I Like books, you like books, let’s read!

1. Fables – Bill Willingham. I first started reading this series when I went to my friend liftinggeek‘s house every Sunday night to watch The Walking Dead and read comic books. I’m a big fan of fairy tales no matter how messed up they are (yes Grimm brothers I’m looking at you), and I was intrigued at the idea of fairy tale characters living in modern-day New York. With that being said I’m going to take this moment to say that this series IS NOT FOR KIDS as it has mature content.

I’m about eight trades into the series and this story definitely has it’s twists and turns. Why these characters are in New York in the first place and all of the back stories keeps you hooked! Definitely worth the read.

2. Clockwork Lives – Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart. I regularly frequent the Cole’s in the mall where I work (if I don’t have a book to read on my break I die inside). On this particular day I forgot the book I had been reading at home so I ran up to Coles to get another one. Usually I read fantasy, sci-fi and fiction and as it just so happened, there was a girl who worked there who had the same taste as me and her “Staff Picks” were the best! Anything that had her sticker on it I bought and read. So I headed over the my usual section looking for Michelle’s staff pick and couldn’t find any. I asked one of the young men working there where her picks were and SHE DIDN’T WORK THERE ANYMORE. I had never met this Michelle, but oh man was a totally lost in that moment. Trying not to hyperventilate and get overwhelmed choosing a book all by my lonesome I asked the guy if he had any suggestions. And as you may have guessed Clockwork Lives was it! It took some convincing at first. My heart was newly broken at the loss of Michelle and I didn’t trust this guy’s book choices yet, but he said it was steampunk and had adventure so I bought it. Giving him one more skeptical look I told him if it sucked that I’d be back to tell him. But it’s a good book! It begins with your typical home-body main character (Mirinda in this case), who gets her life totally derailed by the death of her father and is forced to go on a journey to collect stories. I dare not say more at the moment so I don’t spoil the story,  just know that there’s also a graphic novel which I haven’t read yet but when I do it will make an appearance on one of these lists.

Also just to clarify, when I went back to Cole’s and saw that guy again I told him I really liked the book and that I shouldn’t have doubted him. We’re book buds now.

3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl. I have literally lost count of how many times I’ve read this book but it’s definitely been over 30. I first read this book when I was about 8 years old and I have loved it ever since. I love that there is candy and chocolate, which reminds me of Valentines day but also staying warm with a cup of hot chocolate which, as a resident of Canada in February, is eagerly welcomed. There’s an element of magic to Wonka’s inventions and as a kid it made me feel like I could dream up anything I wanted to. What I love the most about this book is that Charlie is honestly a good kid from poor circumstance, and despite being poor he wins in the end because he wasn’t a shit like the other spoiled brats that got to go on the factory tour. Charlie taught me to be grateful for what you have, even if it’s only one birthday chocolate bar a year, and that if you’re a good person good things will happen to you. If you’ve never read this story for whatever crazy reason, read it! You can probably read it in one day so get on that. Get on it like a fat kid on a cupcake.

Have any of you read the Clockwork Lives graphic novel? I’d like to hear how you liked it! Feel free to share and comment below!