of these books and I hope you thoroughly enjoy them! A couple of them are on my own TBR. I think it’s wonderful that you’re purchasing books based on blogger recommendations. As a book blogger myself, that makes me so happy!
Thank you! Yesss I trust bloggers recommendations so much!
Great post! I loved Becoming when I read it at the start of the year. My friend recently recommended My Dark Vanessa to me, but I’m thinking it might be a bit too uncomfortable for me x
I’ve just started MDV and it’s brilliant but yes it’ll be a very uncomfortable read!
I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
Great haul!
Thank you 🙂
I read My Dark Vanessa last year and as much as it was a dark and harrowing read at times, it was brilliant and I hope it raises a lot of awareness of the subject raised in the plot x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I’ve just started it and it’s a great read x
I’ve had Dear Edward on my list for this coming month too. I’ve heard such good things about it, it’s just getting the time to settle down and read it.
Hope you enjoy it!
My sister is currently reading Dear Edward and won’t stop going on about it. I’m getting it from her as soon as she is done
Rosie
Haha awh! It’s a good read, I hope you enjoy it!
I adore a book haul, I have the longest list of books on my phone right now to buy! I’ve heard many good things about the ‘Becoming’ book x
Oh no! Sorry if this made your list any longer haha!
I love seeing book hauls!
My Dark Vanessa is on my wishlist, I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Station Eleven wasn’t for me, but it was definitely down to personal taste – I can absolutely see why so many people love it. And it’s definitely a timely read now.
Cora | https://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Ah fair enough! I’m looking forward to giving it a go!
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on My Dark Vanessa, I’ve just finished it. Hard to put down but a really good book.
Still need to read Becoming too and had it ages 🤣
I’m loving it so far – if that’s the right way to phrase that?
I didn’t know about Dear Edward and seems interesting 😄
Thanks for sharing
https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com
It’s a great read x
I love book hauls! Becoming by Obama is still on my list. Can’t wait to read it. Heard/read so many great reviews about it.
I’ve heard endless great things about it!
Yay for book hauls!! They’re the best kind of hauls to chat about. I love reading Becoming because Michelle Obama is just so intelligent and interesting.
Daisy xoxo
Oh absolutely! She’s just amazing isn’t she!
Station 11 is my read for this month, all thanks to you! I’m a single mum so don’t get much chance to read, but I’m making it my mission to try squeeze in one book a month!
Hope you can squeeze it in and enjoy it!