Like I said on a previous post, June was more of a reading month to me. Yes, most of the reads were short (novellas or such), but, anyway, I read more than I normally do.
NOTE: this is not a review. I don’t review books that I read. Not here at least. On my Goodreads page you’ll find the rating I gave each of them, but not a detailed review.
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
I picked this one because I saw it on agent Mandy Hubbard’s post that most publisher’s would like to have a book like that on their list. And because it was high fantasy–I love high/epic fantasy.
It was a very, very good read, but I guess that, because many publishers wanted it, it was going to be even better. I guess I was too expectant for this one. But I highly recommend it!
Now, I need to read the second one: Fire.
Eternity Embraced by Larissa Ione
I picked this one from Amazon’s short stories list. I was thinking about writing more short stories and went looking for some.
Very nice. It made me want to read the rest of the series. (Technically this one is book 3.5, but you don’t need to read the first 3 before reading this one.)
Hot short read =)
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King
As I’m still trying to squeeze “writing” books in between my reads, I chose this one, especially since I think my editing skills are terrible.
Good book. Good points. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do a decent editing and revising after having reading it =)
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
After almost 17 years, I reread The Princess Bride. This time in English (the first one was in Portuguese).
I remember how I found out about the book: I saw the movie on a cheap TV programming and my mother told me she had the book. I froze. Really? Was there a book about the movie? Wow! (I was ten years old, give me a break!). Of course, I read it.
And, a few days ago, I was perusing my TBR list and bumped into it. Ah, I missed it and decided it was time to reread it.
The Alchemist (O Alquimista) by Paulo Coelho
Well, now it’s going to be an embarrassing moment. I’ll confess something: I was never a fan of Paulo Coelho. In fact, I never even tried to read one of his work.
I remember being a kid and simply disliking him. Seriously. Just don’t ask me why I didn’t like him. I don’t know. And I grew up with that. Not liking him.
Then, now that I’m trailing the arduous path of an aspiring author, I thought “Well, it’s time to read Paulo Coelho.” Can you imagine if someday I’m slightly known and people ask me about the famous Brazilian writer, if I like him, which one of his masterpieces did I read … and I’ll say “none.” People will ask “But you’re Brazilian like him, how come YOU NEVER read anything written by him?”
So, I bought a Portuguese copy of The Alchemist. Yes, in Portuguese. I confess I prefer English to Portuguese, but, since the piece was originally written in Portuguese and it’s my first language, I gave it a try.
And the result was completely the opposite of Graceling.
I was expecting to push me through the read, cause it would be boring and philosophical and massive and I wasn’t up for this kind of reads. I didn’t need any psychology or self-help book in my hands at the moment.
Boy, was I wrong!
I read it in less than two hours. Yes, it’s a short book, but even so! I even cried at the end!
I LOVED IT! God, how it is wonderful to be wrong! Totally unexpected and heartwarming!
Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
I also picked this one for being shorter (novella length) …
It was a very good, steamy, quick read. I already put Kaye’s other book, Forever Freed, on my TBR list. Yum!
Be A Sex-Writing Strumpet by Stacia Kane
Self-explanatory.
I’ve been reading (not on purpose) lots of novels/novellas in which sex scenes are more detailed. And I’ve been thinking: it must not be that easy to write about it like that. Perhaps I should try and include scenes like that, instead of just letting the “camera” drift away during those very important parts.
If I succeed, I’m sure this book is one of the reasons. Very good.
For Love of an Angel by Rosalie Lario
The idea of this novella was/is unique. At least I thought it was. And I loved Michael and his kind. I wanted to be one of them. Seriously.
I’ll certainly read the rest of the series =)
Hum, eager to see what next month will bring to my reading table!
Good readings!
Cheers,
