I love swapping book recs, so this feature asks one person – blogger, author, or another reader – to pick five books from my Goodreads shelves that they would like to read and five books from their own shelves that they think I might enjoy.
Today I’m happy to welcome Julia from @juliasbookcase and juliasbookcase.co.uk to Pretty Books for Shelf Swap!
5 BOOKS FROM STACEY’S SHELVES THAT JULIA WANTS TO READ
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Here’s a book that I’ve wanted to read for years now – probably since it came out back in 2015! This is an award winning, highly praised World War Two novel that I’ve heard heaps about and definitely want to get to sometime soon. I’m pretty sure that the only reason I haven’t read it yet is because it’s over 500 pages long, but I’ve heard that the writing is beautiful and I know it will be worth the read.
Stacey says: I’m guilty of this too! It has been sitting on my shelves since it won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Perhaps we should do a buddy read?!
My Type on Paper by Chloe Seager
I’ve read Chloe’s last two books and absolutely adored them, so naturally her latest release had to be on my list. This one is another teen rom-com, and I’m expecting it to be a fun summer read, perfect to crack open on a hot summer’s day with an ice cream in hand.
Stacey says: Chloe’s books are perfect for when you just want to relax, have a laugh, and forget everything else. Even though you’re not exactly a fan of Love Island, I think you’ll love this one!
It Only Happens in the Movies by Holly Bourne
I’ve recently been reading through Holly Bourne’s back catalogue, and this is a title that has been on my mind for a while. Holly is a fantastic writer, her books are thoughtful yet addictive to read, and frequently explore feminism and gender equality in a way that is relatable to her young audience, which I love. Plus it has popcorn on the cover which is one of my favourite foods, and that is obviously a valid reason for why I should read it.
Stacey says: Although I love most of Holly’s books, this one is a favourite! It’s one of those books that I just wanted to tell everyone to read as soon as I finished it; it made me feel everything: excited, angry, upset, giddy.
Lobsters by Tom Ellen & Lucy Ivison
I honestly don’t know a whole lot about this book but I loved their later release, Freshers, and I’ve heard brilliant things about this one too. I’ll definitely pick this novel up when I’m craving something that will make me laugh!
Stacey says: I’m on a mission to get everyone reading Tom Ellen & Lucy Ivison’s books, Lobsters, Freshers and Never Evers.
A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood
Last but not least, I’ve picked a historical YA book that I’ve heard is just downright beautiful. Historical fiction is one of those genres that I really enjoy but don’t read enough of, and I’d love to get to this book over the summer.
Stacey says: I thought Laura Wood’s novels were fantasy (or magical realism) for the longest time, but when I got both of her books from work, A Sky Painted Gold and Under a Dancing Star, I had to add them to my shelves – they’re set in 1930s Cornwall and Italy.
FIVE BOOKS FROM JULIA’S SHELVES THAT STACEY SHOULD READ
An Age of License by Lucy Knisley
Lucy Kinsley is one of my all time favourite graphic novelists, so I recommend her whenever I can! I know that Stacey has read and enjoyed a few of Lucy’s other books, and I think she’ll particularly like this one as it’s a coming-of-age, travel memoir illustrated in a cutesy comic book style.
Stacey says: I mainly haven’t got the rest of Lucy’s books because they’re difficult to find in UK bookshops, but I want them all! I loved Relish and Kid Gloves.
Spinning by Tillie Walden
Yes, it’s another graphic novel! Tillie Walden’s memoir Spinning is stunning, and follows her journey of growing up and coming out as a teen. What makes Tillie’s story unique is her ten year background in figure skating, and how that influenced her identity and her relationship with herself. I reckon Stacey will love it.
Stacey says: I added this to my wishlist when I saw author Lauren James tweeting about it – I need more graphic novels in my life.
Emergency Contact by Mary H.K Choi
Right, so for this recommendation I am drawing on Stacey’s love for fiction set at university. Emergency Contact is based at a college in the US, and follows two young people who meet each other just as they’re trying to find themselves. It’s sweet, awkward, and there’s a lot of texting, which is something that I love in a YA book.
Stacey says: Yes please, more fiction set at university!
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
I specifically want to recommend the audiobook for this one because it’s a great book to listen to. I’ve definitely chatted to Stacey before about the brilliance of Sarah Crossan, so I wanted to recommend her another verse novel, but by a different author. This one is all about growing up AND food, which is one of the best combinations.
Stacey says: Verse novels are another one I need more of, so this is a great recommendation!
Bloom by Kevin Panetta
Here’s another beautiful graphic novel that I think Stacey will really enjoy. Not a memoir this time but a fictional story, Bloom is an LGBT romance featuring a lot of gorgeously illustrated baking montages. It’s a must read for fans of Heartstopper (which I know that Stacey loves).
Stacey says: LGBTQ+ romance and baking…? Yes please!
Thank you, Julia, for swapping shelves with me today!
3 Comments
Holly
30th May 2020 at 4:09 pmI love the idea of this post–so fun!! Highly recommend All the Light We Cannot See–I read it about five or 6 years ago and still find myself thinking about it sometimes.
Stacey
28th June 2020 at 3:48 pmThank you! 🙂
Regine Karpel
9th June 2020 at 4:40 pmSo much fun.
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