Welcome to What I’ve Been Reading Lately, a feature where I’ll be giving short reviews of what I’m currently reading:
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
When a cholera epidemic leaves her as an orphan, Mary is sent to England to live with her reclusive uncle, Archibald Craven, at Misselthwaite Manor. Unloved and unloving, Mary wanders the desolate moors until one day she chances upon the door of a secret garden. What follows is one of the most beautiful tales of transformation in children’s literature, as Mary her sickly and tyrannical cousin Colin and a peasant boy named Dickson secretly strive to make the garden bloom once more. (Credit: Bantam Books)
I started using this lockdown time to revisit books I read when I was a child so I picked up The Secret Garden. I rediscovering new things that I don’t remember encountering when I read this as a child. It reminds me a little of Anne of Green Gables and little bit of Little Women. I’m already enjoying it so far!
The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
One hundred and fifty years ago, Chawton was the final home of Jane Austen, one of England’s finest novelists. Now it’s home to a few distant relatives and their diminishing estate. With the last bit of Austen’s legacy threatened, a group of disparate individuals come together to preserve both Jane Austen’s home and her legacy. These people—a laborer, a young widow, the local doctor, and a movie star, among others—could not be more different and yet they are united in their love for the works and words of Austen. As each of them endures their own quiet struggle with loss and trauma, some from the recent war, others from more distant tragedies, they rally together to create the Jane Austen Society.
I am going to be part of a blog tour promoting this book so this definitely had to be my next read on my TBR shelf. And of course, anything with “Jane Austen” in the title always captures my eye. The story is also capturing my heart and makes me want to reread all of Austen’s novel again (like I would need an excuse). Stay tuned for a book review!
I have also finished reading some graphic novels:
Ms. Marvel V. 2: Stormranger by Saladin Ahmed
I was heartbroken when I heard last year that G. Willow Wilson would stop writing for the Ms. Marvel series and Saladin Ahmed would take up the mantle. I was hesitant at first but so far, Ahmed has managed to capture the essence of what makes Ms. Marvel with great ingenuity. The series is just as interesting and exciting and highly recommend it for any superhero lover.
Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
I still have chills down my spine. Not only did this contained very talented and breathtaking illustrations, the short stories are so haunting that it would be enjoyable for any horror lover.
Heartstopper V. 2 by Alice Oseman
I find this story and this series to be absolutely adorable and lovable! I can’t get enough of it and I can’t wait to read more!